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After what feels like years of scrimp... I am finally at the point where I feel "comfortable"
(snip) Anyone else feel like this middle class blah and boredom?
Like you can't go nuts w money like if you won the lotto but at the same time a job loss isn't something I am worried about.
Why is your current state "blah and boredom"? I'd define it as "not stressful," and take advantage of that relative lack of financial stress to concentrate on and truly enjoy the non-monetary aspects of life (which is something too many people can't do, as they have to constantly worry about how they are going to pay their bills).
Not feeling stress or angst about your financial situation is a good thing, not a "blah" thing. There's more to life than money, and even people on an investing forum would readily admit that.
Think of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It means you're past the basic needs and have time and energy for the psychological and self-actualization needs. That's a good thing!
Because you're still kinda confined to middle class tastes and spending.
Like I could live the same lifestyle if I had 200 bucks in a checking account (seems like yesterday but that's what I did)
Keep in mind that people who actually build affluence (those who earn their way to being considered rich, rather than those who inherit fortunes) who aren't actors or athletes generally confine themselves to middle class tastes and instead spend the extra money on themselves for their future by investing it. I know a few affluent people who still drive the beat up cars they had in college and they're quite happy because they're not defined by the "things" they have - more in the security their future has now.
You didn't say anything about your age or situation beyond having $20K in checking and feeling 'comfortable.' Not sure what that means, but, keep this in mind - Life is a moving target and true lasting "comfort" (aka: peace, satisfaction, joy) does not come from a temporary bank account. If you believe it does, you are setting yourself up for a fall.
At the very least put it in a savings account with same bank so you have a firewall against money accessible by ATM card and move it to checking as needed.
Well, that is a sad thing if you have money and feel boredom. It's usually people who have no money and can't do anything that you think would be bored.
Blah and boredom is the hedonic treadmill kicking in again
Quote:
The hedonic treadmill, also known as hedonic adaptation, is the observed tendency of humans to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes. According to this theory, as a person makes more money, expectations and desires rise in tandem, which results in no permanent gain in happiness.
I think the OP is referring to the fact that he can’t just go out and blow the money. So essentially he’s still bored and living a middle class life despite decent savings.
OP, it doesn’t have to be that way, but you must find hobbies and things that make you happy. Travel? Sports? Fishing? Watches? Cars? Surely there is something that can keep your middle class from being blah and boring.
Want something cheap? Books. Some good books of your favorite genre can really bring joy to ones life.
Because you're still kinda confined to middle class tastes and spending.
Like I could live the same lifestyle if I had 200 bucks in a checking account (seems like yesterday but that's what I did)
Once you've attained a basic middle class lifestyle, having more doesn't really add that much to your sense of well being, anyway. A sense of financial security is important, but it's not enough, all by itself, if you want a fulfilling life.
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