“The things you own end up owning you.” - Chuck Palahniuk.
I was a minimalist. It was a very easy and stress-free life. I did own many things, but only after careful planning, and I was quick to sell things that didn’t meet my expectations or once I stopped using them.
I also used to live well below my means. I felt free because loss of job or any other financial crisis would not affect me much.
Having a family changed everything. I love my kids but wanted to give them the best I could. In the last couple of years, lifestyle inflation has taken over. Bigger house, pool, toys, more. It is all good but I am stressed. Losing a job would be a disaster now.
But the worst part is that the more you own, the more you have to take care of. And the less you enjoy.
Pool was my happy place, and Ayden and I would spend hours in the community pool. We made new friends at the community pool. But now our own private pool is a pain. I spend more time taking care of it than in it. Then there are leaks and repairs. With all the money and time spent, I am not sure if it is worth it. We could have used all the time and money for another vacation.
A bigger house means bigger expenses. Our utility bills are 3x now. And now we also seem to have foundation issues. Another major expense.
We rarely use our front yard, it is all for show. Why do we need it? There are so many nice parks around with more areas to run around and play.
The American dream is a trap. It is a trap to keep you working.
Don’t get me wrong I do love my house and pool. But now I feel trapped. I have to keep working. I feel less free. I feel like I am owned by my things. If I could do over, I would buy the smallest possible house in the nicest neighborhood. We would spend more time outside and less time taking care of things.