Am I too selfish?

Let’s be honest: the title here is nonsense. We aren't talking about something normal, are we?

I won't drone on forever, so I'll try to make my point concisely, though I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.

I see it all around me—and maybe I’m guilty of it too—people who grew up with nothing and spent their entire lives grinding just to build something substantial. They sacrificed everything to get there. But then they hit this certain age where their children are well-off, their grandkids are comfortable... yet they haven't changed one bit. They still obsess over every single cent, treating a cheap bottle of Jack Daniel's like it's some grand luxury.🙂

And I’m not even talking about your average retiree. I’m talking about the people who actually built something through sweat and grit on construction sites or in tough trades.

Some might argue it’s just a generational thing, but I see plenty of examples of this happening right now.

Personally, I can be pretty frugal, but I’m not so sure I could ever go to such extremes, even for my own flesh and blood.

What about you?

Personally, money matters a lot to me. It’s not about trying to hustle anyone else—it’s more about the thrill of the grind, building something from scratch, and actually earning my way...
Financial security is also huge for me. While everyone else seems to be drowning in credit card debt, I prefer having my life totally paid off—no strings attached. I love the process of working, investing, and creating things, and honestly, I love providing opportunities for others to work and earn a living they can actually live on. To me, building something with passion is one of the biggest challenges and the whole point of life.
I’m pretty low-key about spending, too. I don't see the point in blowing cash on stupid, overpriced junk that isn't worth the price tag. I still drive an old beat-up car because it gets me from A to B just fine—people think that's weird, but I don't need a luxury ride to feel important—but I *do* pour my money into building our house, traveling with my wife, grabbing nice dinners, and enjoying life...
My parents were builders, too, in their own way. But unlike me, they didn't really have any hobbies or ways to unwind outside of work. They never traveled, never really saw much of the world or gained different perspectives, and they weren't in a position to help me out when things got tough.

I often think about how people who build big things should probably spend a good chunk of it, too. Why? Well, because people who just spray money everywhere set a terrible example for their kids, who then grow up without any sense of value. And why would we blow everything we earn on flashy, meaningless stuff just to prove to people that we're "somebody"? On the flip side, being overly stingy and terrified that a single dollar might slip through your fingers is just as bad. Our time is our most precious resource, and it’s pretty foolish to deprive ourselves until the day we die just to save for... well, I don't even know what. One extreme is driven by ego, and the other by fear...

At the end of the day, how much I have is my business. Building things is what drives me; it’s my fuel. I get a genuine kick out of moving capital from one investment to the next, setting new goals, and looking back at what I’ve managed to pull off with just my two hands. As for what happens in 20 years? Maybe I'll sell everything and travel the globe, or maybe I'll leave it all to my kids... we'll see...

Modesty as a virtue? Honestly... trying to build something or just scrape by "modestly"... feels like a total paradox when you're looking at yourself. If people could actually "save time," they’d probably live for a thousand years. Just stuck in this state of near-death stagnation. But if you're chasing quantity, I guess it's necessary. Staying frozen in that stagnation, while hoarding enough credits to survive longer, or pumping in just enough microloans to keep some tiny little town—full of kids who don't even know what opportunity looks like—barely afloat... In that kind of "ego-model" paradox, modesty isn't really a value. It’s not even a thing... it’s just a pattern born from trauma where nothing ever actually crystallized... except for the habit of just ticking along.

briskranger5 said:Let’s be honest: the title here is nonsense. We aren't talking about something normal, are we?

I won't drone on forever, so I'll try to make my point concisely, though I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.

I see it all around me—and maybe I’m guilty of it too—people who grew up with nothing and spent their entire lives grinding just to build something substantial. They sacrificed everything to get there. But then they hit this certain age where their children are well-off, their grandkids are comfortable... yet they haven't changed one bit. They still obsess over every single cent, treating a cheap bottle of Jack Daniel's like it's some grand luxury.🙂

And I’m not even talking about your average retiree. I’m talking about the people who actually built something through sweat and grit on construction sites or in tough trades.

Some might argue it’s just a generational thing, but I see plenty of examples of this happening right now.

Personally, I can be pretty frugal, but I’m not so sure I could ever go to such extremes, even for my own flesh and blood.

What about you?

What a load of crap!

Today we’re gonna feast on prosciutto, lobster, and fine wine, sipping on fresh-squeezed OJ, and tomorrow...
it'll be the exact same thing—because I'll figure it out somehow. Same goes for paying the bills. I was never the type to stress about the future; I just live for today or, okay, maybe tomorrow. As absurd as it sounds, I feel like we live in a world of absolute abundance. There's air, there's water, there's food. I drove everything from a beat-up old Ford to a shiny new Chevy—just a kid at heart. My kid had a Nokia 3310 or an iPhone—doesn't matter, still just a kid. It's all just status and social snobbery.

