I agree. Happiness is largely about wanting what you have. A lot of unhappiness in my own life was because I was envious of the material stuff that other people had.

I now realise that material stuff only makes you happy for a short while. After that it doesn’t really do anything for you.

Be well and prosper.
.-= Panzer´s last blog ..Fairprice Plus Savings Decline to 0.2% (Balances Below $50k) =-.

Just to share my thoughts. So long “Sg” is not “Sodom and Gomorroh”, I am fine here in Singapore.

We must not be so caught up with this earthly abode, because it is temporal. The cost of living in Singapore is escalating; you pay more to get less; and at times, there is not much to save and put aside for rainny days. So, the more we must be careful with our spendings.

I don’t feel I have little because I don’t need much. Good health is all I want so that I won’t be a burden to my loved ones.

It’s about feeling comfortable with what you have and not being sucked into the game called, “mine is bigger than yours” syndrome.

I used to feel EXACTLY what you said. The tinge of envy and jealousy as seeing people who can drive big luxury cars while I was taking public transport for the first 10+ years of my working career.

But after I embarked on my journey towards financial freedom, I realised that the game of keeping up with our neighbours will never end, and happiness lies in how we find joys in the simple things in life after we’ve achieved our basic needs, i.e. shelter (home), food, security and relationships.

The iPhones and BMWs are nice to haves but not essential to happiness. Living within your means and being happy with the situation is more important.

As I get older, I realise good health is more important than winning TOTO group 1 prize because with health you can do many things but without it, even with money, one can do nothing much.

I believe in thinking outside of the box and to make changes. Being open to the possibility of living my retirement years in a lower cost country is one option. But I intend to develop many options e.g. redefining the term “retirement”. So long as my health is good, I intend to work until my last breathe because I choose to and not because I have to.

Be well and prosper.

Sometimes, its depressing to see the luxury cars cruising on the streets while you are taking public transport. You cant help wonder if you belong to the class of ‘lesser’ mortals who toil just to support a simple lifestyle. Yes, living the retirement years in a cheaper country is an option but you would have to make substantial changes to your existing lifestyle which could be compromising and difficult.