How do people afford this?

[DuckMom2017]

My jeep is also 17 years old. No AC or heat. and I shop at goodwill when I need to cave to the shopping urge.

 

[sourland]

Going to work for 50 years, saving/investing, and getting old worked for me.

 

[Bridger Davis]

My mom always used this illustration. If you have a jar, golf balls, and sand, you need to put the golf balls (aka priorities) in the jar first. Then you will have room for the sand. If you do it the other way, the golf balls will not fit.. Oh ya, the sand is the little things like your hobbies.

 

[RodNTN]

Great example @Bridger Davis My mom has said something like that before

 

[Bridger Davis]

Must be a mom thing!

 

[RodNTN]

Yep

 

[DuckMom2017]

Is there some sort of financial secret I am not seeing that lets people stay at home and play with their animals all day and still afford huge houses and cars? Do I need to win the lottery? I am all the time seeing people with the best of everything but plenty of time to spend with their animals. (Of course there is a bit of sarcasm in this, but any hints would be appreciated)

I will say, I have at times seen people that were obviously loaded with cash, and straight up asked them what they do.
By the end of their story I realize it's not always worth it..and I'm good where I am with my old jeep, old jeans and little house!

 

[theoldchick]

Worked my patootie off. Got an education. Didn't smoke. Didn't Drink. Didn't do drugs. Didn't have kids. Basically didn't spend money on wasteful things. Invested wisely. Married well. No, I don't have everything but I have a lot of things I truly enjoy. And for that I am truly grateful.

 

[lazy gardener]

I love this! Yes, whatever you do, make sure you keep God first! Let's remember:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you- Matthew 6:33 (Don't know if I completely worded this right )

Above is a good verse, but... I would caution the reader against confusing that with the "gospel of wealth" as is preached by some churches. God does take care of His people, in ways that we can barely begin to fathom, understand, or appreciate. But, he does not promise me that if I put money in the offering plate, that I will become financially rich.

Beware, THINGS can own you.

Luke 16:13 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

 

[theoldchick]

People see what we have and don't realize the amount of work involved. Our vehicles came from auction. Our trucks needed new motors, transmissions, body work. Our house was built using the old boy network which also built our barn, coop and so forth. After 25 years as Highway Patrol, hubby now owns his transmission shop. Comes home greasy, exhausted and ready to hit the recliner. Working as a vet tech, I came home with various bite wounds, fecal matter in hair, and an aching back. We worked, kept focused, and spent our money well. We are perfectly happy to drive around in our rebuilt/recycled vehicles, and enjoy helping others keep their old cars running so they can afford to send their kids to college. And I don't have a problem living in our home made home. And if I go to the Great One Above tomorrow, I will be able to say I lived an honorable life.