Over time our priorities will change, and since everyone has limited resources you have to decide about the focus of your resources as times change. What still matters? What doesn't matter? Why?
I've thought a bit about my priorities over time. As a mostly responsible young person, my priorities were usually doing what I was supposed to do including responsibilities related to school, family, work, church, and friends. I had an income by way of my job, and I usually used those dollars to buy clothes and have a few good times. My most "selfish" expense was buying myself a great three-speed bike which was a big deal at that time; and my least selfish choice was spending my hard-earned dollars to get my wisdom teeth removed. I was fortunate however that when it came to college, family members paid the fees and encouraged me not to work during school days. That support provided me with tremendous freedom. Later when my sons when to college, we paid for their fees, but encouraged them to work on campus for their spending money. Their work on campus proved to be positive in much more than monetary ways since they met good people and learned positive skills.
As a young adult, most of the money I made was used for rent, food, other necessities and a few good times. Later as a mom, the money mostly went to costs associated with family life and our children's needs and opportunities. Now in retirement from full time work, there's a few more dollars to donate to good causes, a bit more spent on medical appointments, money for home improvement, and then some for good times. I also have prioritized doing what I can to ensure that I won't be a burden as much as possible on family members as I get older. Like most people, I don't want to saddle my loved ones with unnecessary costs in time or money.
My priorities now include the following:
- Having the funds to support my loved ones as needed and when I can
- Keeping up to date on bills, home care, health, and connections
- Affording a few good times each year
- Supporting important causes and leaders who work to create a positive, loving, good society
