Everyone doesn't have the same goals...and that's ok!

This weekend I helped facilitate a full day financial literacy and empowerment workshop and one of the participants said something to me that stopped me in my tracks.

"I don't mean to be a pessimist but I've had a hard life. I lost a lot early on and so I'd rather enjoy my money now than try and save and grow it for the future"

The participant also shared with me that his most recent accomplishment was paying off his prized motorcycle and he'd like to eliminate additional debt and purchase a house at some point in the future.
The reason his statement stopped me in my tracks is because I realize that I, like many other financial educators, fall into the trap of assuming that others interested in financial education have the same or similar goals to my own. We push this concept of wealth building by deferring gratification, leaning out your spending, and remaining disciplined.
We become so passionate about our position and perspective that we may even make people feel guilty for living their lives the way they want.

I acknowledged the participants comment by thanking him for providing a diversity of thought in the group and acknowledging where he was mentally and financially. I agreed that he should live his life the way he wants and that his goals do not exempt him from the value of understanding his finances, in fact it will enhance his experience in "living his best life"!

I wanted to share this interaction as maybe your money goals and desires are realized, will soon be realized, or are completely unknown to you right now and that's ok!
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Financial education is important for EVERYONE and figuring out how to apply it to your unique situation is the fun part.
If you or someone you know is looking for clarity in your business or your financial life feel free to share this post or send a message. I can help!