You can actually learn a lot about fixing financial struggles by watching “Survivor.” Contestants on the TV show fight to stay on the island. If they are successful, they get to continue to fight and suffer.
Somebody explain to me how that’s a “win” for anyone. How well does that describe what you do to yourself by way of your finances? Do you have trouble with your budget or find it difficult to master how to stop spending money? Do you grapple with investing or your career…yet continue to justify your actions so you can continue to struggle? Are you working really hard…but not sure why?
If so, you need to find a solution. Right?
This two-minute video gives you a one-way ticket off the island. I’d be very interested to know if you’ve found a way to stop struggling. We all have our own “islands” we need to vacate. Share your best ideas on how to do so, please.
Neal says
October 25, 2009 at 11:06 AMFS…
Amazing question. Let me ponder that one……
I’ll have to really think that through.
Financial Samurai says
October 24, 2009 at 8:00 PMHey Neal! Nice video. I like your analogy a lot.
I’ve only seen the show several times, and quickly realized it was one big brain drain.
Just curious, if you knew in your 20’s and 30’s what you do now, after 20 years of work since college, do you think you could have retired at 42?
Best, Fs
Neal says
October 22, 2009 at 11:05 AMHey KSC,
So glad you found this helpful. You truly made it worthwhile for to do it….and I’m not kidding.
Sounds like you are doing the hard work of being honest and swimming like hell to get off the shore. Great!!!!
I’d love hear about your future progress.
Neal says
October 22, 2009 at 11:04 AMFrugal Dad,
Thanks for sharing this here. As you know, I had the same experiences – unfortunately through my 40’s. But doesn’t it feel great to be honest about it and look back on it (rather than to be in middle of it now????)
Congrats…
I don’t know exactly why we can’t see it when we need to most. I think it has to do with reaching a bottom of sorts. Just being sick and tired of being sick and tired. We get to a point of “firing” ourselves and that’s when the healing begins.
FinanciallySmart says
October 22, 2009 at 8:55 AMA lot of us saw ourselves on this island and listening to you Neal as just strengthen me more to come off this island. My struggle is self confidence and I have acknowledge it and is working at it. Now watching this tape only inspire me to move forward with my plans. Thank you so much for your article.KSC
Frugal Dad says
October 22, 2009 at 5:58 AMWell Neal, I guess we’re both odd men out – I’ve never watched Survivor either. However, I enjoyed your video, particularly the part about spending energy trying to convince others (and yourself) that you are doing the right thing. Instead, we should channel that energy into actually doing the right thing. Unfortunately, when you’re going through this phase that solution doesn’t appear so obvious.
I wasted a lot of life energy in my 20s and early 30s trying to convince others what I was doing with money was the right thing. The only one I was fooling was myself. Eventually, I had to “man up” and recognize my financial short-comings to turn the ship around. I had to vote myself off the island. And I’m much better for it!