Mo’ money, mo’ problems, AMIRITE?! Actually, for most Americans (and most people of the world), our lack of money is really putting a cramp in our lifestyles. And by lifestyles, I mean — being able to afford housing, food, education, and all of that avocado toast us millennials seem to be stuffing down our pie holes. Yes, being broke f*cking sucks really, really, really, really hard, but what’s new? We’re not here to talk about me poor people, we’re here to talk about the 1% — the people of the world who could literally buy all of the avocados and make all of the sourdough toast in the world and never go hungry.
For those who fall in the top tax brackets, their lives revolve less around thinking about where their next paycheck is coming from, and more around what luxury vehicle they’re going to get their spoiled 16 year old daughter on her birthday. Okay, I’m only half kidding, but really — sometimes having all of the wealth in the world comes with some negative consequences. Those consequences are less dire than, say, starving to death, but are negative nonetheless.
According to rich people on the internet, sometimes wealth isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. You have to worry about people always asking you for money, the jealousy and resentment, having lazy children, and (if you’re workin’ hard for the money) stressing yourself out from all the tireless hours you’ve spent racking up the cash. Your personal life surely suffers, but when compared to the stress of not having enough moola? It doesn’t really compare. For those who became wealthy later in life, they speak of not having to worry about bills, food, or student loans as the biggest wins. I mean, if I could pay off all of my credit card debt every month without flinching, I would be the happiest girl in the world. But alas, I’m still poor and that interest is still f*cking me hard in the ass. Oh well.
These are the 21 best and worst things about being wealthy:
1.
The good part is that you don’t have to worry about things that depend on money. You know you can pay for it. Car breaks down? Whatever, just have it fixed overnight and rent an equal immediately. House trouble? Bring someone out to fix it right away. Insurance and medical is a lot easier when you have the money to not worry about it. What’s worse though is that in some regards it’s true that it can be less fulfilling. When getting a paycheck means nothing it’s not as fun. Of course you don’t strictly need to work if you have enough money, but if you don’t then what do you do with your time? Gotta do something. Otherwise it gets boring as hell, I tried. It’s awesome for a month to do nothing. Then I got bored. I have a job I love, and I look forward to going to work. It’s not about the money, it’s about my colleagues and the work I do.
2.
For me, it’s knowing my son will never have to worry about student loans.
3.
Newly rich, but the biggest change has been the mental relief that comes with not having to worry about paying bills, or affording pretty much anything. There is some stress that comes with trying to make sure other people don’t know about it.
4.
The best part is exactly what you’d expect. We exist with a financial peace of mind and a generally higher standard of living. We don’t really worry about any of our basic needs. Mortgage, bills, and our day to day expenses are all only about twenty percent(ish) of our after-tax income. We’re left with a very healthy sum of money to save, vacation, and buy luxury/discretionary items. We don’t live overly lavishly, but we own nice things. We drive comfortable cars, and eat at relatively expensive restaurants. At the end of the day, I think the greatest downside we have is the palpable resentment of some of our friends/family members who have less than we do. You’ll have to take my word for it when I say that we aren’t flamboyant or arrogant about our wealth, but when some in our social circle find out what we make (or more typically they intuit it based on how we live), they can become entitled/expectant, or just generally bitter with us.
5.
I grew up poor but worked hard and got ahead. I don’t think it feels any different. I still eat peanut butter jelly sandwiches and shop at grocery stores on the weekends while doing everything I can to save money. Good thing: enjoyable travel experience. Bad thing: family and friends expectation of luxurious gift products.
Laura is a freelance writer for TFLN. She likes to write about what she knows best — dating, sex, and being awkward, but usually in the opposite order. She is the Assistant Editor and videographer for Peach Fuzz, a sex-positive nudie magazine in ATX.
