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I have to disagree with most posters on this thread. I believe we need more than simply having our "basic needs" met. Maybe if you are 20 years old, living in some dump and you have your whole life ahead of you, that is different. But if made some bad choices, you are older with limited financial resources, you don't own a home and your health is waning, and you are living in a crappy apartment in a bad area, it can be hard to be "happy".
Having "nice things" does not have to mean fancy things. But some element of financial security is essential for a reasonably decent quality of life as we get older.
This is so true. Much depends upon where you live and your health. If you are in excellent health, and live in nature, your hobbies are endless. poor, sick and living in a crappy apartment in the city, well NO THANK YOU. In that case, I agree. I'd need ALOT more money
Also remember "Chasing better" is not inherently bad. for example, I'm a amateur baker, lol got laid off went back to culinary school, the whole nine yards. For me, a small house is never ever going to work. I need a big kitchen, just do. happiness for me is having my 4 best friends sitting around the island, baking eating and laughing. If I could find a 1800 square house with a kitchen that could fit a 50 inch wolf or viking range and side by side fridge, I'd be there.
So I made that a goal early in life.
LOL, now of course things like "health" and "kids happiness" always takes priority and I'd like to think I have my other priorities together but if someone said to me they were saving up to take a round the world cruise, I would think, wow that's great.
I do want my kids to achieve better than me. so as with many things I think it's a bit of a balancing act.
I knew of one who used to travel all around the country until financial considerations limited him to maybe 200 miles. He was amazed at how much there was to see so close to home.
I want more and don't have a lot of money but i"m happy. i have a modest house, I'm making headway to get out of my credit card debt. Life is good, no complaints. $100 million or more would be nice but if it's not in the cards that fine too. I do wish I had more as a safety net like when something breaks but as long as I can survive I'm fine. In the grand scheme of things I may not have much but I have more than what half the world has.
Sounds like a good life. People equate "wanting more" with wanting luxury, mansions, etc. Some of us just want a better life - a modest house, a car that won't leave us stranded, a safety net if we get sick or injured.
Agreed, Eeko156. A basic level of security and comfort is necessary, especially as one gets older. I took the "chasing" to be after "stuff" far in excess of this.
You have a car, have a decent landed house (with AC and basic appliances and furniture), with good internet connectivity,good access to basic utilities. yes, be contented.
Have you guys lived in Singapore? I did, even a person in executive position cannot afford a car. If they do, they settle for cheaper Malaysian car or those tiny cars from Honda and Toyota. Camry is a luxury car in Singapore. Landed houses are only for the uber rich people. Singaporeans can only dream of a life of a middle class American.
I have to disagree with most posters on this thread. I believe we need more than simply having our "basic needs" met. Maybe if you are 20 years old, living in some dump and you have your whole life ahead of you, that is different. But if made some bad choices, you are older with limited financial resources, you don't own a home and your health is waning, and you are living in a crappy apartment in a bad area, it can be hard to be "happy".
Having "nice things" does not have to mean fancy things. But some element of financial security is essential for a reasonably decent quality of life as we get older.
That's definitely true. I also think there's a difference between chasing bigger and better dreams and chasing more "stuff" or luxuries. I have financial security, what I don't have is the career achievements I want, so of course I want "better" than what I have, but it's not about stuff, it's about the life I want to live and the goals I want to achieve. The stuff is kind of the icing on the cake, it's fun having a nice house, it's good having a great car, but none of that really brings me any true and lasting happiness. Only achievement can do that. Maybe some people are wired differently and in my position they'd be the happiest person on the planet, which is great, but there's only so much fun you can have before you want to do something meaningful.
Yes its possible, but its not normal. The media were exposed to constantly encourages you to buy. Plus all the other people around you constantly buy, so its weird when some people dont.
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