Stop Counting Other People's Money

"She's behind on her rent but she has money to go see The Photograph" um, a movie ticket is like $13 and rent is $750. Let people enjoy life regardless of their circumstances. I witness comments like this all the time. I've even been guilty of thinking them myself. I knew a girl who traveled all over the world but didn't have much.  I wanted to ask how but I knew it really wasn't my business. One day, she vented about how frustrating it was for people to constantly critique her for driving a 10-year-old car but been to 9 countries. "At one point in my life, all my money went to bills and essentials. I had no life experiences to show for it. I felt like a robot. Once I realized that bills are going to be there all my life, I prioritized traveling. No matter what I had to sacrifice, I always made sure I had money to partake in a new life experience." She was just venting but I learned a lot from what she said. 

First, I realized we can't just assume people's financial status just by looking at what they have. I understand rather paying for a plane ticket than a car note. If the car gets you from point A to point B and makes it more possible for you to eat dinner under the stars in Paris, what's the harm? Also, priorities are subjective. It may be a priority for you to own land and it may be a priority for the next person to find a good place to rent so that they can pick up and leave whenever they want to because new beginnings make them happy. Everyone's definition of happiness and success is different. 

Lastly, I've learned it's simply not our business. We may see friends who vented about their financial situation the day before, out the next day and think they're being irresponsible. However, the financial struggle can be crippling. Knowing you have all these financial obligations along with the other stresses of life can make you feel discouraged and alone. Going to see a movie, or treating yourself to a nice meal, or simply getting out the house for a little pick-me-up should not follow up with a punishment. Yeah, rent is due but don't make them feel small for buying a chicken sandwich from Nando's.  That may be the highlight of their week. No matter what your financial situation is, you deserve to enjoy yourself. 

In conclusion, be more open-minded before you critique others for how they spend their money (unless they owe you money). You don' always know what people have. If you are aware of their financial status, you still don't know how badly they need that win, even if that win is a $7 t-shirt. Pre-rich people  (I don't like to speak the word "broke over people's lives) deserve to enjoy their money too.