VitalAccurateThinking

Money & Happiness

This is a great article on the "keeping up with the Joneses" syndrome that seems to inflict damage to relationships, families and, most critically, dreams. Laura Rowley puts it like this:

To overcome money envy, we need to figure out our purpose, identify what we love and value most, and make our money obey our values by setting specific financial goals. Because if we achieve the things we value most, we'll be less riveted by what the neighbors are doing.

This isn't a one-time exercise, but a lifelong struggle. The Joneses, the media, and American culture will forever seduce us to betray what is genuinely meaningful for what is comfortable, beautiful, and enviable.

posted by Jim VAT @ 9:03 AM