Normal should not be the goal
Since discovering the importance of money as a vehicle for achieving great things, I have come to realise that normal sucks.
What is normal (according to averages)?
Normal is saving just 1% of our money
Normal is retiring at age 65 or later
Normal is working for 40 + years
Normal is just $60,000 in savings at retirement
Consumer debt is normal
Lifestyle creep. Increasing expenses with increases in income
Buying a new car every 5 years is normal
Upgrading house every 8 years is normal
Not having much free time to do as we please is normal
Work related stress is normal
If that is normal, I don’t want to be normal
If that is normal, then I am a freak. I am currently saving 50% of my income so that I can be financially independent before the age of 50. I will have no work stress and I will be able to spend my days as I please. Not according to someone else’s schedule because I am reliant on their money.
What does a freak look like?
More healthy
Less stress
Less mundane work. More meaningful work
Minimal money worries
Designing a life so not having to increase expenses with increases in income
Freedom of time to spend doing what you love
Not having to make sacrifices later in life
Increased happiness
Final Thoughts
So, do you want to be normal where you are living paycheck to paycheck shackled to a life of spending time as determined by other people, or do you want to be a freak where you can live life on your own terms?
With a well thought out money blueprint you too can be a freak. With intentional spending and investing now, you can live a life of freedom later. A good blueprint does not require you to sacrifice your present day living either, so you get the best of both worlds – present and future.
The information contained on this site is the opinion of the individual author(s) based on their personal opinions, observation, research, and years of experience. The information offered by this website is general education only and is not meant to be taken as individualised financial advice, legal advice, tax advice, or any other kind of advice. You can read more of my disclaimer here
Do you classify yourself in the normal or freak category? What things do you do that make you a freak? Same house for 30 years? Same car for 15 years? High savings rate?