Honestly, I’m a huge spender. If it weren't for my wife—she watches every single dollar—I’d blow my entire paycheck in two weeks flat.

Donna White50 said:Personally, money matters a lot to me. It’s not about trying to hustle anyone else—it’s more about the thrill of the grind, building something from scratch, and actually earning my way...
Financial security is also huge for me. While everyone else seems to be drowning in credit card debt, I prefer having my life totally paid off—no strings attached. I love the process of working, investing, and creating things, and honestly, I love providing opportunities for others to work and earn a living they can actually live on. To me, building something with passion is one of the biggest challenges and the whole point of life.
I’m pretty low-key about spending, too. I don't see the point in blowing cash on stupid, overpriced junk that isn't worth the price tag. I still drive an old beat-up car because it gets me from A to B just fine—people think that's weird, but I don't need a luxury ride to feel important—but I *do* pour my money into building our house, traveling with my wife, grabbing nice dinners, and enjoying life...
My parents were builders, too, in their own way. But unlike me, they didn't really have any hobbies or ways to unwind outside of work. They never traveled, never really saw much of the world or gained different perspectives, and they weren't in a position to help me out when things got tough.

I often think about how people who build big things should probably spend a good chunk of it, too. Why? Well, because people who just spray money everywhere set a terrible example for their kids, who then grow up without any sense of value. And why would we blow everything we earn on flashy, meaningless stuff just to prove to people that we're "somebody"? On the flip side, being overly stingy and terrified that a single dollar might slip through your fingers is just as bad. Our time is our most precious resource, and it’s pretty foolish to deprive ourselves until the day we die just to save for... well, I don't even know what. One extreme is driven by ego, and the other by fear...

At the end of the day, how much I have is my business. Building things is what drives me; it’s my fuel. I get a genuine kick out of moving capital from one investment to the next, setting new goals, and looking back at what I’ve managed to pull off with just my two hands. As for what happens in 20 years? Maybe I'll sell everything and travel the globe, or maybe I'll leave it all to my kids... we'll see...

True, but as always, finding that balance is the difficult part. On one hand, you pinch every penny, only to find yourself agonizing over the cost of a trip after just a few days. $333And we all know how much easier it is to spend money than it is to earn it.

Money matters to me. I value feeling financially secure and protected. I can't stand when people claim money isn't important—that’s just nonsense. Without cash, you can't do anything except sit there and cry. That's how the world works. Money is vital, sure, but maybe not the *most* important thing; emotional fulfillment is huge too. But money buys you freedom. It gives you the chance to relax and actually think about your next move... Being broke holds you back; it destroys both your physical and mental health. I'm not a fan of reckless spending, but I hate stinginess just as much. No one knows how long they have left. Spending everything now only to starve tomorrow makes no sense, but hoarding luxury while you're still breathing feels just as pointless. Someone mentioned there's a fine line between the two, and finding it is tough. They aren't wrong. I live by what Thatcher said: "There is no freedom without economic freedom." That’s the fundamental reason why people want money. For example, if your husband leaves you and you have funds, you can heal your broken heart more easily. If your parents pass away, you can handle the situation better. If friends walk out on you, let them go—they cost you too much anyway... With money, you're never truly alone. Without it, you're always on your own. When you have cash, a "friend" always seems to appear; when you have nothing, nobody is even in sight. Shout out to the exceptions, though!!! That's just life. It's ridiculous seeing people drive luxury cars with no roof over their heads, or wearing designer clothes while their kids are going hungry... On the flip side, some people give their kids everything and turn them into idiots, or spoil their wives so much they never actually spend time with them... You never know what love will bring or how things will turn out. Things might get better over the years, or suddenly—boom—everything falls apart. Having money or real estate provides a safety net...🍿

Paul Bennett3 said:Money matters to me. I value feeling financially secure and protected. I can't stand when people claim money isn't important—that’s just nonsense. Without cash, you can't do anything except sit there and cry. That's how the world works. Money is vital, sure, but maybe not the *most* important thing; emotional fulfillment is huge too. But money buys you freedom. It gives you the chance to relax and actually think about your next move... Being broke holds you back; it destroys both your physical and mental health. I'm not a fan of reckless spending, but I hate stinginess just as much. No one knows how long they have left. Spending everything now only to starve tomorrow makes no sense, but hoarding luxury while you're still breathing feels just as pointless. Someone mentioned there's a fine line between the two, and finding it is tough. They aren't wrong. I live by what Thatcher said: "There is no freedom without economic freedom." That’s the fundamental reason why people want money. For example, if your husband leaves you and you have funds, you can heal your broken heart more easily. If your parents pass away, you can handle the situation better. If friends walk out on you, let them go—they cost you too much anyway... With money, you're never truly alone. Without it, you're always on your own. When you have cash, a "friend" always seems to appear; when you have nothing, nobody is even in sight. Shout out to the exceptions, though!!! That's just life. It's ridiculous seeing people drive luxury cars with no roof over their heads, or wearing designer clothes while their kids are going hungry... On the flip side, some people give their kids everything and turn them into idiots, or spoil their wives so much they never actually spend time with them... You never know what love will bring or how things will turn out. Things might get better over the years, or suddenly—boom—everything falls apart. Having money or real estate provides a safety net...🍿

