How Good It Is To Be Me

I realized something a little while ago: It’s good to be me. 

What do I mean by that?

Well, sometimes it’s a bit easy in our gotta-have-it-right-now culture to get caught up in focusing on the things we don’t have in life. I can be guilty of this as well. I really crave financial independence. I want it right now. But I can’t have it right now. While I’m perfectly aware that something as grand as financial independence requires plenty of time, patience, persistence and perseverance, that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with the frustration in the mean time. However, I continue to realize that I’m not delaying gratification at all by avoiding material goods in the now for freedom in the future. I’m living below my means because I want to own my own time and freedom more than a big house, a fancy car or the latest and greatest gadgets.

But the real amazing thing is that I’m in a position to actually live below my means.

How is it that I’m in that position? Well because basic needs like housing, food and running water are easily accessible and relatively cheap here in modern day America. That means as long as I can develop some minor self-control I can skimp on the stuff that can easily eat away at a budget.

However, what if basic needs aren’t easily and/or cheaply acquired? 

Let’s compare a modern American to some great figure in history.

Let’s say you really love Roman history, and if given the opportunity you’d love to be Julius Caesar for a week. I think after a day you’d probably change your mind. At the height of his power he was the most powerful ruler of the most powerful Republic in the world (soon to be an Empire). Yet, this guy had no access to electricity; it hadn’t been invented yet. Internet? Forget about it, obviously. And while he lived in a grand palace, I’d rather have my 900 square foot apartment here in Florida where I have modern-day amenities like running hot water, air conditioning, a refrigerator where I can keep food cool, an oven where I can quickly heat and cook food and insulation to keep the elements at bay. I have access to a 16 year-old car that can whisk me away to far-away locales with ease and swiftness. I have boundless access to food from all over the world, and I don’t need to be a dictator to afford it. Neither do I have to worry about conspirators trying to kill me!

You can compare your own situation to almost any great historical figure and I think you’ll find that your middle-class life likely far exceeds the standard quality of life of just about anyone you can think of that died at least 100 years ago. From Abraham Lincoln to Alexander the Great – if you live in a developed country in 2013 you’re living a life far better than any of these great historical figures with all their power and/or wealth could have ever dreamed of.

It’s good to be me. But it’s also very likely good to be you. 

This concept doesn’t just extend out to people who’ve lived and died long ago. Compare your situation to the thousands of people suffering right now in the Philippines after Haiyan did its damage. Compare your quality of life to people in Sub-Saharan Africa or many of the poor subjects within China’s border – you know, the country that’s supposed to save the world with enormous growth. It goes on, as there are millions of people living in India that right now, in 2013, do not have access to running water, electricity or other basic needs.

This article isn’t meant to inspire you to sell everything you’ve got and move to India or China to help people in need. However, I do think having perspective is important. I try to keep this perspective handy when life gets “difficult” – like when I’m eating sandwiches for dinner for the 20th time in a row or I miss having cable television because my OTA antenna isn’t picking up any football games on Sunday.

Similarly, I pulled this perspective out of my pocket when people made fun of me after appearing in national media after it came out that I moved halfway across the country to change my life, save money on state income taxes and have access to a beneficial climate allowing free entertainment and ease of public transportation. I found it amusing when people were wasting their time questioning my voluntary frugality to acheive a first-world goal like financial independence when billions of people are currently starving because they have no choice, and financial independence is nothing but a pipe dream.

I was extremely lucky to be born in America in 1982. We’ve experienced some of the most dramatic advances in human capability over the last decade. When I was in high school in the late 90s the internet was still a relatively new phenomenon. Cell phones were expensive and service was spotty. Cars that can practically drive themselves were limited to Jetson reruns. I could have just as easily been born in India 50 years ago or Africa when humans still communicated in caves. But I wasn’t. I was born in the wealthiest country humanity has ever known at its absolute peak. While hard work is ever important to success, luck certainly has a role to play. You could say success is where hard work and luck meet.

