Dave Ramsey always says, live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else. That means, be the weird one now scrimping and saving, bringing your lunch from home, driving a beat up car, or in my case, working a million hours. So that later, you can live like no one else, whether that means taking nice trips or retiring early or, mostly simply, living without the burden and limitations of debt.
Debt is hugely burdensome and I didn’t even begin to realize the stress it was putting on my life until I saw another way. It’s also very limiting. In my life right now, I am physically able to do just about anything I want to do, but I am so limited by money that my hands are tied. Forget taking off for Europe, I can’t even afford to take the afternoon off to head to the beach less than an hour away.
I cannot afford to take any risks. I can’t live spontaneously. I have jobs to show up for so I can earn paychecks that are already promised to credit card companies. One missed paycheck and I could not pay my rent next month. (Thankfully, I have a job that covers sick leave and I have other resources to keep me off the streets.)
Looking ahead at my financial future, I want to get myself in a position where I can afford to take risks. I never thought that was important to me until I realized how limited I am. I mean, I’m not exactly a girl who lives on the edge. But, you know, I am a dreamer. I want to write novels and live in New York City and travel and see my favorite artists in concert.
I’ve said several times that even just beginning the process of pulling myself out of debt opened up a world of possibilities to me. This is what I’m talking about when I say that. People like me let themselves think that it’s worth taking on debt to do the things you want to do in your life, but getting out of debt is the best thing I can do in order to live the way I want to.
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I think it’s important to be financially safe while taking a few risks here and there. Like, if you have always wanted to go to New York – you SHOULD! Those experiences are important to your happiness. But, if you go to NY and spend thousands of dollars shopping, well then, that’s just not so smart. You got this!
you know, i really like the dave ramsey system, and i won’t deny that it’s been working for me. but i just keep butting up against this one issue with his whole, “live like no one else so that later you can live like no one else” mentality: i don’t want to see the younger years of my life pass me by in a blur of work work work save save save. i mean, yes, i want to enjoy retirement, but i also think it’s important to enjoy my youth — and sometimes that enjoyment means taking that trip to europe or living and writing novels in nyc. so i think you’re right to look to a not so distant future where you can enjoy your money/life responsibly. it’s all about striking that balance!
See, for me, this would be straddling a fine line. Yes, it’s important to be mindful of finances and not jump at every potentially risky opportunity. But there has to be some leeway involved. You shouldn’t completely give up fun and an exciting life now for one down the road. Really, you only have one life and what if you don’t even make it to tomorrow?
Don’t get me wrong. I watch my pennies. No doubt. But am I about to give up one Sunday boating on the lake because I could pick up an extra shift at work? Not necessarily.
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