Sorry if this is off topic. I just wanted to share a personal victory, and how living in the wilderness made me love the power of financial planning
I have been financially independent since 2012, making 27k-30k a year with health insurance in a median COL city. I saved up money a few years ago and used it to go trekking in the rockies (continental divide trail) for 5 months last summer. i was able to save money because I found the cheapest rent in the entire city and REFUSED to leave it for five years. it was the adventure of a life time and i am so happy i did it.
Ironically, it was while I was living in the wilderness how I came to appreciate money so much. I was in awe at I could cover so many of my needs and problems (hotels, replacement gear, lots of food, shuttles) with a little piece of plastic. I know this sounds very trivial, but understand that when I crawled into towns I would be very calorie-deficient, tired, crazy-eyed, and hyper aware (and desperate) of basic comforts. I would take out my debit card and get all my needs magically covered. My bank account would take hits each month for health and auto insurance and hold strong. I never had to crack open my other nest eggs.
I just moved across the country and started a new job for 48k in a sorta expensive area. I was not paid for the first month. Moving was a lot more expensive than I thought it would be, because I had ZERO furniture, plates, cleaning supplies, etc. Even getting these things from goodwill adds up. i got a new bed, tv, and router. I felt sick and panicky at how much I was buying at once to furnish my 500 sq ft apartment at the very edge of town. I started paying with my credit card and, against better judgement, stopped looking at the balance until I was paid yesterday (my first paycheck in 6 months!). I reluctantly opened my credit card statement... then realized I could pay it all on the spot! And rent! And $1800 on repairs for my 10y/o car!
I think money really can buy happiness. The only reason I could follow my dreams was because I had the funds for them set aside and prioritized. It is so satisfying to stand independently. i feel like I have so much to learn about good budgeting, and am excited to see what else i can do with good planning + a goal to raise my income again in a few years
Submitted December 23, 2017 at 10:57PM by jigglywigglywoobly http://ift.tt/2l3r6ad
