I have been thinking about this whole "more money, more problems" thing lately. I don't know if it's from a song or just something people say, but it's wild how true it actually is, but maybe not in the way you'd expect. When I was very broke (like, really broke), there were so many things I'd see and just automatically know I couldn't afford. That designer bag? Nope. That fancy restaurant? Not happening. That dream vacation? Maybe in another lifetime. And you know what? I'd just move on. There was this weird peace in knowing something was completely out of reach. The decision was already made for me.
But here's where it gets interesting. As you grow up and start making some money—not necessarily rich, just enough to have some choices—everything changes. Suddenly, you're looking at things thinking "I could probably afford this if I really wanted to." And that's where the problems start. It's not even negative problems, really. It's more like... options. Lots and lots of options. And with every option comes a decision. Should I upgrade my phone? Should I move to a better apartment? Should I invest in that course? Should I buy better clothes? Should I eat at nicer places? Should i get a car? The list never ends. When you couldn't afford anything, life was simpler in some ways. Now that you can afford some things, you're constantly weighing what's worth it and what's not. It's not a bad thing, it's actually pretty amazing that you have choices now. But it does require more mental energy.
And here's the kicker eh, human nature will always want more. It's like we're wired to never be satisfied. You get that thing you've been wanting, and for about five minutes, you're happy. Then you see the next thing. And the next. And suddenly, you're creating problems for yourself that didn't exist before. I remember when having 100k in my bank account felt like being rich. Now? That same amount feels like nothing. The goalposts keep moving, and we keep chasing them.
The real skill isn't in wanting more—that's natural. The real skill is knowing when to stop. Knowing when enough is enough. But how do you even figure that out when society keeps telling you that more is always better? We live in a world that profits from our dissatisfaction. Every ad, every influencer post, every "limited time offer" is designed to make us feel like we're missing out if we don't buy, upgrade, or improve something. It's no wonder we can never feel satisfied.
I was discussing with my man the other day about how I used to be unable to afford most things, and honestly, there was no pressure back then. I've managed to keep that same mindset even now that I have more choices. I can decide what to spend money on, and I know I don't have to be pressured by every shiny thing I see. I buy what I think is important to me, what adds value to my life. But don't get me wrong okay, the temptations are real. There are definitely moments when I want to go beyond what makes sense, when I see something and think "I need that right now."
Oops, I didn't mention how I've been having sleepless nights because I want a birthday wig. See what I mean? This is exactly why I said human wants are insatiable. Here I am, writing about controlling our desires, and I'm literally losing sleep over a wig I want for my birthday. The irony is not lost on me.
But here's the thing: our human wants never stop. If we can't control our wants now, it might really go out of hand later. And honestly? Who cares if we can't keep up with every trend or afford every luxury. The people whose opinions actually matter aren't keeping score. Maybe the answer isn't in getting more money or more things. Maybe it's in getting better at being content with what we have. Maybe it's in recognizing that the person we're trying to impress with our purchases probably isn't even paying attention.
Don't get me wrong ooo, I love nice things. I post about them on my Snap and TikTok, I enjoy the good life when I can afford it, and there's nothing wrong with wanting more. That designer bag? If I can get it, why not? Though honestly, I'm not a fan of designers—I prefer using the money to buy more bags than spending so much on buying one bag. I like it more that way. That fancy dinner? I'm all for it. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and if you've worked hard for your money, you should absolutely treat yourself.
I'm not saying wanting expensive things is stupid or that we should all live like monks. I'm just saying that more money really does create more problems, even if they're good problems to have. The challenge isn't in wanting things, it's in managing the constant decision-making that comes with having options.
The irony is that the peace I felt when I couldn't afford anything? That wasn't about the money. That was about acceptance. And maybe, just maybe, we can find that same peace even when we do have choices.
It's something I'm still figuring out, but I think the key is remembering that having options doesn't mean we have to use them all.
Speaking of figuring things out, I've been thinking about another topic that's been on my mind lately. Ever dealt with people who never appreciate anything? Like, ever? I might have some thoughts to share about that soon. Stay tuned.