When I graduated college, at 21 years old, I really only had one goal for myself in regards to my personal finances.
GET FILTHY FREAKING RICH
But here I am, seven years later, realizing that I don’t actually care about being wealthy.
I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “Ninja, you’re a hypocrite. Some of your posts definitely seem like you’re all about building wealth.”
After all, I haven’t been shy about sharing how we’ve…
…averaged a 50%+ savings/investing rate since we’ve been married.
…rented out a room in our home to help bring in extra income.
…increased our net worth a silly amount each year (up $70k in 2013)
Meh, you say tomato, I say to-MAH-to.
You see, we aren’t saving an obscene amount of our income, living frugally, or investing in our retirement accounts so we can reach the coveted millionaire status. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
AN EXAMPLE:
Instead of talking about money, let’s talk about physical appearance as related to fitness. At 6’2 and 175-ish pounds, I tend to be a little leaner than most other men my height.
But make no mistake, I don’t ski, take Nova on walks, or coach high school tennis so that I can be in better shape. Instead, I’m fortunate to be in decent shape because I have a proclivity to do active things; like ski, go on walks, and play tennis.
I care more about the cause, less about the effect.
The same is true for our money. I never want to lose sight of what is important. I have an innate desire to live well below my means, and save or give away my excess. This was true when my household income was $38,000 a year, and is still true today at $120,000. I don’t measure my value by my net worth, square footage, or income.
So while yes, I do think I’ll be a millionaire one day, please let me make it clear: I don’t care to be a millionaire.
I just want to be a good steward of the resources God’s given us. It just so happens stewardship often begets wealth building.
