« Scammers dupe woman into buying 'iPad' made of wood | Main | Could you save an extra 25 bucks a week? »

September 01, 2021

Being content with less creates its own set of problems

The story of addictive behaviour is not always one of more: it can also manifest as the relentless pursuit of less, claims David Krueger, author of The Secret Language of Money: How to Make Smarter Financial Decisions and Live a Richer Life.  

Broke In other words, don’t get used to being broke. Do something different. Break out of your comfort zone.

A financial comfort zone is a familiar pattern of behaviour — one that’s predictable and automatic — so you always know the outcome even though it may not be beneficial.

Most of us have such a set zone with our weight, what we order at our regular restaurant, or the difficulty of starting a savings program. And sometimes this holds us back.

A positive answer to any of the following suggests that your focus on ‘less’ may be holding you back, Krueger maintains.  
  1. Do you believe it is more virtuous or admirable to be poor than to be rich?
  2. Do you believe being poor is more spiritual than being wealthy?
  3. When you do have some money, do you tend to spend it quickly and return rapidly to a familiar state of poverty?
  4. Do you often neglect needed repairs on your car or your home because you don’t feel you can afford to spend the money?
  5. Is it more comfortable for you to spend money on others than on yourself?
  6. Do you undercharge for your work or your skills?
  7. Do you fail to collect money due to you?
  8. Is it uncomfortable for you to collect fees that people owe you for your work?

Is he on to something? Do you struggle with this sort of outlook? Or are you simply content with what you have?

By Gordon Powers, MSN Money

TrackBack

Comments

Post a comment

advertisement

Gordon PowersGordon Powers

A long-time fund company executive, Gordon Powers now heads up the Affinity Group, a financial services consulting firm. Gordon was a personal finance columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years, has taught retirement planning...

Jason BucklandJason Buckland

The modern-day MC Hammer of money, Jason can often be seen spending cash that isn’t his with the efficiency of a Wilt Chamberlain first date. After cutting his teeth as a reporter for the Toronto Sun, he joined the MSN Money team with...