The Comparison Game

 

The Comparison Game can be expensive.

I have a valid reason for no longer visiting Facebook. The platform makes it too tempting to compare myself with others, who often post about their exotic vacations, new vehicles, or various possessions in their homes.  

And they are broke!  They are stinkin' broke!  It is understood that over 70 percent of Facebook users are in debt, a fact established by mathematical analysis. More than 70 percent have recurring credit card balances each month. Moreover, those in their 50s or 60s often lack substantial retirement savings. Check it out. 

Despite being aware of the facts, we often succumb to the trap of comparison. An inner urge compels us to measure ourselves against others. Many Americans spend excessively on consumables in an attempt to appear a rung higher on the social ladder than their peers. Eventually, they realize that they cannot sustain such a pretentious lifestyle and end up overwhelmed with stress. Consequently, they resort to complaining on radio shows about the high cost of living. The advice often boils down to two actions: "Sell the car" and "Sell the house," which usually seems to be the right course of action.  

Why can't they figure out what they need to do on their own?  They can't understand a logical mindset because they are caught up in the comparison game.  This looney radio host is basically telling each caller to get off the social ladder.  They almost always come back with "this is our cheapest option, though".  They are intoxicated with status.

In retirement, we will need to learn quickly to stay away from ladders.  Both literally and metaphorically.

Indeed, a disciplined plan for allocating funds throughout our lives is essential, lest we face actual poverty. I refrain from comparing my financial strategy to others, as it's much like comparing apples to oranges.

Our goal is to drive our Highlander beyond 200,000 miles. At this stage, the purchasing decisions of others to boost their status are irrelevant to us. Adopting this mindset sooner rather than later, in my experience, leads to greater happiness. Similarly, we aim to take our Camry past the 200,000-mile mark. I was aware of a frustrating flaw when purchasing it. The Camry has been utterly reliable thus far, yet they tend to develop minor transmission issues between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. I understand the cause of this issue and the method to fix it, as well as the fact that the repair will cost around two thousand dollars. Embracing this mindset has significantly saved us money and reduced stress.

Now, many will act surprised when their vehicles break down.  Not me. We are not puzzled because I study about everything that we buy and, in the process, irritate my wife.  We buy cars that we can afford to purchase twice. In other words, if we cannot immediately replace the car we're driving with cash, then the car is too expensive for us.

It's just my way, and not for everyone.  The only thing I want to worry about if a car is demolished is the occupant.  Fortunately, there are a lot of good used cars out there, too. If we were in a pinch, I would purchase a 1997-2001 Camry with 200,000 miles or less (Put together in Japan). They last 300,000 miles with relatively inexpensive repairs. Also, I know how to maintain them. 

 In retirement, I view cars purely as means of transportation.  Not to assert my financial standing.  We could have saved a significant amount of money had I embraced this perspective sooner. To maintain this mindset, it's crucial to steer clear of comparing ourselves to others.

Adopting a mindset of contentment in all areas of our lives can lead to significant savings. This sense of satisfaction can also shield us from anxiety and stress. Overindulging in social media or what I call "the Deception Box" often leaves us feeling profoundly inadequate. It's also wise to avoid the company of perpetually insecure and discontent individuals who thrive on competition in every aspect of their existence. Allow them to follow their path while you gracefully detach. 

The prevalence of pretense is notable. Recently, I observed a young woman in her twenties with a newborn, getting into a brand-new Toyota 4Runner at Costco. The vehicle boasted an attractive orange stripe. I concede that the vehicle is impressive. Yet, it's improbable that she could afford such a premium SUV without substantial wealth, as they're priced around $50,000, and this one appeared to be a limited edition with distinct words on the seats and unique rims, not to mention it was impeccably clean and shiny. It seems there's a considerable chance she's not genuine wealth, although it's also possible she works extremely hard to afford such a luxury.

It amuses me to see an 80-year-old man or woman pull up to the pump in a massive hyper-diesel truck. They may well afford it, but the sight is quite humorous and curious to me. Explain why they own such a rig in the comment section.  What kind of work can they get done? Indeed, people are a source of entertainment.

But I digress............................

See what I mean with this comparison thing?  Should we buy a 50,000-to-100,000-dollar truck to keep up?  Not unless we a multi-millionaires. And there are only 1 million of these folks out of 360 million population.  That fact means that 359 million of us cannot afford such a liability.  I retired early and am diligently saving money to ensure my wife can also retire.  Thus, no to expensive machines.

Indeed, it's not uncommon to see expensive trucks parked in front of inexpensive housing here. In our area, nearly every second vehicle on the road is a newer large truck. A front-wheel drive car equipped with quality tires can navigate our roads quite safely and effectively. Even those of us with four-wheel drive vehicles choose to stay home on certain winter days. Put simply, they are excessive.

The game of comparison leads to absurd situations where people possess far more than necessary yet remain dissatisfied. Indeed, these are often the angriest and most despondent individuals we encounter. It's the reason why a couple might occupy a 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom house, why there's a market for new cell phones annually, and why people purchase seven-dollar coffees. 

In the scriptures this spirit is called covetousness. Christians are strictly forbidden to participate in these games.  Instead, we are to be stewards of all we have and always generous.  Unfortunately, this nonsense besets the best of us.  

Observing that shiny truck yesterday led me to this line of thought about the importance of being mindful of our thinking patterns.

I'm tired........................................later