Will Wealth Make me a Greedy, Entitled Pr*ck
Have you ever hesitated in buying some new gadget because you think you don’t deserve it? Have you ever gotten nervous or felt guilt when discussing salaries among friends or colleagues? Have you ever treated yourself to a nice dinner with a wine pairing, looked around and thought, “What the actual f*ck am I doing?”
Have you ever asked yourself:
When I become wealthy, will I become an entitled, greedy pr*ck?
It’s no stretch to say that many of us have a… complicated relationship when it comes to money. Money provides security, freedom and opportunity, but it's also the source of so much of the world’s problems: greed, conflict, betrayal and abuse of power (to name a few). Wealth, after all, is kind of a reflection of self. For example, the ultra-wealthy represent so much of what makes this hyper-capitalistic society so toxic, shameful and restrictive.
So it’s no surprise that many of us view wealth of any kind as something to be ashamed of, something to avoid discussing, or even something to avoid all together. If money can corrupt so absolutely, why would we, as (hopefully) egalitarian and forward-thinking individuals, want to partake? Why would we want to risk becoming the very thing we swore to destroy?
We’ve already gone through some of the things that money “is,” so this next statement might seem a little contradictory. But before we go any further, we need to slow the f*ck down and remember one, incredibly vital fact: money, itself, is amoral.
Let’s say it again: money, itself, is amoral.
Why the underlined “itself,” you may ask, rather than an underlined “amoral?” Well, because at the end of the day, money is an amplifier. It cannot do anything on its own. When it’s spent, invested, redistributed or even earned, it’s done so by an individual.
So, instead of asking, “Will I become a major a**shole once I hit six figures?” try asking, instead:
What would I do, if given the power money provides?
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Absolute power corrupts, absolutely.” If you’re an a**shole, you might make some questionable and selfish decisions with your finances. That kind of power isn’t going to magically make you a better person, it’s just going to give you opportunities to become an even bigger a**shole and inflict that a**holery onto other people.
If you’re not an a**hole? Having that kind of financial power can give you stability. It can give you opportunity. It can give you freedom. It can give you creativity. Having money, and being not only financially secure, but financially abundant? It can amplify all of what makes you, well, you. The more money and wealth you have, the more you can accelerate the impact that you want to see and have on the world. And if you want that kind of change to happen, then being wealthy can only be a good thing.
But (and there is a but), if you want to have that kind of wealth? Vilifying wealth and those who currently hold it is, well… not super helpful. By all means, judge the wealthy by their actions. But if we as a society think that all wealthy people are greedy, entitled pr*cks? We will never obtain that kind of wealth for ourselves. And any change that could’ve come from that kind of power will be delayed, and possibly even lost.
We at The Freelance CFO have said it before, but it bears repeating - money makes you more of who you are, not less. If you imagine a life of abundance for yourself, then the hope is that abundance will spread and benefit those around you, right?
So, what to do?
1. Allow yourself to earn the money.
It’s okay to want money. It’s okay to want nice things. It’s okay to celebrate what you’ve earned, and treat yourself. It’s okay to allow yourself to strive for - and then live - the life you’ve imagined for yourself, even if it’s a life of luxury.
2. Stand by your values.
Hopefully if you’re reading this blog, you’re not a racist, homophobic, transphobic, mysognistic or ignorant sort of person (if you are, please kindly see yourself out). If you are 1) none of those things; and 2) always striving to be better and do better? Keep that part of yourself alive, nurtured and inspired. When the money comes (and it will come 😉), you’ll know exactly where to put it, and why.
3. Do the work.
Again, finances are personal. So much of our ideas, opinions and feelings revolving around money (including the fear of becoming Scroogey-Mc-Scroogerton) are learned. Unlearning so many of these destructive and unhealthy mindsets is just as important - if not more so - than actually learning the nitty gritty of the finance industry in general. Keep unlearning.
We all have that… Something. And it’s your duty to live your singular, most uncommon life to the fullest. And no, money doesn’t create happiness, or solve all of life’s problems. And, yes, oftentimes, money can take happiness and turn it into stress and greed and can create problems where there were none.
But what impact could you make, once finding financial security?
What kind of life could you finally allow yourself to live, once you’ve let go of your preconceived notions of shame and judgment surrounding money?
What abundance could you attract, once you relinquish fear and scarcity?
What would you do, if money was not an issue?
The Answer? Exactly what you’re doing - or what to do - now. Just… more. 💛
Take the first step towards financial freedom and a life of your own design:
Sign up for our free 5-Day “Get Your Money Right Challenge.”
Subscribe to Confident Money with Katelyn Magnuson, a podcast that tackles Money Talk for Real People (almost) every Monday.
Start your Financial Freedom Vision Board with our downloadable Affirmations Kit and Money Manifestation Checks.
Take a true leap by signing up for our Facebook group, Money Mavens, where we dive deep into a variety of topics with guest speakers, workshops and more.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Reach out to The Freelance CFO team with any questions regarding specific financial concerns, or seek the services of a fiduciary.
