Rich People don’t Drive Nice Cars or Wealth is Health

I truly learned the lesson of “how to be rich” when I became friends with an extremely wealthy woman.  I remember the first time I saw what kind of car she drove.  It was a Mercedes.  Hmph.  Many people would consider that to be a very luxurious car but for this woman who could afford anything in the world, it was actually quite modest.  Me, although being of more modest means, was trying to find a way to get myself into some comparably priced luxury vehicle.  I had the mindset that if I was working hard while constantly growing my wealth and able to get approved for a big loan, I too could have a car like hers.  I would be barley covering my expenses each month, but I could be cruising Southern California in a sweet ride…the ride I deserved for working so hard.  It was the icon of success that would propel me into even harder working or so I thought.

I told my wealthy friend that I was starting the car search.  She said, “Your car is great!  You don’t need a new car!”  My car was great:  It was up to date with maintenance, reliable, the body was in great shape and most importantly it was PAID OFF.  I examined my situation when I realized that even though I was making so much more money than in my Navy days, I felt like I had less money.  I had been living waaay below my means back then and now I was trying to live at the tippy top of my means.

I became rich once again when I reduced my expenses compared to my income.  My stress was extremely reduced by my feeling of wealth.  Being rich is good for my health.