How I define wealth personally. How much is enough.
Can there be such a thing as too much.
I get stuck on the words of our rabbis, the sages of my Jewish heritage who say:
“Who is Rich? One who is happy with his lot.”
(Pirkei Avot, The Ethics of the Fathers)
And I wonder if Rich and Wealthy are the same thing.
I play word gymnastics in my mind, in the shower where all good thoughts are born.
Money. Rich. Wealth. Abundance.
Worth.
Money is something you count. You know how much you have.
But the others are subjective. They are feelings.
And beliefs.
Of knowing that you are enough.
That you have everything you need.
And probably lots of what you want.
And that we’re being held, carried and supported.
By One Who is larger than us.
But collectively and individually we often spend our time looking over our shoulders and over the neighbor’s fence to see what they have.
And measuring our sense of self and worth against their yardstick.
And their paycheck.
In the work that I do with my clients we do it differently.
Together, we peel back the layers and get in touch with what each person really, really needs to build a sustainable, meaningful and wealthy life.
Which for me includes tzeddakah (charity) and giving back to the community. Like regular tithing and the annual fundraising event for needy brides in Israel that I volunteer for every year.
Maybe you’ve heard this statement before:
Too many people spend money they don’t have, to buy things they don’t need, to impress people they don’t like.
Let’s change that.
Start by differentiating between your Needs and your Wants.
It helps to take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns. “Needs” on one side, “Wants” on the other.
Go through your home, your wardrobe, your day and write down what’s really important to you, deciding if it’s a Need or a Want.
Break it down into categories like Health, Food, Transportation, Home, Clothing, Vacation, Retirement Fund and Tzeddakah (Charity) to get a granular view. And real clarity.
Do you need new glasses, or just want to update to the latest style? Write it down. When was the last time you visited the dentist? Healthcare is a Need.
If your clothes are a little snug or haven’t been updated in a long time, a few new basics can also be a real need. While another pair of shoes or a new handbag might be a Want.
I’ve seen folks delay buying new tires for their cars or other maintenance work when things get tight. But I think that’s a little bit like life insurance .
Vacations are a big area for many of my clients. When they see their friends and neighbors travelling abroad to interesting and exotic places they want to, too.
And food.
One day we can talk about how people self-sooth with both spending and with eating. But just for today, notice if wholesome, nourishing foods are part of your routine. And ask yourself what you really, really need to eat to support the best you that you can be.
And finally, don’t forget those critically important financial categories like insurances and retirement savings that help you grow your wealth, protect your wealth and sustain you long into the future. These necessities too often get pushed aside for other things that provide instant gratification.
As you craft your unique and individual list of Needs and Wants, I hope you’ll make some changes.
Last week, noticing which areas of my life and home had been neglected for a while, I replaced an old yucky shower curtain and bought myself new blush to replace the one that turned to bits 3 months ago when it crashed to the floor.
No more making do.
Those minor purchases left me feeling really good, loved and supported.
And together, my husband and I drew up our Upgrade List, prioritizing the larger items in our home that need to be fixed and replaced.
And now it’s your turn. My hope for you is that you pay close attention to what you really, really need. And shift your earning and spending habits to create meaning, balance and joy in your life.
I’m here to support you if you need some help.
Reach out for a free Financial Discovery Session. My direct advice and coaching are a simple way to empower you, ensuring that financial freedom is closer than you think.
Friends in Israel – I am giving a 3-Part Conscious Money Matters Financial Seminar in Jerusalem at the AACI.
Dates and Topics:
1. November 29th – Cultivating Money Maturity: Exploring and Developing Your Emotional Responses to Money
2. December 6th – Establishing Healthy Money Habits
3. December 13th – Creating Your Money Map to Guide Your Financial Future
Seminar times: 10:00am – 12pm
Please contact me for more details.
To all my dear friends and readers – I’m sending you dear blessings for better money management and greater wealth on your terms, in your future.
Debbie
