Sometimes, Money Just Doesn't Matter
Lately, I have found myself not even the least bit interested about writing about money or personal finance. That puts me in a tight spot when I have a personal finance blog to write at and readers who want to read what I have to say next. I hope you all will understand that today, I just don't feel like writing about money. Over the past few years, I've found myself going through different money stages. At first, I thought money was the solution to all my problems. I started saving it like mad and was on a mission to rid myself of every worry that I had and every potential problem I saw in my future through money. As I did well financially, I kept pushing forward. Four years later, here I am, with money. And what have I learned? I've learned that it didn't solve everything.
When Money Doesn't Matter
Here are some recent times in my life, where money hasn't mattered:
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When I needed my family and friends
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When my family and friends have needed me
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When my mom went through hard times
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When my grandma gave us a serious scare and then had to go into the home
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When I was lonely
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When my two nephews were born and as they grow fast and learn like sponges
What Does Matter to Me
I'm burned out on money. Yes, I have some. No, it doesn't bring me much joy by itself. What brings me joy and matters to me is:
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Meeting and spending time with a special girl that I see a future with
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My mom, sister, brother, brother-in-law and two nephews
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Having my whole family together for a beautiful weekend after what seemed like an eternity of separation and huge family trials
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Enjoying the Minnesota summer with my friends and doing all kinds of fun things together
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Getting down on my knees saying thanks to God for both all He has given me and humbly asking for strength, hope, faith and love and all kinds of blessings for my family and friends
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Precious memories of meaningful experiences I've had with my family and friends so far in my life, including with people like my dad and grandparents who are no longer here
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The character of the person I am today. I believe that I'm a good person, even though I still have a long way to go. My character was shaped and molded not by the great times, but by the hard times.
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The hope of Christ. He's my hope, not money, and I need to remember that.
This post is deep, yes, but the fact is I don't feel like money matters to me right now. Life, love, hope and the promises of God matter right now to me. What are your thoughts on all this? How important is all this money stuff, really? Do you ever get to feeling like I am right now?
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14 Comments
- faye says:July 3, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Of course! I see this all the time. I work for millionaires. I travel 80% of the year and save atleast 50% of my income. What matters most in life is not what we can be bought with money. No matter where I go in this world I find its more important to me who I am with rather where I am. I am happy that you have special people to cherish in your life. Soak it in.
- Bridget says:July 4, 2012 at 4:12 AM
I think we all feel like this sometimes, and I think we SHOULD. Money is only one aspect of life, it should never be your whole life ;) Take a break if you need! I frequently post non-money posts on my blog (eg. all my travel photos)
- Elizabeth T. says:July 4, 2012 at 6:11 AM
Yep! I agree! Most of all, I'm thankful to be home with my babies to guide them and watch them grow. I'm thankful for enough money to pay off debt and buy groceries. I love the simple things in life. God is good.
- krantcents says:July 4, 2012 at 11:02 AM
I agree money does not matter, although lack of it affects everything. It is not all or nothing though. Once you have a certain amount to meet your needs, any increase is just extra. Despite that statement, I do believe money never makes you happy. The things you described are much more important than money and much more fulfilling.
- Andrea @SoOverDebt says:July 4, 2012 at 1:46 PM
You know this already, but I'm in the same boat. Money hasn't been as interesting to me as it once was, and while I have no doubt I'll cycle back to it eventually, it's hard to come up with things to say that I haven't already said. Right now I'm fulfilled in my personal life AND my work life, the bills are paid, and I refuse to force myself to write about money when I'm not inspired to. The cool part about blogging is that people will read even the most random things - that's how I've managed to keep going this long! I write about finance when I have a topic, and the rest of the time I just write whatever. Don't pressure yourself to do something if you're not feeling it right now; it'll come back at some point. Until then, just enjoy being happy!
- Kraig @ Young Cheap Living says:July 4, 2012 at 1:48 PM
Thanks for the encouragement. It is great to hear from you again. Happy 4th of July!
- Lance@MoneyLife&More says:July 4, 2012 at 3:53 PM
I think when you're financially secure it is easier to let the money take care of itself and not worry about it. When you're digging out from a hole is when people get super laser focused on money.
- July 4, 2012 at 10:48 PM
I feel like this all the time! I always come back to knowing that paying attention to money is important.
- Carrie Smith says:July 5, 2012 at 3:33 PM
It's ironic how well timed this post is for where I'm at in life too. I feel like my blog, my finances and my life are moving in a new and better direction. I'm kind of freaking out! But I'm also trying to go with the flow and see where this new transition takes me. Sometimes when we lose interest in one thing and feel the door is closing - something new, better and wonderful is ahead of us. Perspective helps us stay balanced and I think you're in a great place right now. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Kraig!
- Canadianbudgetbinder says:July 5, 2012 at 4:49 PM
I think the more we learn about money and budgets we realize that having the best or the biggest doesn't really matter. We see people who are less fortunate than us and realize that a roof over our heads,clothing on our backs and food on the table with lots of love is important. Our health is number one so taking good care of ourselves is important for us. At the same time we realize that staying on top of our finances is very important if not just to live. My friends father who has had 5 heart attacks and has devices implanted inside of him told me the other day "Money means nothing to me anymore". I felt a tear in my eye and all these thoughts rushed through my head. It's too bad that we have to wait so long to realize that life and love is just as important not if more important than what "Stuff" we can acquire. Mr.CBB
- Barbara Friedberg says:July 5, 2012 at 10:54 PM
I totally get it! Money does not solve all problems. Only, money problems.
- AverageJoe says:July 7, 2012 at 6:46 AM
Money rarely matters to me, and my interest in financial topics waxes and wanes. I continue to blog more because I enjoy writing than because I enjoy money. Plus, I treat my blog like a business. Sure, there are days I don't want to go to work, but I still do it, and it rewards me for the effort.
- maria@moneyprinciple says:July 9, 2012 at 1:34 PM
This is exactly why I always wrote (and continue to write) about life - money is the thing that sustains life but life is what matters. I am very pleased you have been examining these issues for yourself - you are maturing and making progress; and you will probably have stronger and more distinct writing voice on your blog. Write about life!
- Headed Home says:January 29, 2013 at 6:39 AM
Tons of things are more important than money: family and health being first and foremost. Also, because you are such a good saver, I feel taking breaks for a few months at a time to reset isn't always a bad idea. Last summer I took a month off from saving aggressively and came back from the break rejuvinated.