Once we see you out with Dickens, everyone will know you're with him for love, just like every other woman before you.😁

Paul Bennett3 said:Money matters to me. I value feeling financially secure and protected. I can't stand when people claim money isn't important—that’s just nonsense. Without cash, you can't do anything except sit there and cry. That's how the world works. Money is vital, sure, but maybe not the *most* important thing; emotional fulfillment is huge too. But money buys you freedom. It gives you the chance to relax and actually think about your next move... Being broke holds you back; it destroys both your physical and mental health. I'm not a fan of reckless spending, but I hate stinginess just as much. No one knows how long they have left. Spending everything now only to starve tomorrow makes no sense, but hoarding luxury while you're still breathing feels just as pointless. Someone mentioned there's a fine line between the two, and finding it is tough. They aren't wrong. I live by what Thatcher said: "There is no freedom without economic freedom." That’s the fundamental reason why people want money. For example, if your husband leaves you and you have funds, you can heal your broken heart more easily. If your parents pass away, you can handle the situation better. If friends walk out on you, let them go—they cost you too much anyway... With money, you're never truly alone. Without it, you're always on your own. When you have cash, a "friend" always seems to appear; when you have nothing, nobody is even in sight. Shout out to the exceptions, though!!! That's just life. It's ridiculous seeing people drive luxury cars with no roof over their heads, or wearing designer clothes while their kids are going hungry... On the flip side, some people give their kids everything and turn them into idiots, or spoil their wives so much they never actually spend time with them... You never know what love will bring or how things will turn out. Things might get better over the years, or suddenly—boom—everything falls apart. Having money or real estate provides a safety net...🍿

Nothing in life is a sure thing, and honestly, money just gives you this fake sense of security—at least that's how it feels to me.
Once you get hit with a serious illness, you'd trade every cent in the world just to feel healthy again. That’s just the reality we're all dealing with.
So, my take? You should have enough to live comfortably and build a solid cushion for those "just in case" moments—true financial independence—but you shouldn't let your whole life revolve around the dollar.

I’ve been hearing rumors that they’re just handing out cash for free over in Finland. Honestly, I’ve thought about packing my bags and moving there, though I do worry the gloomy weather might send me into a bit of a funk.
In my view, having access to water, food, and a decent place to sleep should be treated as fundamental human rights—just as essential as they are for any plant or animal. It seems only logical, especially if we actually consider ourselves an intelligent, self-aware species.
Just imagine the headache of dealing with someone who only wants to be with you because you're "successful," or worse, rejects you because you aren't. I can't stand the idea of some parasite latching onto me while I'm foolish enough to think they actually care about who I am as a person.
Don't get me wrong, money matters, but nothing beats genuine human connections and knowing you have someone you can truly rely on.
Love me when I've got nothing to my name, not just when I'm sitting on a fortune, you selfish people!

Raymond Walker5 said:Once we see you out with Dickens, everyone will know you're with him for love, just like every other woman before you.😁

Exactly! We're looking for Dickens!!🤣🤣🤣
What good are losers and paupers to me? I'm not looking to bankroll anyone.
All jokes aside, I've been through enough to know how the world works. I'm not saying money is everything, but let's be real—it matters.

Paul Bennett3 said:Exactly! We're looking for Dickens!!🤣🤣🤣
What good are losers and paupers to me? I'm not looking to bankroll anyone.
All jokes aside, I've been through enough to know how the world works. I'm not saying money is everything, but let's be real—it matters.

Anyone living here in America knows exactly what "life" feels like, unfortunately.

@Donna White50

I'm not saying we should be slaves to money, but let's be real—we're dependent on it every single day. You can't move an inch without it. Illness is just part of life, and sure, cash won't buy you perfect health, but it sure buys you access to a better hospital, maybe even specialized care out of state... When you have the means, you can actually breathe easier...

Raymond Walker5 said:Anyone living here in America knows exactly what "life" feels like, unfortunately.

Exactly.

