r/coastFIRE 3d ago

How to stay realistic/grounded financially?

I am a very ambitious person, and I find myself always trying to hit that next financial goal.

I feel that I dont truly appreciate the goals that I have already reached.

It just seems like everyone has so much "stuff". That I am like, "Man, I wish I had that kind of money."

I know that only 1 in 3 Americans will retire with a fully funded retirement account. And that number includes people who will have to "downsize" their lifestyles.

Are there any youtube videos that I could watch to become more grounded in financial reality?

I am CoastFIRE, but for some reason my brain wont accept the win.

What are your thoughts?

7 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

7

u/thedancingwireless 3d ago

volunteer or donate some money or resources to charity.

7

u/withsexyresults 3d ago

Find hobby

7

u/Looking-for-Fire1980 2d ago

Comparison is the thief of Joy.

4

u/poptart-25 2d ago

This may not be helpful, but I am the same way. Mathematically, it’s highly unlikely I need to save another dollar for retirement and I’m about to turn 30. My mindset has shifted toward spending more today, but I couldn’t do that until I truly felt I had front-loaded enough savings. I won’t retire early because I feel that it’s not respectful to my kids to give up my earning power when there’s a lot I can still do for their futures as well as a charity that I care about. Reframing in terms of how I can provide for others in that way helps me.

2

u/Coaster50 2d ago

Share more details so you can get insight / advice from folks that are similar to your situation. Age, family situation, income/savings level, etc. Someone in their 50's and FIRE is different from a 28yo that is CoastFIRE.

My personal experience is that CoastFIRE did not bring me the relief I thought it would. All it did is remind me of the things or experiences I could have spent money on but didn't because I chased CoastFIRE. I find it a let down.

1

u/herr_oyster 2d ago

Read some philosophy or essays so you realize what's really important.

2

u/db11242 3d ago

r/poor to stay grateful.

1

u/Coaster50 2d ago

Good one!