I’m living in RB, not making a ton more than 90K, tithing, wife staying at home, just blew 2K on a ridiculous TV, and putting 15K into my 401(k). It can be done-it does entail some sacrifice, especially versus other parts of the country, but it can be done.
The other thing always worth noting: economic studies show we base our quality of life on our immediate peer group. We are filthy, filthy rich compared to 95% of the world. Tithing, or not, the idea that your Coach handbag or Armani Suit (or ridiculous TV) could feed 30 malnourished kids in Ethiopia for a year through a charity that puts over 80% of its expenses to actual use should give you pause.
When I was in business school, I remember sitting around a lunch table one day. I asked about 10 of my classmates how much it would take to make them happy. First answer: 10M. Thought to myself, wow that’s really high, would only take me about 2M. Second answer 25M…I’m thinking…these guys must be anomolies. Rest of the answers: 10M, 25M, 25M, 50M, 10M, 10M, 25M, 10M, 30M…many of them were from wealthy families.
The key is being grateful and content for what you do have. You’ll never have as much as you want-the human ego and appetite for wealth are both insatiable.
