We were talking about this the other day. Money, how much do you need? How much will make you happy? And how much more do you need? Are you making enough money in 2024? Yes, there are things that money can’t buy. A walk on the beach, holding someone’s hand, catching a large fish. Of course, with fishing, you do need to buy tackle and bait and get to the fishing spot. But I’m sure you know what I mean. Going for a hike up the mountain won’t cost you anything. Thank goodness the air that we breathe is not taxed, or governments don’t charge a levy. If they could, they would. As local populations have grown in towns and urbanization has increased, people are having to be clever to think about money-making ideas. Businesses that were looked down on 60 or so years ago are now popular with both women and men. I don’t want to give a specific example here because of the competitive nature of the business that I am thinking about. But let me try to dig up another example. Let’s say frail care in coastal towns where many people have retired. Home care and frail care, services have mushroomed.
This isn’t going to be about advice on making money. Why not? Because we’re just looking at what money can buy and what it can’t buy. The Beatles stated that money can’t buy you love. Well, that’s interesting. Sometimes it does, doesn’t it? There’s also a saying about the best things in life are free. As I’ve said earlier on, that is true in many cases. But I suppose if you really look deeper down at the subtlety, then you wouldn’t be enjoying these things if you didn’t have money. I wonder if there are people who still don’t like talking about money. In many of the conversations I’ve been in, people will tell you the price of this and the cost of that, and sometimes even how much they are earning. Money is spoken about so freely. Of course, one has to remain sceptical because figures can be overinflated. That’s why it’s a good idea not to take all of this talk about money too seriously, unless you’re with a professional advisor or investment advisor.
Money buys you freedom, freedom from being beholden to others, freedom of choice, freedom to do the things you’d love to do, whatever they may be.
Big question:
When do you know whether you have enough money? How do you answer that question? I think each person asks that question themselves quite often. Many just carry on accumulating and accumulating money. How long will you live? Can you use up all that money in your lifetime? Okay, you might be wanting to bequest your money to immediate family or have other goals such as leaving a legacy. It’s a good question because it makes you pause and think about the road or path you are on and when do you take your business, sign down and relax and enjoy yourself. For some, unfortunately, it’s not a reality. I was speaking to two German plumbers some time back and they said they are going to work till the day they die. Work for them is life. I suppose it keeps them alive. Each person has a different view of money and I’m sure you do have too. But as I say, it’s worth reviewing your goals and the necessity to make money from time to time.
