One of the biggest frustrations about being so focused on saving money is that so many people are not.

It’s easy for that green-eyed jealousy monster to come out when it feels like everyone else has more toys than you. It can be very frustrating when it feels like others get to do cool stuff when you know you feel you can’t afford it.

I see these folks with their new cars and new clothes and cool toys and I will admit, I am jealous of those things. When my kids ask why they can’t have certain things their friends have, it hurts.

It’s hard because I know we could have those things if we just relaxed a bit about saving money.  Those people who stir up my jealousy will tell me that I need to lighten up.  They will tell me that I only live once and that I can’t take my money with me. They will say I deserve to have the same things.

But I know how most of these folks are getting all those things.  They aren’t saving money in an emergency fund. They’re not putting away for retirement because they believe they have plenty of time to save for retirement. They’re taking out loans and using their credit cards.  They’re focused on the here and now and aren’t giving much thought to what the future will bring.

So as much as I struggle with the delayed gratification, I am realizing it is okay to be different.  I know I am more free because I am debt-free.  I know that the steps I’m taking now will ensure my retirement is not miserably uncomfortable.

I’ve spent years of my life being told that I’m weird.  Well, if normal is “broke and miserable,” than weird is just fine with me.

I’m learning it is okay to be different.  I’m learning to love the life I have.  I’m learning to appreciate the money-saving skills I’ve learned.  I’m learning to be content with knowing I have a plan for my future.

I’m going to ignore those folks who tell me that the little bits of money I save don’t add up, because I know better.

I’m going to continue to be weird until more people realize that it’s a better way to be.

Will you join me?