Let’s imagine for a moment you really need a jet ski. (Of course, no one “needs” a jet ski unless they are a butthole, but bear with me.) You have an okay job that pays the bills, but your savings are anemic, and if you missed a paycheck it would be a moderate-to-serious problem. You know this—and yet? You still want the jet ski. You think the jet ski will make you happy. And here’s the thing: It probably will! Jet skis are objectively horrible… unless you’re riding one. Owning a jet ski will bring you indisputable joy when you’re loudly riding around on it, ruining everyone else’s weekend.
But of course, you don’t want a jet ski. You want one or all of the following: a larger home; the newest iPhone or smartwatch; a Fendi bag; dinner at Canard; a 3.4-ounce bottle of Penhaligon’s Sartorial Beard Oil; a wireless printer; a Roomba; a 23andMe DNA test; noise-cancelling headphones; a smart backpack; a 2014 Mazda CX-5; a Mosaic CT-1 commuter bike; or a Swagtron electric scooter. (I know, because I want all of these things… and guys, I don’t even have a beard!)
Are we worthy of having all these things? FUCK YES. In fact, we’re more than worthy—but here’s the thing: We’re just as worthy without them. And not remembering that can cause lots of financial problems.