First-world problems are wonderful to have. Savor your ability to actually save money and live below your means as you aim to acheive whatever it is you’re after – whether it be financial independence, early retirement, greater wealth or simply flexibility. The fact that you’re reading this article means it’s highly likely you’re after one of the preceding concepts. And while I applaud your efforts (as well as my own), I also encourage you to keep perspective when things get difficult. When living frugally becomes difficult or the stock market’s run-up makes it hard to find attractively valued equities remember that you’re experiencing first-world problems which are truly wonderful problems to have. Trying to decide between paying off your mortgage early or investing excess capital can be a difficult decision depending on personal circumstances, but at the same time this is preferable position to be in rather than someone who lacks access to food on a regular basis.

Keep perspective. Try not to take things like the internet, cell phones, cold food that should be cold, warm food that should be warm, running water, electricity, clothing, transportation, housing or running water for granted.

Again, this article isn’t meant to call out anyone trying to build wealth. I’m actively trying to build mine as fast as possible as I seek a way out of the rat race – building up six-figures in under three years on a middle-class income. However, I do aim to inspire you and keep us grounded together. I hope to one day be in a position to help those less fortunate, but this is still many years in the future for me. I first need to buy my own freedom before I have the available time and capital to help others.

So remember the next time living below your means gets you down, or freedom still seems so far away: it’s good to be you!

How about you? Do you also aim to keep perspective?

Thanks for reading.

Photo Credit: Gualberto107/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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49 Comments

  1. Have you ever heard of a company called Rayonier(RYN)? It is a timber REIT. It has recently gone on sale. If you could, would be so inclined to speculate if it is a buy or not. I buy and hold DG stocks. I think this may be a good buy. What do you think? Thanks for any input you can give!

  2. Before I read this post I was debating whether to make a peanut butter/jelly sandwich or bean burrito.

    I always strive to keep perspective~ My job and investments bless me with more income than my peers, yet I drive the dented beater car, eat cheaper food, and have the least amount of stuff.

  3. It is imperative to keep things in perspective, however sometimes it is easy to lose sight of what is most important. Sure our accumulation of wealth on a quest towards financial freedom is admirable, but as you’ve said, how lucky are we to even have the opportunity to accumulate wealth and retire early. I think about those in this world just struggling to find clean drinking water, let alone a warm and dry place to sleep every night.

    For me, constantly finding ways to remind myself of how lucky I am to have won the “ovarian lottery,” as Buffett once said (ironic as I’ve been working on a draft post of this), is key to being grounded. Things like the change of seasons, where I can be appreciative of a warmer coat or a car and home with heat, help bring me back to earth. Wealth and passive income are what I strive for, but so is the ability to eventually give back some of the financial security in which I’ve developed.

  4. Another good post. I keep things in perspective. I am blessed to be able to live below my means and to save and invest to grow my passive income. I am able to afford a car, but I choose public transit as I feel I can make better choices to increase my chance of escaping the rat race as a quicker date.

  5. Great post. Having the right perspective does help you appreciate life a little bit more. I’ve been extremely blessed and fortunate, so I count my blessings everyday. Even as the wealth builds up, I don’t find myself desiring any more material things. I’ve already got everything I need…. easy access to food, clean water, electricity, internet… The only thing I really desire now is the freedom to come and go as I choose.

  6. As an upper middle class American living and working in Southeast Asia, I am reminded every day I walk out my door that the vast majority of people do not have access to the luxuries most of us readers enjoy. One day I was frustrated because I was absolutely torn between which stock I wanted to buy next, then I drove past a local neighborhood where I saw people living in poorly constructed tin huts with blankets for walls and realized its occupants would likely never be in a position to purchase a single share, let alone achieve financial independence at an early age. They’re just hoping to make enough money to be able to feed their family that day. I see true poverty every day, first hand. It reminds me to be a good steward over the resources I’ve been given. What better way to appreciate money than to save it, grow it, secure myself and my family, and use it to help others along the way? When I think of money this way, spending it frivolously on silly things feels truly wasteful. It feels wrong.

