Imagine, you’re at the beach admiring the beautiful homes that overlook the water. If only you had your own beach house to escape to…
Being picked up by a friend in their new luxury car. You would love a car like that, if only you had a better paying job…
Listening to the kids fight over the TV and Playstation. If only there was more space at home…
If only…
We all have moments where we are envious and wish we had more, but when these feelings occur regularly it can create a level of unhappiness. This can then have an adverse effect on our mental health. Envy evokes feelings of not being good enough and of a need to belong, accepted and liked. With this mindset, we lose perspective and are unable to recognise and appreciate what we do have, and this is where bad decisions can be made financially.
Taking on extra debt to secure that new car or beach house or spending more than you earn to keep up with your peers may affect your future financial freedom if the unexpected happens. Job loss or unforeseen illness can affect your ability to repay your loan.
The financial impact of an envious mindset is only one area in the scheme of things – relationships, health and wellbeing can also be impacted.
As Warren Buffet once said:
“The Happiest people DO NOT necessarily have the BEST THINGS. They simply APPRECIATE the things they have.”
In the end, it’s all about understanding your priorities and values.