[liber8]

It’s interesting that people refuse to believe this, even though they’ve almost certainly experienced it on a smaller scale.

For example, when you’re a poor student, you undoubtedly covet the nice gear in whatever field you’re into. If you’re into photography, you want that new camera or lens. If you’re into computer games, you want the newest rig. If you’re into cooking, you want some Le Creuset cast iron or some copper pots. But interestingly, once you start making even semi-decent money (say, $75,000) you could easily afford these things. And yet, most people no longer covet them when they reach that level. They may make a few initial purchases, but they soon realize that, because they can buy a $2,000 lens or a $500 french oven without much thought or planning, the shine is gone. Instead, they shift their sights to the $200,000 Porsche or the $2,000,000 home.

There’s no reason this doesn’t apply at $20,000,000 just as it does at $75,000. There’s always bigger, better, and more to covet.

[HeyLaughingBoy]

My experience is a bit different. After working as a software engineer and suddenly (yes, it was sudden) realizing that I could afford most of the things I had ever wanted, I just didn't want them any more.

I don't find that I want more expensive things, instead I just lost interest in most material objects. Being able to lend/give (I never expected the loan would be repaid) a friend of a friend $3,000 to avoid foreclosure gave me infinitely more satisfaction than anything I could have spent that money on.

Even now, years later, it still amazes me that I simply don't want stuff I don't need. Well, for the most part, anyway :-)

[nickconfer]

All good points. I can remember being broke as a college student downloading music I didn't even want, and today I only buy music and rarely at that. Once you can afford something, I think many of us take a step back and then ask, "do I really want/need this?". I find I have this exercise not just because it is less exciting to have something you can easily own, but also because owning things has a physical cost. Time to research and buy, maintain, and store.

I'm not rich by any means, but as I've made more and more money, just like you, I've found giving to be infinitely more satisfying than spending on myself.

Truthfully, part of it is just the shocked expression someone can have when doing something that makes them feel special. Another part of it is the "do good" feeling, and the appreciation I have that I'm lucky enough to have the ability to do these things. Hard work means a lot, but I don't kid myself, I could have grown up in a position where my chance of success from child to adult was much lower.

[autotravis]

You just described me exactly. I could see how I might have been enticed to just buy bigger and better things as my income increased, but somehow I went the same direction you did. And I feel I could not be happier.

I would much rather live simply and have my few things (laptop, camera, smartphone) and be able to help others with my excess funds.