  7. Jason,
    I really appreciate that you wrote this post. Mrs DD and I have this discussion whenever we get caught up in a bit of envy for something a friend has just bought or done. We are also making some sacrifices with a purpose. It’s funny though. Those “sacrifices” don’t even feel like sacrifices after a while. You get used to eating at home more often and limiting vacations to ONE nice trip per year. Then it usually hits me, one hundred years ago only the very wealthy even went on vacation. We are truly blessed…..which will help us live with generous hearts, if we truly believe it.
    -Bryan

  8. Jason,

    The fact some people made fun of you after appearing on national media, to me, was a sign you were doing something right.

    Firstly, people often criticize others hoping to make themselves feel superior.

    Secondly, the vast majority of people in North America are in a financial position you DON’T want to be in. So, if you listen to them…..you’ll get what they have, which probably isn’t much.

    Chuck in Ontario

    PS. Glad to see you listened to some of your readers and added a new tab re: recommended reading. These recommended readings are worthwhile reading for all…not just newbies.

  9. DM,

    An absolutely excellent post. You mentioned the word Perspective. I try to use that word every day. When the insignificant things in life start to wear on me and I get frustrated I force myself to think about how lucky I am to have won the ovarian lottery as a commenter just said.

    I am looking forward to financial independence. At that time I plan to volunteer more and give back to this great country we live in and to the people who were not as fortunate as I am.

    Keep that Perspective and keep on writing thoughtful inspiring posts.

    “She who sees from ‘up-high’ smiles and surely sings.
    Perspective pries your once weighty eyes and it gives you wings.”

  10. Great post Jason!

    I’ve seen my happiness increase as I’ve reduced my spending. The prospect of FI seems to bring me more happiness than material goods here and now.

    I’ve also noticed that if you cut out the unnecessary things, you become more appreciative of the luxuries of modern life, just like you!

    Delayed gratification? There’s plenty of gratification along the way. You just need to let go of the well-trodden path and seek your own.

    Kind regards

    Jarmo

  11. Simply one of your best posts yet Jason. Well said. Combined a little bit of Craig from Young Cheap Living, and Pete from MMM. Positive thoughts create positive actions and thus positive results. Keeping it all in “perspective” is the best way to achieve long term goals. Have an awesome weekend.

    Matt

  12. The goal (fin. independence) is part of the day to day life, even more in this world full of lies and debt slaves.
    Preparation requires a minimum of work that too much people, at least among those who could, don’t want to do because of laziness and lack of guts. The pioneers that were our ancestors would certainly go back in their tombs if they could see that. Our respective governments are just a projection of ourselves as a whole.
    You decided to keep on the hold path that the majority prefer to ignore.
    Don’t give a damn about the critics, noise and laugh and continue on this way, that’s the right one.
    Cheers.

  13. Interesting post, I am also greatful for what I have but I dont really stop to have thoughts like this. There are so many world issues I could stop and feel sorry for other people about, I instead choose to be thankful, be nice to everyone I meet, and live my life to the fullest.

    As a side note i just bought utx. The fpe is 15.8, 5 yr EPs cagr est at 13.2% the starting yield is a little low but utx always is. Utx raises their dividend by 10-12% like clockwork every year, even in 2008. I was hoping for utx to pull back a little but I think even at today’s prices its pretty fairly valued. Definitely not a full position for me as I only bought 20 shares, would like to bring it up to about 100 shares if I can average down on it

  14. Jason,

    One thing I have taken note of, as I have studied the lives of truly exceptional and successful people, is that they all have certain qualities in common. One of those common threads seems to be a lack of caring for the negative opinions of others. Thats not to say we shouldnt respect others opinions, becuase obviously we should. But does Warren Buffett care if people think he is stupid for making a particular investment? Of course he doesnt. Does Elon Musk care if people tell him his ideas or plans are too far-fetched or ridiculous? Not one bit. Does Jason Fieber care if people mock him for living frugally and actually accomplishing his goals? You bet he doesnt. Why? Because who gives a crap what people think, thats why. They can continue to poke fun or criticize all they want, and years down the road they will continue to be unhappy and broke, unaware that it was fully their doing.

    Thank you for setting a goal and sticking to it. One day you will find yourself among the greats of history and wonder how you got there, but thankfully the whole journey is recorded through this blog, so we wont really have to wonder all that much lol.

