I strive to live well under my means and keep a VERY healthy emergency fund (like a year’s worth of typical expenses). I have autopay set up for all my recurring bills. I don’t worry about the total at the grocery store (which is usually Aldi, so even splurging there isn’t actually spending a lot).
But…I’ve been laid off twice in the past two years. During the jobhunting phase, I pretty much constantly fret about being able to pay bills. “What if I can’t find something before unemployment runs out?” Etc…That part of my brain won’t stop until I can afford to retire.
This mindset even comes up in retirement where you don’t know how long you’ll live and what the economy will do so some people don’t enjoy their retirement and end up dying with huge amounts socked away they were afraid to use.
“You are making me think if the rat race is worth it or not, and that makes me very uncomfortable. Now I’m a bit self-aware and annoyed. How dare you challenge my make believe reality. Loser!” /s
I have money and I don’t worry at all.
I’m 50/50 on this.
I strive to live well under my means and keep a VERY healthy emergency fund (like a year’s worth of typical expenses). I have autopay set up for all my recurring bills. I don’t worry about the total at the grocery store (which is usually Aldi, so even splurging there isn’t actually spending a lot).
But…I’ve been laid off twice in the past two years. During the jobhunting phase, I pretty much constantly fret about being able to pay bills. “What if I can’t find something before unemployment runs out?” Etc…That part of my brain won’t stop until I can afford to retire.
This mindset even comes up in retirement where you don’t know how long you’ll live and what the economy will do so some people don’t enjoy their retirement and end up dying with huge amounts socked away they were afraid to use.
I might have problems there when I do get to retirement. Normal budgeting is one thing, but health insurance throws all my numbers out the window!
I have money and everyone tells me I’m mentally ill because I am not worried about getting more.
Or they just call me a loser.
“You are making me think if the rat race is worth it or not, and that makes me very uncomfortable. Now I’m a bit self-aware and annoyed. How dare you challenge my make believe reality. Loser!” /s
Yeah, people are a much bigger cause of worry than money is.