How to live below your means in 2020 — Personal Financing
The internet has connected us in a very strange way. Every day, we hunt for new and branded shoes, new dresses, phones, cars (for some people), and almost anything that could make our friend circle go, “Damn son!”
One thing I’ve learned from materialistic richness is that the article you’ve just bought to show off doesn’t add much value to your life. I’m not the most efficient person and once I had the idea to start a YouTube channel, uploading daily videos with a hyperactive face and voice. But I kept pushing things one-by-one. “I don’t have a great mic”. So I got one. “But what about a webcam?” I got a webcam too. “Nah, the webcam’s quality is shitty. I need a better camera.” I went out and got a DSLR. “But what about lighting? My room doesn’t have proper lighting for me to shoot videos.” I got a huge-ass video light and a spotlight. All of these in total cost me around $1500.
So? Am I making videos now? Am I a star already? Well, I’m not very proud to say, I haven’t even scratched the surface yet.
I tried doing a few videos, not very willingly and as you’ve guessed, they don’t work. You can go and rob PewDiePie’s setup, or Peter McKinnon’s setup and you still won’t be able to create amazing and engaging videos. If you have the ability to do so, you could do that even with your phone. And that’s the bitter truth.
Living Below The Means
One of the first things you’ll have to understand to live below your means (in other words, living just comfortably without spending money on stupid stuff), you’ll have to train and exercise your brain. Our brain is the most intelligent and the most stupid organ of our body at the same time.
Now you know why I called it intelligent. But stupid? Of course, it’s dumber than you could ever think.
“Hey, did you know David just got an iPhone 11?” Now. Here. What’s your instant reaction? “Fucking David, that rich bastard. I wish I had the money too. I want an iPhone 11 too.” And hundred toos later, we stand where we belong.
If, before spitting out such thoughts, we actually slowed down the thought process, we could have thought more clearly. First off, let’s check out who’s David. He’s a 19 y/o college student working 2 part-time jobs. His dad is a decent salaryman. His mom is a housewife. Compare that to yourself.
David had a Samsung Galaxy Ace NXT until this year when he bought an iPhone 11. You, on the other hand, changed phones every year. David didn’t spend a single penny of his parents to buy that phone. He saved. It took a couple of years, but finally, he got what he wanted.
This was just a basic example. If you whole-heartedly want something, work for it. Don’t just lie down on your back with both your hands on your head, one leg over the other, thinking, “Wish I had a bazillion dollars in my bank account.” Nope, doesn’t happen. And probably won’t ever happen if that’s your way of making money.
Eat what’s being offered at home. Don’t spend on food outside. Instead of an Uber or a Lyft, take the train, or bus. Any public transport. Don’t go to movies and parties. Just work during that time. Get a part-time job and do your best.
Life isn’t a linear game. There can never be a guide that says, “FOLLOW THIS EXACTLY AS WE’VE WRITTEN IT AND YOU’LL BE RICH”. No, no, no, and never.
Life is dynamic. What works for one, might not work for you. So, you’ll have to make comparisons. Think. Adapt. And face hurdles in your own way.
Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.
- Napolean Hill