    Spencer Stojic

  15. The only thing I disagree with in your post is not having the funds or time spent helping others. Everything we are given is a blessing from the Lord. We should return some of that blessing to those around us that are less fortunate.

  16. Being happy with what you have: a good message and also makes living frugally easier. Enjoyed this post as it is very inspirational.

    “Compare your situation to the thousands of people suffering right now in the Philippines after Haiyan did its damage.” I’m currently on alert and could be sent to the Philippines any day to help with the disaster relief (or maybe not, I don’t really know). I am hoping we are called up for this humanitarian mission, although I don’t know how it would affect my Afghanistan deployment.

    Best wishes

  17. That’s right!
    We can be very happy to live in this day and age!

    Who knows what the future holds?
    Flying Cars? Prosperity for All?

    Or rationed electricity and rationed water? And the top 10,000 (or just 1000) govern the rest of humanity?

    I am pleased today to live – and to be what I am.
    I feel better than millions of other people – and I thank God for that.
    I have a good job, a nice wife, a wonderful child, a debt free home, a good fitness body (hard work at the gym 😉 ) and I’m almost never sick.

    Thanks a lot for all!

    D-S

  18. Anonymous,

    Actually, the first time I heard about RYN was only very recently as fellow blogger Jeremy over at Go Curry Cracker is apparently a long-time investor with the company. He’s obviously done very well here with it. I never paid attention to it because it doesn’t seem to have much of a history of repeated dividend raises. They’re rather sporadic, but the company has been quite gracious over the last two years or so. I’ll have to look at it. Seems like a good play, as there is likely no end in sight for timber demand.

    Best regards!

  19. Investing Early,

    Ha! Nice. I love it. I’ve had my fair share of both, although I generally prefer the PB&J. 🙂

    It sounds like you have a wonderful perspective. Keep it up. You’ll be well rewarded in the end.

    Best wishes!

  20. w2r,

    Absolutely – just to be in the position to accumulate wealth is a position that only a very small percentage of the world find themselves in.

    I wholly agree with the “ovarian lottery” thought process. I remember reading about that quite a bit in the last third of “Tap Dancing to Work” – which focused on philanthropy in the latter part of the book. I think WB has it 100% right there. I don’t think he has guilt over it, but I do think it’s quite clear he’s managed to retain a wonderful perspective even after becoming a multi-billionaire. He’s been able to clearly communicate that an incredible amount of luck was involved in him getting to where he’s at. Being born at a different time or in a different place would have yielded far different results for his life, and I commend him for admitting that basic truth.

    Although I didn’t quite win the lottery he did – I grew up in a drug-infested home in Detroit where my parents left me at a young age – being born in the U.S. in 1982 and having something in my genes that attracts me to equities and living frugally is extremely beneficial. You could even make a case being born a white male has its advantages. That’s not being racist, but rather only making the case for statistics. I’m lucky, but working hard amplifies the power of that luck exponentially.

    Take care.

  21. Investing Pursuits,

    Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the post.

    It’s great that even though you easily have the power to go out and get a nice car you choose to use public transportation. Having the perspective that allows you to remember that even having access to public transportation is an incredibly great spot to be in allows you to be happy in your position. That certainly makes it a lot easier to compound your wealth and really put you in a great position later in life. Keep it up!

    Best wishes.

  22. FI Fighter,

    I’m with you. Freedom is the one thing I desire more than anything else in life. I’d certainly love to have a beautiful downtown loft, a new Corvette and the ability to eat out every single night at the best restaurants. But I desire freedom 1,000 times more than any of these – and knowing that even living the modest lifestyle I do now puts me in a position significantly better than most of the people alive now or who have ever lived makes it a lot easier to keep my focus on that freedom.

    Thanks for stopping by.

    Cheers!

  23. Tyler,

    Fantastic perspective there. It sounds like you remain incredibly grounded. Try to never lose that.
    There are few things worse in life than being jaded and immune to the low quality of life that pervades most of the world. It’s unfortunate that with all the wealth we have on this planet it’s concentrated in the hands of a relative few. That just makes me even hungrier to have my own freedom and perhaps have enough capital towards the later years of my life to change that a little.

