Today, I’d like to CONCLUDE this video series on discussing the important topic of How To Get Out Of The Financial Rat Race.
…and the next point I’d like to share is The secret to financial success: I conclude every episode of my weekly podcast with the following line: “The secret to financial success is no secret at all. It’s to spend less than you make, invest the difference prudently, and ignore all the noise. And the truth is that It really is that simple, albeit hard to implement. The hardest part is ignoring the noise. It’s extremely difficult to be the outsider not following lockstep with everyone else in your social circle. However, the people who march to their own beat and don’t get veered off course by what others are doing, are typically the most successful financially. Which leads me to a final suggestion for the questioner and anyone in this predicament. Which is…
What should you do: The best way to get out of the financial rat race is simply by removing yourself from it. Your chevra, or the people with whom you decide to associate, can make all the difference in life. They can push you to be a better person, learn more Torah, be a better parent, and a better spouse. Alternatively, they may cause you to live a life that is focused on gashmius and superficiality.
While I started this video series by blaming your friends, at the end of the day we all make our own decisions in life. We can choose with whom we spend our time. The onus is on each one of us to choose the right people.
In life, you are really only in a race with yourself. To borrow a phrase from the army: “Be all that YOU can be.” Don’t try to keep up with friends, colleagues, and contemporaries in shul who are focused on the wrong things. Surround yourself with substantive, kind, and genuine people. Your future self will be thankful for this decision.