
Whether we like it or not, the media we consume shapes us. Many movies do portray money in an unhealthy way but there are others that have some great lessons. Below is my favorite movie quote about money.
It comes from the Swiss Family Robinson- the 1960 Disney version. For context, the Robinson family was shipwrecked on an island. At this point in the movie, they have been found and have the option to leave the island. Mrs. Robinson says she wants to stay on the island much to Mr. Robinson’s delight. Mrs. Robinson then recognizes that there are some things they would have to do without. Mr. Robinson replies, “But it’s surprising how unimportant they seem when you don’t have people stopping by feeling sorry for you.”
I would love to know how much of American consumption has to do with our concern of how others view us. While admittedly this is not all due to keeping up with the Joneses, let me give an example from a study done by The Zebra. In 1980, the median size of a new home in the U.S. was 1,595 sq ft. In 2018, the median size of a newly constructed home was 2,386 sq ft. Since 1940 the average household size decreased by 16%. Homes are getting bigger and family size is getting smaller. What do we actually need?
Several years ago, my wife and I bought a camping trailer and set off on the road. She worked various traveling nurse positions while I ran Sycomore online. I remember there were several times we returned to our home in Fishers. When we would return, I would be shocked at how nice our house seemed (because I compared it to a camping trailer). I recently heard about someone roughly my age that bought a home on 20+ acres in the country. How do you think that affects my view of our home?
Evaluate where you are placing your identity and your contentment. It can't ultimately be in what others think or derived from comparison to others. While not the end purpose, contentment may actually help your wallet.
Advent - Hope
Psalm 39:6-7 - “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be. But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” NIV
A Wealth of Common Sense - Is Real Estate a Better Investment Than the Stock Market?
Interesting take on real estate as an investment. I have a somewhat more positive view of a rental property investment (depending on the property). Let me know if you would like to see a spreadsheet that evaluates rental properties.
Thank you for reading!
Images from Pexels: photographer Pixabay.
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