I don’t think there’s a definitive line of what is enough vs what is too much. For some people *cough* the 10% *cough* the most valuable asset IS their money. Directing those funds to grassroots efforts in their local communities is where they might have the biggest impact, because their basic survival needs won’t take a hit.
The rest of us have debt. Or caretaking responsibilities. Or a lack of insurance. Or any number of things that add up over time to us being one emergency away from utter ruin. When I think of what level of money would make me feel safe, I don’t think of a specific amount. I think that I’d like to turn my phone off for a month and not have to worry that my family needs to call me for emergency money. I think I’d like to be able to slip on the sidewalk and crack a tooth and *not* fear my life being forever ruined by the medical costs or the pain. I want to have actual savings lmao and I am nowhere near financial security, real or imagined.
Life on this world has been so miserable for so many for so long. What is the point if we are not fighting for every person to enjoy decadence and feel joy?
I give away a percentage of my income every month because that feels easiest to me, and it goes up when my income goes up. When I get bigger checks, I put half in savings, keep a quarter and usually give a quarter unless I myself am backed up on bills.I usually share the ask post when I give, and ask followers to match me since I do have a platform.
I also DO look for cheap or free pleasures and ways to regulate in part because of income fluctuation and sometimes thats the only way, and sometimes so I have more to give. But I agree with your friend- femme guilt is higher over these things. You not being able to regulate your nervous system doesn't help someone else regulate theirs necessarily, and you not having any fun just completely deprives you of life and energy so you have less fight and power to offer.
Yes! I love your questions and reflections. I love how P lives his ideals in a reclaimed apartment. I remind myself that even my downsizing into a thousand sq ft bungalow is living way more richly than most of the planet, and is on stolen and colonized land. Every choice we make is a choice between lesser and greater harm, and we must consciously do the best we can...
I don’t think there’s a definitive line of what is enough vs what is too much. For some people *cough* the 10% *cough* the most valuable asset IS their money. Directing those funds to grassroots efforts in their local communities is where they might have the biggest impact, because their basic survival needs won’t take a hit.
The rest of us have debt. Or caretaking responsibilities. Or a lack of insurance. Or any number of things that add up over time to us being one emergency away from utter ruin. When I think of what level of money would make me feel safe, I don’t think of a specific amount. I think that I’d like to turn my phone off for a month and not have to worry that my family needs to call me for emergency money. I think I’d like to be able to slip on the sidewalk and crack a tooth and *not* fear my life being forever ruined by the medical costs or the pain. I want to have actual savings lmao and I am nowhere near financial security, real or imagined.
Also I’ll drop this very very short little thought exercise from Current Affairs: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2017/01/for-a-luxury-leftism
Life on this world has been so miserable for so many for so long. What is the point if we are not fighting for every person to enjoy decadence and feel joy?
I give away a percentage of my income every month because that feels easiest to me, and it goes up when my income goes up. When I get bigger checks, I put half in savings, keep a quarter and usually give a quarter unless I myself am backed up on bills.I usually share the ask post when I give, and ask followers to match me since I do have a platform.
I also DO look for cheap or free pleasures and ways to regulate in part because of income fluctuation and sometimes thats the only way, and sometimes so I have more to give. But I agree with your friend- femme guilt is higher over these things. You not being able to regulate your nervous system doesn't help someone else regulate theirs necessarily, and you not having any fun just completely deprives you of life and energy so you have less fight and power to offer.
Yes! I love your questions and reflections. I love how P lives his ideals in a reclaimed apartment. I remind myself that even my downsizing into a thousand sq ft bungalow is living way more richly than most of the planet, and is on stolen and colonized land. Every choice we make is a choice between lesser and greater harm, and we must consciously do the best we can...