My New Year’s Resolution is to Want Less.

A few months ago I met Regan in my neighbourhood Starbucks.  Regan lives a very simple life that is not focused around, or ruled by money.  His extreme minimalist lifestyle has made me re-evaluate everything in my materialistic lifestyle.

I live in a world that is completely ruled by money. This is mostly because I work in finance.  The majority of my friends also work in finance; actually, almost all of my friends work in finance.  We are surrounded by money all day.  My friends and I are all very open when we talk about our own personal finances, as well as when we discuss the money of others.

In 2011 my New Year’s Resolution is to want less.  I am going to try not to focus so much on my love of money and my personal finances.  Every day I look at my daily spending, my budget, and my savings. It is pretty safe to say that I definitely live in a world that is ruled by money.  It will not be an easy resolution to try and focus my life less around money, because my love of everything related to money has been fifteen years in the making.

I am the first to admit that I live in a world ruled by money.  I wouldn’t say that I am obsessed with money, but you know what they say…Cash Rules Everything Around Me.  There is always another restaurant where I want to eat, there is always something else that I want to buy, and there is always another place that I want to travel.  I strive to be the best at my job because my job controls my money.  I used to believe that a person (or a couple) can never have enough money. Although after meeting Regan I may reconsider my beliefs.

Regan has made me think about my financial life and consider if I am really happy.  I wake up every morning and check my bank accounts along with my investment accounts.  I go to work and I am always working towards the next big deal.  After work I go out and spend my hard earned money.  What if I didn’t strive to always want more? Would I be happier?

Regan lives in a world that doesn’t revolve, and sometimes even involve, money.  I am not 100% positive why I live in a materialistic world.  I am not sure why I feel the need to purchase unnecessary items such as expensive spa treatments and handbags in mass quantities.  I guess it is because I have always worked, and therefore I have always had money.  My only expenses are my rent, groceries, and utilities.  Therefore, I feel that I have the freedom to spend my extra money as I please.

Do you live in a world that is ruled by money?

My priority in life is ______________

My New Year’s Resolution is _______________

My 5 year goal is ______________

Did your answers all involve money?

If so, then maybe you also live in a world that is ruled by money.

Photo By JohnSeb

Kristina Tahnyak

Tahnya is a Certified Financial Planner and former Investment Advisor turned marketing and communications professional She holds a degree from Concordia University, is debt free and currently works in the field of digital marketing.