Financial Plans?

The other day, someone asked us to come to a financial planning meeting, where we'd get our finances analyzed, a forecast prepared, and additional advice regarding investing, etc - for free. So, because we  1) like the idea of free financial assistance from a trusted source, and 2) wanted to help this person, we said yes.

Now, I know I'm not a very exciting person. Ask my roommates from college. I studied. I played sports. Then, instead of eating or sleeping, I studied more. Stress was my constant companion. Well, when you're that involved in an affair with your GPA, you rarely have time to spend money. Hence, I didn't budget because I didn't spend. In fact, I came out of college with $0 in debt.

My parents are also extremely frugal. When gas was $0.87/gallon, we'd drive around to different grocery stores to save 10 cents on meat - an exaggeration, but not by much! My parents are great examples of living within your means. I've learned the distinct difference between needs and wants - I've known that since I could write my name.

I have regrets - not playing more in college, not relaxing and most importantly - I took myself too seriously. I'm a lot better at this now, but mostly because I married someone who helps me identify when I'm about to start down that path, and that pattern has led to a change in behavior. Thankfully!

But, I don't regret being financially responsible.

-Cue Financial Planner-

He looks at our numbers, drools over how much my company contributes to my 403(b), and loves how much we've done - we have no debt, etc. Great.

Then, he asks us about our dreams. [Remember, I'm a pretty dull person, apparently.]

I look to Tyler. He mentions that we'd like to start a family and own a home someday. [Please notice the word, someday.]

The planner begins to drill us - what about travelling all over the world? What about this, that, and the other things!? His son is traveling Eurpoe with his wife, he speaks 4 languages, and he's interning with the State Dept. in Albania or something.

I don't have much to say. I need more advice on investing, not saving for a trip to Europe, amongst other things.

Anywho, the guy eventually breaks my silent streak. He tells me I live in a box. [He isn't the first one.] I said thank-you. He's shocked. I mention to him that I believe in being financially responsible first and foremost. I have dreams, but I know that they're not the most important things in my near future.

He asks what they are - truthfully, I'd give anything to be a National Geographic photographer. Ty's an anthropologist - as he travels, wouldn't it be great to be a photojournalist for National Geographic!?

He grins, because he thinks we're getting somewhere.

In the end, he brings the discussion back to owning a house. [In my world, I would like to own a home within the next 10 years.] I once had a co-worker who told me that if I could, I should only take out a mortgage that was 2x what we made anually. The financial planner says, "Is your box even going to have windows?!?" [I love windows. And, that struck a nerve.]

I came home and cried and cried and cried.

What's wrong with me?

Now, this may sound a little self-serving, but I don't think that anything is wrong with me. I refuse to live like the other 98% of Americans. I don't want to keep up with the Joneses [did anyone else see that movie!?]. I mean, it'd be fantastic to live a lifestyle without worries. Oh wait! Being financially responsible allows me to do just that. However, that doesn't mean that I can just up and purchase anything, go anywhere at anytime - that sort of thing. Remember, I am somewhat intelligent - I know that debt will come knocking on my doorstep quickly [grad school, kids, eventually achiving my dream of owning a home, etc].

sigh



The kicker is: I would really die to visit the Myan ruins, the underground city in Jerusalem, travel through Italy, visit Ukraine, and backpack through all of Europe.

The difference is - I can do all of those things, but I don't have to do them now. I don't need those things.

My Ultimatum

I told the financial planner that I was an 85 yr old woman in a 25 yr old's body.

I plan on living frugally. I want to help those around me.

I don't need a new house tomorrow.

I don't need a $10,000 credit limit.

I don't need to travel everywhere before 40.

[even if I would love to]

I have a plan for my life.

I receive constant guidance for that plan.

From someone who knows what will bring me true happiness.

This plan is not the same for everyone.

That's why I live vicariously through so many of you.

I'm so grateful to friends who travel.

I'm so grateful to friends who experience life whim by whim!

I am not jealous; I don't disagree with that lifestyle.

I understand that the plan for you and for me are inherntly different.

Just like we are all different.

I don't particularly love it when others,

namely financial planner dude,

can't get their heads around that.

So, ultimately:

At the end of all things, I don't think that God is going to say with scorn,
"Why didn't you travel all over Europe?"

"Why didn't you buy that enormous house?"

"Why didn't you get a new car every year?"

"Why didn't you spend more money that you made so that you could impress others?"

I think that God will ask me:

"What did you do to build up my kingdom?"

And, I realize that the answer to that question is going to differ for everyone.

 

I find myself not knowing how to wrap this 'entry' up.
I just know I am trying to do my best.
That's all my dad ever asked of me.
That's what I'm going to try to give,
and this is a motto I could live by:

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that."

[HP #1]