    Best wishes.

  24. Bryan,

    I concur! Sacrifices stop being sacrifices when you realize how trite they really are, especially when compared to most people’s everyday lives. In addition, I think as humans we naturally adapt to our circumstances and surroundings quite quickly anyhow.

    Great job keeping perspective!

    Take care.

  25. Chuck,

    Thanks for the support. I realize that ignorance is bliss, and it’s easier to criticize than it is to actually go out and do the hard work necessary to be in a position where others can easily criticize you. It’s easier to blend in and be a part of the masses, pointing your fingers at others. It’s much more difficult to stand out and try to inspire others. I agree that this criticism is an attempt to step on others to try and pull them lower. It just doesn’t work on me, however. I’m committed to what I’m doing 100% and it’s pure bliss. I guess ignorance isn’t the only thing that brings bliss?

    Glad to see you like the new tab. I plan on mentioning that very soon. I’m hoping to add to it over time and make it a great resource for everyone.

    Thanks for the support!

    Best wishes.

  26. Anonymous,

    I like the quote there at the end! I’ve never heard that before. Very thoughtful.

    I’m glad you liked the post. I put a lot of thought behind the general idea/concept over the last few days, but sat down and wrote it all in one take over the course of about an hour. The words just flowed out of me.

    I like your plan. I also hope to attain financial independence at a fairly young age and enjoy the spoils of freedom. But soon thereafter I hope even more to be in the position where I can give back to people who don’t have the luck I’ve enjoyed. I certainly think there is a large lot of people out there that are suffering by their own design, and I’ve known my fair share of people like this. Instead, I hope to one day help others who are genuinely in a bad spot, and not due to their own poor decisions.

    Best regards.

  27. Jarmo,

    Thanks!

    You make an excellent point there: choosing to indulge in the luxuries only occasionally makes them that much sweeter. There are so many cases of people who live in giant McMansions, drive the finest cars and eat the finest food, yet they are still not happy. They adapt to everything and you can only have so many luxuries. Attaining the best of everything all of the time means everything is ordinary and you want more, yet there is no more. You’ve got everything.

    The lesson: instead of wanting what you don’t have, be grateful for what you do have (which is more than most).

    Cheers!

  28. Matt,

    Thanks! Very kind words there. Glad you really enjoyed the post.

    Having a positive attitude is imperative to success, in my view. And it’s awfully easy to remain upbeat when you realize how well off you really are instead of trying to focus on what everyone else is doing.

    I hope you have an awesome weekend as well.

    Best wishes!

  29. Jeff,

    I’m with you. I don’t really care about the critics or others that try to bring me down. It only emboldens me to reach ever higher. 🙂

    Keep up the hard work and you’ll escape debt/wage slavery before you know it, brother.

    Best regards.

  30. Took2Summit,

    I don’t let thoughts like this consume or overwhelm me, but I think it’s important to have perspective about how lucky some of us really are. Simply to be in the position to buy shares in high quality companies puts you in the upper echelon of all-time humanity. That’s pretty powerful stuff.

    I like UTX. It’s a stalwart. It’s not particularly cheap here, but I don’t think it’s a bad buy either. I think you’re making a great choice paying fair price for an excellent company. Very similar to my thoughts on UL right now. Although, if I remember right UTX doesn’t raise its dividend every four quarters. It’s usually like every 5th or 6th quarter, isn’t it?

    Best wishes.

  31. FFdividend,

    Great video! Really enjoyed it. The general concept in that video is exactly what I was trying to convey here. Even on a relatively frugal budget, we live the life of kings and queens of yesteryear.

    Have a great weekend!

    Take care.

  32. D-S,

    Being pleased with your lot in life while saving for an even brighter future is fantastic. You have many of the tools necessary to build real wealth and acheive true happiness. The future looks bright for you. 🙂

    Best wishes!

