In the past few years, I have been working hard to improve my financial situation.
At times, I found myself a little too obsessed by the desire to be rich and make money right now. It’s something that many people in our society feel.
But I have been lucky enough to be able to stop myself from continuing my life.
Everything can happen in an instant. Money is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that matters.
Here are some signs that you may be becoming obsessed with money and getting rich quickly.
- All you Talk About is Money
It’s a lot of money coming from someone who is so into personal finance as I am, right? (That’s rich, get it? #MoneyPuns)
Money is a subject I don’t talk about with everyone I know. Money can be a sensitive subject for some people. There are also many other topics that you can discuss with your friends and family.
Try to reduce the amount of time you spend talking about money. Money shouldn’t be on your mind 24/7.
- You are putting yourself through stress to get rich
Money can be stressful, and managing your personal finances is no exception. If your obsession to get rich and chase the “almighty Dollar” is causing you stress, then you might be too obsessed.
It’s great to work hard and chase financial independence. But if this is impacting your mental and/or physical health, then it’s time for you to reevaluate your goals.
You should ask yourself: “Is it worth the cost to my health and mental well-being to try to get rich or make money?”
- Do Not Jump on Every Money Making Idea
You’re always the first to take advantage of new opportunities to earn money, since making money is your top priority.
It’s fine to want to try new things, but if you don’t see them through and move on to the next one right away, it could become a problem.
You may become frustrated if it doesn’t go well. It can be very stressful on your mental health.
It took me a while to decide what side hustle I wanted to do a few year ago. I was excited by the ideas and money that could be made, but I would abandon them if they didn’t work out.
It was frustrating and costing me money and time!
- You are alienating your family and friends
But I also learn to spend time away from these items. However, I am also learning to spend more time away from them. Spending more time with my family, friends and significant other is part of this.
You may be developing a bad pattern if you begin to notice that you are sacrificing your close relationships or alienating family and friends in order to focus on money every minute of the day.
After you have made all of this money, you need to ask yourself, with whom will you be able to share your life? You may reach the top of your pursuit, but be left alone.
You may not be able to stop yourself from pushing people away, even if you are independent.
- Assuming that your happiness is solely dependent on money
Money doesn’t make you happy. You’ve heard it before. Money is often pursued by people who believe it will make them happier.
You might smile a little if you were to drive a lambo along the oceanfront of a property. Once the excitement of money has settled, that happiness can also fade.
You might be obsessed with the idea that getting rich is what happiness means. Your self-worth does not depend on your bank balance.
- You are constantly comparing your finances to others
It’s something I wrote about when this blog was a baby. (It still is). Constantly comparing your financial situation to that of others can be a warning sign. You will always know someone who is better than you — it’s just the way life works!
There are people who spend money that they don’t even have just to maintain an appearance. You will go crazy if you focus on other people’s finances or things that could indicate their wealth.
For a while, I felt like I was stuck in my career. I also felt that I was far behind my friends and peers financially. This made me work harder but I was always fixated by what other people had or did.
It was a risky path to begin on, but thanks to The Millionaire Next Door, and other readings, I realized that it didn’t really matter how wealthy I was, because others were faking and will always be richer than me.
What is financial freedom and what does it really mean? It’s not all about money for me. It’s more about living your best possible life.
Find out why you are obsessed with money
There are many reasons why we become obsessed with money. There is nothing wrong with working to improve your financial situation and provide a safety net for you family.
We can become obsessed with making money or getting rich.
I have always been interested in personal finance. Saving and investing are my passions because I don’t want to worry about money. Money has affected me on all sides, so I have to be careful not to let it consume my life.
The problem begins when you become obsessed with your interests and pursuits to the point that they are causing harm not only to yourself but also those around you.
Over the past few years I have been able reduce my obsession.
This is a combination of having a positive mindset, a good upbringing, being surrounded by good people, and seeing other people suffer because they are obsessed with money that keeps me aware.
Final Thoughts
You may be able to recognize negative money habits you have adopted or perhaps just keep you grounded.
Maybe I’m preaching too much? I hope not, as I don’t want to adopt a “holier-than-thou” mentality when it comes my finances.
You probably think, “Damn! Let me live my own life!” Sorry for the rant.
Some of the above items may be unintentional, or you have only just realized what your obsession with money is doing.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you are not happy with your life right now, then your relentless pursuit of money will also not help. You may feel happy temporarily, but you will still be unhappy when all is said and done.
