I do not once remember my parents implying that the key to happiness is money. They expressed that money is important, of course. It pays for a roof over your head, food on your plate, a car in the driveway (or other means to easily get around town), and, if you’re lucky, it pays for other roofs over your head on an annual vacation.
I grew up in a family that vacationed more than once a year and we were never left wanting on Christmas morning. My sister got a car on her 18th birthday. I was given a car in my second year of college. Like many families, a washer and dryer breaking down and needing immediate replacement was a financial burden, but it was not one that economically broke the house. We were not in the third of Americans who couldn’t cover a sudden $400 expense. We earned above the median household income, which currently stands at $81,600. We were reminded of unhoused people all around us and helped them through charities and mission trips.
Essentially, I was raised in a household that made me believe we were well-off. And we were. Things were kept in perspective. Yes, there were people richer than us and we were told there always will be. But, we weren’t on the streets, we had a very nice house, I had very nice toys, I had Shaq’s Reebok Pumps (look at these beauties, damn), a Duke Blue Devils pullover jacket, and the gold Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time N64 cartridge (still do). I felt lucky. I felt undeserving on many occasions because of what my parents gave me and gave the family.
So when my kids ask me, are we well off? I tell them the truth. Yes, yes we are. We keep it real. I don’t want them comparing up the economic ladder, I want them looking down the economic ladder to see how well off we are and thinking how we can make things easier for those who aren’t well-off. In this house, like the one I grew up in, a matter of being well-off is knowing the facts, having humility, being respectful of the majority of the country who cannot live the way you live, being grateful, and not acting like you are owed something because your family can afford it.
And it’s about holding onto rare N64 cartridges.
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