  33. Spencer,

    Thanks. Very kind comment there. I appreciate your support for my vision and journey. I’m trying to do really different and amazing things, but even more than that I’m really trying to inspire others to do the same. This blog is my main platform right now, but I hope one day to have even more platforms and be able to change the world for the better. We’ll see how I do, because, like you said, this blog will be the proof in the pudding. 🙂

    Best wishes!

  34. Anonymous,

    I’m following the model of my idol Warren Buffett. Many people criticized him for years over not being more philanthropic. However, he always stated he could do better with his capital by investing it and eventually building it into a much greater sum to give away at the end of his life, rather than give away some of it all along the way. And I think he proved himself correct.

    Cheers!

  35. Compounding Income,

    Thanks. I appreciate your ongoing support. 🙂

    Good luck if you do go over to the Philippines. I know they certainly need all the help they can get over there. You’re doing everyone a great service, and we appreciate it!

    Best regards.

  36. This is a great post because it takes a stoic perspective. I go through a similar exercise almost on a daily basis. It’s almost embarrasing at how easy it is to get caught up complaining about the silliest, first-world things. The stoic exercise also helps me get through a difficult bus ride. I just tell myself how much worse it would be to be stuck driving in traffic.

    Thanks again for putting together such a nice post.

  37. DM,
    Great post! 🙂 Great point that it’s an honor and privilege to be able to invest at all. It truly is good to be you/me, we are fortunate! Even more of a reason to save/invest wisely so we can give back to others. Wishing you a super weekend!
    Sincerely,
    Ian

  38. handworn,

    Lots of people are born a white male and then don’t work hard for what they want. I stated in the comment above that working hard amplifies luck exponentially, and I stated in the article that I think success is where hard work and luck meet. Basically, I think you need both.

    Similarly, there are many people out there that defy all odds and through persistence and perseverance they succeed immensely. Hard work is more powerful than good luck, in my opinion.

    Best regards.

  39. Ian,

    Absolutely. We’re tremendously privileged to simply have access to computers and trade stocks and save money and everything else we do here. It’s really an amazing lifestyle when you sit down and think about it. And I think sitting down and thinking about it every once in a while is a worthwhile exercise.

    Hope you have a great weekend as well!

    Best wishes.

  40. Lots of people are born a white male without having anything like this kind of success. The advantages I’ve been born with as such have mainly been cultural; they’ve only been race-, sex- or class-related to the extent that others avoid our practices because of some belief that, due to their ideas about their race, sex or class, they can’t or shouldn’t compete.

  41. I think Rayonier and Plum Creek and Pope Resources are evidence that money can grow on trees 😉

    In all seriousness, it would be good to be you Dividend Mantra, but maybe in 7 – 10 years 😉

    Have a nice weekend!

    DGI

  42. DGI,

    Ha! Great point there. Building a literal money tree sounds like a great idea to me. 🙂

    Thanks for the support. I think it’s already great to be me, but it’ll be that much better a decade from now. I’m looking forward to it.

    Best wishes.

  43. DM, I agree that being a white male does have certain advantages that other demographic groups don’t have. For example, we have an average IQ of 100 and only East Asians have a higher average (at 106).

    We are the benefactors of our white American ancestors who invented our system of government and used the resources at the time available to build wealth and pave the way for future generations. Carnegie, Rockefeller, JP Morgan, T Boone Pickens, Warren Buffett, and countless others have built mass wealth by working smart and hard, while taking risks that other perhaps are not interested in taking. Andrew Carnegie, for example, risked everything he had to build the rail bridge over the Mississippi River, connecting east and west America. Some were also very lucky, too. That drive, ambition and dedication to hard work is a trait that many white people have and those that execute properly are duly rewarded.

    I can honestly say that I am very proud to be white. Those in my race have invented almost everything we see around us but also have a culturally rich history. I believe this is due to biological superiority in various ways compared to other groups. We are not perfect, buy any means, but when you look at other groups around the world and how they live, you see perspective. I don’t believe any nations exist that were founded and built by white folks that are not ‘first world’. I can count endless countries founded by non-whites who are second and third world. Luck? Perhaps. But I tend to believe in working smart and hard also.

    Thanks for your site, I read everyday and your writings inspire me!

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