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by lscore720
4135 days ago
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In advance, sorry for the long-winded response. My answer: once you have enough money to allow you freedom in life (different definition for everyone), you're set and do not need a penny more - with the exception of funds for charitable purposes. I earned a business degree from a top program. I don't mention this to boast, but rather because this was an unknowing introduction to the greed hammered into young college students' lives before their minds have fully matured (not to mention the media and literally everywhere else you look/hear). I entered the real world with a limitless need for more - see George Carlin's view on "stuff". It just becomes habit. Fast-forward to the market crash - suddenly, unemployed, broke after failed idealistic business attempt, and negative net worth (food stamps suck). Did I mention I bought a condo at the exact peak of the market with almost $0 down? My area of specialization was financial planning/wealth management and I found myself bankrupt. Don't get me started on the masses who aren't even fortunate enough to receive a single lesson in personal finance. Fast forward to last year, when I semi-retired. I'm still pinching myself. I went through a bleak period in 2009/2010 when I couldn't find work, was broke, and experienced that all-too-typical loop of becoming less and less hirable. I finally found a commission-only job as a technology recruiter - that's right, your favorite professional is posting on HN (let's try and keep it civil, we're not all the same!). The combination of being broke, hungry, and finally understanding the value of a dollar & folly of my ways was the perfect formula. I worked my tail off and saved $ like a madman, which brings me to this incredible point today. |
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