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The Psychology of Money: Understanding "Enough"

Sep 23, 2024
by  Jason Buckley
  read time: 2:21

 

“He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough.” – Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu's wisdom serves as a reminder that contentment isn't about having more but about appreciating what we already possess. Yet, recognizing and accepting that we have enough—whether in money, possessions, relationships, or status—can often feel elusive.

In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel explores this concept, particularly in Chapter 3, titled "Neve Enough”.  He highlights how the relentless pursuit of more can lead us to irrational behavior, causing us to take risks and make choices that conflict with our values.

Common Struggles with “Enough”

  1. Money:
    The fear of an uncertain future drives many to seek more money than they might ever need. This relentless accumulation often comes at the cost of time, relationships, and peace of mind, leading to anxiety and extended working years, all in the name of financial security that goes far beyond any realistic scenario.
  2. Possessions:
    The joy of buying new things is usually short-lived. Accumulating possessions doesn’t translate into lasting happiness and often creates a cycle of wanting more. This can result in physical and mental clutter, diverting time and energy away from what truly matters.

What is Truly Invaluable?

Beyond material wealth, there are priceless aspects of life that money cannot buy. These are the things that, once lost, cannot be easily replaced:

  • Time: Our most finite resource; once spent, it cannot be reclaimed.
  • Freedom: The ability to live life on your terms without undue constraints.
  • Family and Friends: The relationships that provide support, love, and connection.
  • Reputation: A lifetime to build but a moment to lose; it defines how others see and trust you.
  • Happiness: True joy often comes from experiences, relationships, and personal fulfillment, not from material goods.

Why Do People Feel They Never Have Enough?

  1. Comparison to Others:
    Constantly measuring oneself against others fuels dissatisfaction. Social media and societal pressures amplify this feeling, making it seem like we’re always falling short.
  2. Moving the Goalposts:
    When the definition of success constantly shifts—whether it’s needing a higher income, a bigger house, or more accolades—it creates a sense of never having enough.

Aligning with Core Values to Combat the “Never Enough” Trap

Understanding your core and aspirational values is essential to focusing your resources and time on what truly matters. At Provista Wealth, we help clients navigate this through a comprehensive values exercise to help clients identify what is truly important to them—whether it's family, freedom, security, legacy, or something else—and then prioritize their lives accordingly.

The Provista Wealth Approach

  1. Values Exercise:
    We guide clients through a process of self-discovery, helping them articulate their core values. By identifying these values, clients gain clarity on where they want to allocate their time, energy, and resources. This exercise serves as a foundation for making financial decisions that are aligned with what truly matters to them.  This can help mitigate stress and the feeling of always wanting “more.”
  2. Financial Planning and Scenario Analysis:
    Once we understand your values, we use financial planning to assess where you stand financially. We run scenarios, including worst-case situations, to demonstrate that even under adverse conditions, you are likely to remain secure, or if not, how can we help to put you in a position to succeed while still enhancing your core values. This helps alleviate fears of financial uncertainty while staying true to your values.
  3. Guarding Against Unnecessary Risk:
    A key principle we emphasize is: Don’t risk what you have to get something you don’t need. Often, people take on unnecessary risks in the pursuit of more, jeopardizing their time, health, and peace of mind. Understanding your core values allows you to recognize when you’re engaging in this behavior and helps you refocus on protecting what you already have.

Final Thoughts: When is Enough Enough?

Knowing when you have enough is not just about financial security—it’s about aligning your actions with your values. By organizing your true priorities and making decisions that support them, you can build a life that reflects what’s invaluable and irreplaceable. Through mindful financial planning and a deeper understanding of what truly matters, you can break free from the cycle of never feeling like you have enough and start living a more fulfilling and content life.

 

Provista Wealth Advisors in Greenville, SC, provides peace of mind through personalized asset managementexpert estate planning, and retirement planning. Navigate your financial journey with confidence. Rest Assured, We Have A Plan. Give us a call at (864) 696-2410 or send us a message to schedule your free introduction meeting. 

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