What if true fulfillment lies not in the things we own, but in the freedom we can buy with the money we have?

In today’s consumer-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of buying stuff in pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. We are bombarded with messages that tell us that owning the latest gadget, fashion trend or luxury item will bring us joy and satisfaction, trust me, I’m a marketer. However, what if true fulfillment lies not in the things we own, but in the freedom we can buy with the money we have?

The concept of buying freedom is about prioritizing experiences, time, and personal growth over material possessions. It’s about recognizing that our financial resources are limited and choosing to spend them in ways that align with our values and goals. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Being intentional: There is nothing wrong with buying stuff but doing it because you need a little retail therapy it is a slippery slope to overconsumption. Did you know, every $100 you cut from your monthly expenses is $30,000 less you need to reach financial independence. So, is that new pair of jeans really worth $30,000?
2. Admire, without acquiring: There’s a new phone coming out next week but your current phone still does the job. You can admire the new features and mentally keep up with the latest technology but this cycle of keeping up with technology is never ending. After all, your current phone was your new phone last year!
3. Time rich: Time is our most precious, non-renewable resource, and buying freedom allows us to spend our time in ways that truly matter to us. So the next time, you are deciding if you should spend $2,500 on a luxury item, remember a person earning $75,000/yr makes about $36/hr. It will take two weeks of time to afford that item! Investing $2,500 could be worth over $6,400 after 10 years if the annual rate of return is 10% (avg rate of return of the S&P 500 since 1957).
4. Buying experiences: We’ve talked about this before, but it bears repeating, experiences create lasting memories that often have a more profound and enduring impact on happiness than material possessions. Memories of enjoyable experiences can be cherished for years, providing ongoing satisfaction and nostalgia. Plus, you don’t have declutter your experiences the way you will undoubtedly have to do with your stuff.

Buying freedom, not stuff, is about prioritizing the things that truly bring you and I fulfillment and joy. It’s about shifting our focus from material possessions to experiences, intentionality, and thoughtfulness. By reevaluating our priorities and spending habits, we can create a more fulfilling and intentional life that is rich in experiences and free from the burden of excess stuff. Life is more than just going to work, paying bills, watching Netflix and eventually dying. Only you can decide if you want to spend your time to buy your freedom or stuff, chose wisely.

Thanks for reading and remember, our story is far from over, let’s keep Enjoying the Journey!