One of the most interesting questions when walking the road to financial health is the one that has to do with the destination to which we are heading, which is none other than that point where we believe that it’s enough”.
That question is probably the biggest question in the eternal debate of when can we consider ourselves financially free.
At what point can we be sure that we have “enough” and can claim victory over our financial health?
Let’s see it.
Is there only one answer?
If there was only one answer to that question, it would be very easy, right? We would have some reference parameters and metrics that would be objective and unquestionable, with which we would know exactly where we are and how much we have left to get there.
But it doesn’t work like that.
It doesn’t work that way because the definition of “enough” is tremendously subjective. Each person has a different definition. To the point that, for many people, it is never enough. Or at least, that is the feeling with which they move through life. They always want more.
We’re going to split the answer into two parts, because there are two components to consider.
The numerical aspect
The numbers they are the first front of restrictions that we face when answering that question:
Do we generate enough income to cover the expenses of the lifestyle we have (or want to have)?
Do we have accumulated savings so that we do not need to work for money long enough?
Are we building those savings fast enough?
These questions are different in nature, but can be answered with a very basic numerical analysis and all of them focus on a relatively objective aspect: Do the numbers give?
If this were all, it would not be so complicated, because the numbers do not lie.
For example, if you have a relatively stable job that generates enough income to cover your expenses and you can save something every month, you can be quite comfortable.
In the same way, if you have accumulated savings that allow you not to have to work for money for some time, you can have even more peace of mind.
And if in addition to that you have passive income that allows you to have freedom of movement, you can be even calmer.
The problem is that, even having all these things, sometimes we are not calm. We don’t feel like it’s enough.
And the numbers are not the only thing that matters.
The emotional aspect
The question “how much is enough” is, in its most basic dimension, a question emotional. The numbers are obviously relevant. But in the end, what we are really asking is if we feel that it is enough.
And this is more complex than it seems, because it forces us to put the numbers in context with our desires and the pressures of the environment.
Maybe the numbers tell you that it should be enough, but how do you marry that with your personal ambitions? Do you want to earn more? Do you want to live with a more comfortable lifestyle? Do you want to get higher in your company? Do you want to feel more important?
And the key question: What are you willing to sacrifice to get it?
In addition to your personal ambitions, they are the influences of your environment, the expectations of others and your need for acceptance. How do the people around you behave? Do they act like they have enough? Or do they still want more? How does that impact your personal goals and your own behavior?
Many times, the numbers give. But still, we feel like we don’t have enough. We want more. And that leads us to pursue goals that, once achieved, still do not give us that feeling of tranquility and stability that we seek. ‘Cause the void we try to fill it cannot be filled with external rewards.
And that leads us to an important conclusion: Financial health is not purely financial. There is a psychological and emotional component in it that has a huge weight in the result.
To conquer financial health, first you have to conquer yourself. And that’s not about numbers.
Give it a ball, Moneytimer!
If you want to access similar content, check out our #Lifestyle section.
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