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Financial Independence

Note to Self: Money is Stuff and Stuff Doesn’t Matter

Money is Time

Note to self:  A quick reminder to yourself on this gray, drizzly morning in Seattle.  As you prepare to trade another week of your life for a paycheck, don’t forget that money, like all of your other possessions, is just a thing. Money gets old and wears out, and just like that car sitting in your garage, even your money loses value over time.

MONEY IS JUST A TOOL

Sure money is a useful tool that you can trade for stuff, but money only has value because you value it, and so does everyone else. And because people place so much value on that little piece of paper, they’ll do crazy things for it.

We’ll leave our loved ones for the vast majority of our waking hours to earn it. Some people will risk their lives for it.  Many (most?) spend money they don’t even have yet to buy stuff that they hope will make others think they have more money than they actually do.

That’s #@*%^ crazy. Don’t get caught up in that.

Don’t spend so much time and effort trying to make a buck that you end up failing to make a life!

“How you spend your days is how you spend your life.”   Spend wisely!

MONEY IS TIME

Time is money says the proverb, but turn it around and you get a precious truth: money is time. – George Gissing

It’s easy to trade your time for money, but don’t forget the end goal, which is to trade your money for time. Keep your eyes on the prize and remember how to get there:

  1. Spend less than you make
  2. Invest the difference
  3. Eliminate, then avoid debt.

The more money you make, the more you can save and invest.  The less money you need to get by on, the less you’ll need to save to meet those needs.  Combine these two facts and you’ll be financially independent before you know it!

TRADE YOUR TIME FOR MONEY

Now get back to work before your boss sees you blogging.  You’re not financially independent yet and you still need the income from this job.  Just don’t forget the real reason you’re here at work!

Time Is Money says the proverb, but turn it around and you get a precious truth: Money Is Time. Never forget that money is just stuff & stuff doesn't matter.

Chime in!

Money is just stuff, but it IS important stuff.  What are you doing to trade your money for time?  Please leave a comment and let me know.

By Ty Roberts

Ty Roberts is the founder of Camp FIRE Finance, and a husband and father of four living in the Seattle area. He's a fan of the 4% rule, 80s movies and music, dad jokes and cast iron cooking.

8 replies on “Note to Self: Money is Stuff and Stuff Doesn’t Matter”

Money is definitely just a tool. You can use it for freedom. You can become overwhelmed by it for negative or positive reasons. You can let it take over your life. Or you can hone it to your desires.

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