How do you deal with financial envy?

[Anonymous]

I'm more likely to feel guilt for having more than others than envy at having less. Just think it's the way I'm wired.

[Anonymous]

Consider that the people you envy may be richer in finances but poorer in other ways (health, time, love, family, contentment, self worth).

[Anonymous]

Remember that appearances can be deceiving. Some, perhaps many, people living seemingly affluent lifestyles may actually have relatively little because they are living extravagantly from paycheck to paycheck. A big house may only reflect a large mortgage rather than lots of equity. An expensive car may be leased, with high monthly payments, and no ownership. Vacations may be put on credit cards, to be paid off at high interest rates over time from future paychecks. People may have little in savings or investments, and may be facing relatively constrained future retirements when their working lives and high incomes come to an end. High incomes do not mean someone is wealthy (see., e.g., the book "The Millionaire Next Door").

In other words, you may be financially better off than some of the people you envy, but you just don't know it because you only see their signals of financial success. Those signals can oftentimes be given even if there's little of substance to back them up.

[Anonymous]

I grew up in the projects. I am now so grateful for whatever we have. I don’t take it for granted and I am not jealous of those who have more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Consider that the people you envy may be richer in finances but poorer in other ways (health, time, love, family, contentment, self worth).

Eh. We shouldn’t have to tell ourselves that other peoples lives may not be full, just to feel better about our own. I think the key is finding gratitude for your own situation or changing it.

[Anonymous]

I think it's normal to feel envy -- sometimes it's easier than others to manage those feelings. For me I try to remind myself of what is working in my life, what I'm thankful for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider that the people you envy may be richer in finances but poorer in other ways (health, time, love, family, contentment, self worth).

Eh. We shouldn’t have to tell ourselves that other peoples lives may not be full, just to feel better about our own. I think the key is finding gratitude for your own situation or changing it.

+1

Please stop looking outside for gratification. There are many things in your life that are enjoyable and fulfilling, find joy in those.

[Anonymous]

I practice gratitude. Not what I have that others don't, but what I do have that I appreciate. Sure, I'm sometimes still envious of friends who have more, but I have a lot as well and I'm thankful for that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consider that the people you envy may be richer in finances but poorer in other ways (health, time, love, family, contentment, self worth).

Eh. We shouldn’t have to tell ourselves that other peoples lives may not be full, just to feel better about our own. I think the key is finding gratitude for your own situation or changing it.

+1

Please stop looking outside for gratification. There are many things in your life that are enjoyable and fulfilling, find joy in those.

+3. Please stop pretending that we’re all actually equalized underneath. We’re not. Life is unfair.

[Anonymous]

I just consider the fact that in 50 years we’ll be equally dead and all the money in the world won’t change that. It’s kind of freeing, really.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I discovered investing instead of just saving. I won't be well off because I started late and I don't care as much, but I'm excited for my kids.

What age did you start? do you think it would be different if you didn't have kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm more likely to feel guilt for having more than others than envy at having less. Just think it's the way I'm wired.

You sound like a democrat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you believe that you can make your dreams happen for yourself, there's no need to be envious of others, you can be happy for them.

I would suggest working on an abundance mindset and taking steps toward your goals.

I believe and have seen that the people who are much better off than me are people who had a head start in life. They either,

1. Born to parents who were already middle/upper middle class and had a smart father or mother who were financially savvy.
2. Born to American parents who went to college and advised them well.
3. Have sheer luck in things whether it be meeting the right people/making the right connections/ or having someone believe in them to turn their luck around.

[Anonymous]

I’m more envious of people who have active sex or social lives. I have the money and lifestyle - it’s not all that. I’d rather have a husband who puts out and a group of girlfriends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m more envious of people who have active sex or social lives. I have the money and lifestyle - it’s not all that. I’d rather have a husband who puts out and a group of girlfriends.

So weird hearing a woman say she wants a guy "who puts out" but OK...