The other day a friend of mine was telling me about a money blog that he thought would be right up my alley – Mr Money Mustache. I’m surprised I hadn’t previously read it – having spent many an hour reading blogs of that kind.
Four hours later and yep – he was spot on! I loved it. For those of you unfamiliar with the blog, Mr Money Mustache is a “thirtysomething retiree who now writes about how we can all live a frugal yet badass life of leisure”. He retired at 30, by living a less expensive lifestyle, saving a large portion of his income and investing along the way. He advocates freedom over flat screen TVs and describes most middle class lives as “an Exploding Volcano of Wastefulness” (I love that!).
Of course you will never 100% agree with another person’s view on money (or life for that matter) but MMM’s philosophy is most certainly aligned with mine – or at least what I aspire to reach.
Interestingly, when I was googling Mr Money Mustache (or MMM for short), forum after forum showed up with readers commenting on how unrealistic his ideas are….
“I could never do that – I don’t earn that much money”.
“I already have 3 children – I can’t save 75% of my income”.
“I can’t retire at 30 – doesn’t he know what it costs to live in a large city”.
“He started saving when he was 20, I’m 35 so what hope do I have”.
You know, in a way each and every one of those punters are right with their criticism. They can’t do what Mr Money Moustache did because they are not him. No one’s money journey will be the same, just like no one’s life journey is the same.
You may have an illness which prevents you from working or costs you a lot in medication (I can’t possibly relate to that, having been blessed, to date, with a healthy self and a healthy family) Or maybe your gift and love in life is teaching school children – a profession which sadly is unlikely to ever pay as well as computer engineering.
You are totally right – you cannot do exactly what MMM did. Nor can I. But you know what, that misses the point. You can still do something. You can still evaluate your life and see what changes you could make to perhaps save a little more or work a little less, to allow you to take that trip to Asia, or start the passion business you have been dreaming of forever.
The key is to look at your own circumstances and to so something. MMM may be very lucky in having access to a great education, a high paying job, and some lucky breaks with investments. But don’t let comparing yourself to him, or to me, or to your neighbour or your best friend, stop you from taking action to master your money situation, align money with your true values and ultimately creating a rich life.
If you think Mr Money Moustache might be up your alley as well, check him out – www.mrmoneymustache.com. I’d love to know what you think!
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