Let’s talk about a dangerous financial myth that’s costing you more than you realize: the belief that if you want something badly enough, you’ll magically find a way to afford it.
This idea is seductive. It tells us that our desires are more powerful than our financial realities. It whispers that we can have anything we want if we just want it badly enough. But here’s the cold, hard truth: your bank account doesn’t care how much you want something.
When we buy into this myth, we’re setting ourselves up for a world of financial hurt. We make rash decisions. We ignore our budgets. We rack up credit card debt. We dip into our emergency funds or retirement savings. All because we’ve convinced ourselves that our desire will somehow manifest the money we need.
But desire doesn’t pay the bills. Desire doesn’t boost your credit score. Desire doesn’t fund your retirement.
What’s really happening when we “find a way” to afford something we can’t actually afford? We’re not manifesting money out of thin air. We’re stealing from our future selves. We’re prioritizing short-term wants over long-term needs. We’re choosing instant gratification over financial security.
This mindset can lead to a dangerous cycle. Each time we “make it work” to buy something we can’t afford, we reinforce the belief that we can always find a way. We start to see our finances not as a system of careful planning and disciplined choices, but as a series of challenges to overcome through sheer force of will.
So how do we break free from this myth? It starts with a radical idea: accepting that there are things you want that you simply cannot afford right now. And that’s okay.
Instead of trying to bend financial reality to your desires, try this approach:
- Acknowledge your desires without acting on them.
- Use those desires as motivation to improve your financial situation.
- Set clear, achievable financial goals.
- Make conscious spending decisions based on your budget and goals, not your wants.
Remember, true financial freedom isn’t about being able to buy whatever you want whenever you want it. It’s about having the security and peace of mind to live life on your own terms.
So the next time you’re tempted to “find a way” to afford something beyond your means, pause. Ask yourself: Is this really about finding a way, or is it about making a responsible choice?
Your future self will thank you for choosing financial reality over the myth of magical thinking. After all, where there’s a will, there should also be a well-thought-out financial plan.