@Donna White50

It’s all just an illusion. A false sense of security. Marriage, friendship, love—they're all illusions. Even parents provide nothing but a facade because they leave without warning. Education? A lie. A steady job? Another illusion. Even a fat bank account won't save you... eventually, it leaves you behind because you have to die.👍

Think he's just some hedonist?

Nah—an egoist is someone who's just straight-up selfish. Doesn't have to be cheap or anything, they just focus entirely on themselves. That's the whole point.

Raymond Walker5 said:I’ve been hearing rumors that they’re just handing out cash for free over in Finland. Honestly, I’ve thought about packing my bags and moving there, though I do worry the gloomy weather might send me into a bit of a funk.
In my view, having access to water, food, and a decent place to sleep should be treated as fundamental human rights—just as essential as they are for any plant or animal. It seems only logical, especially if we actually consider ourselves an intelligent, self-aware species.
Just imagine the headache of dealing with someone who only wants to be with you because you're "successful," or worse, rejects you because you aren't. I can't stand the idea of some parasite latching onto me while I'm foolish enough to think they actually care about who I am as a person.
Don't get me wrong, money matters, but nothing beats genuine human connections and knowing you have someone you can truly rely on.
Love me when I've got nothing to my name, not just when I'm sitting on a fortune, you selfish people!

Plants and animals having rights? And who exactly gets to decide those rights? Us humans?

Jeffrey Ramos4 said:Plants and animals having rights? And who exactly gets to decide those rights? Us humans?

Honestly, nobody needs to grant them any rights. It’s just an inherent part of their existence from the moment they are born. It’s a strange way to look at it, but when someone tries to charge you for using the very resources the planet provided to sustain you—it's like trying to bill you for the nutrients inside the egg you hatched from! But I suppose people have been conditioned so deeply by society that they feel they have to "earn" the right to simply exist. It feels like it will take quite a while before we finally see sense on this. Most people don't even view themselves as part of nature anymore; they act like they're some kind of interloper on a planet that created them. To me, that feels like a fundamental glitch in our collective mindset.

Money is honestly the biggest load of crap the human mind has ever cooked up.
.

Paul Bennett3 said:@Donna White50

I'm not saying we should be slaves to money, but let's be real—we're dependent on it every single day. You can't move an inch without it. Illness is just part of life, and sure, cash won't buy you perfect health, but it sure buys you access to a better hospital, maybe even specialized care out of state... When you have the means, you can actually breathe easier...

Paul Bennett3 said:@Donna White50

It’s all just an illusion. A false sense of security. Marriage, friendship, love—they're all illusions. Even parents provide nothing but a facade because they leave without warning. Education? A lie. A steady job? Another illusion. Even a fat bank account won't save you... eventually, it leaves you behind because you have to die.👍

Of course everything feels like a safety net that isn't really there. Money is a tangible thing and works great as a way to trade, which is why people cling to it. But like I said, money isn't the end-all, be-all.
And honestly, this idea that money can't "abandon" us doesn't quite track for me either. I think people are just terrified of being left alone or being solitary, like they don't trust themselves to stand on their own two feet. Just imagine if everyone—parents, partners, friends—suddenly walked away. If you're healthy and able to take care of yourself, what's the worst that happens? Not much, really... you'd just keep living, find new people, make new connections. People today seem way too dependent on others, always scared of losing someone, when in reality, we aren't actually missing anything vital. We have food, a roof over our heads, we pay our bills... right? That’s the core of it—being able to look after ourselves, work, and earn enough to stay afloat. Beyond that, we don't really need more than that. Most folks don't realize that money is basically just paper. It only has value because we collectively agree it does so we can swap it for stuff we actually need, like groceries, a house, or a car. If someone refuses to take our cash, we can just walk away... you can't eat money, it won't buy you health or friends, and it won't keep you warm at night. Plus, if the currency crashes, that paper becomes pretty worthless real fast.

Someone mentioned earlier that things like food, water, and shelter should be basic human rights.
I have to disagree there. Half the world is living in absolute poverty and half the world is starving. Having reliable food and owning a little patch of land is a luxury that the West enjoys. And an even bigger luxury is the fact that if you fall on hard times, the government steps in to help. Most people on this planet can only dream of that—they don't even know if they'll make it through next month. Living in the US is a massive privilege that we often take for granted...
We have to face the fact that there isn't enough to go around for everyone. If every single person on Earth reached our level of development, the planet simply couldn't handle it. Our civilization uses up way too many resources just to maintain the luxuries we enjoy, and it's just not natural or sustainable in the long run. The planet is straining under the pressure, especially when most people globally are living in conditions that are nothing compared to the West...

The West is just fundamentally broken and pretty much fake at its core, if you ask me.