Fifty Shades of Green

Which shade is yours?

Have you ever stumbled upon the sensational Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James and couldn’t help but think, “Hmm, there are fifty shades of green too”?

No, I’m not talking about an erotic thriller, but rather the glorious green stuff that we all chase after to pay the bills, live our lives, and try to join the ranks of the millionaire class.

While most of us have moved past the days of lugging cash around and have embraced various digital means of exchange, the concept of “green” remains as vivid as ever.

When it comes to personal finance, we often dissect income and wealth stats into neat quartiles and percentiles. We categorize ourselves as poor, middle class, upper middle class, rich, or even one-percenters.

But let’s be honest, life isn’t that cut and dry. It’s a kaleidoscope of financial experiences.

In my world, I hobnob with both folks struggling to make ends meet, praying for utility bills to be less daunting, and the well-heeled developer-investor who scoffs at the thought of haggling over a million dollars.

These are the real-life stories of personal finance, and it’s important to remember that each of us views the world through a different financial lens.

Within my family and the social circles we belong to, it’s like navigating a financial mosaic. Some are jet-setting, installing in-ground swimming pools, purchasing second, third, or fourth homes, and splurging on RVs to accompany their luxury cars.

Meanwhile, my own family, despite my relatively decent six-figure income, is the least affluent among our acquaintances. It’s a stark reminder that wealth comes in various hues, even in the same neighborhood.

A single mom working in hospitality or a gig worker struggling through pandemic-induced unemployment views personal finance from a starkly different angle compared to the big-time developers and investors I encounter through my job.

One of them manages a multi-billion-dollar development fund — yes, that’s a billion with a “B.”

My point is not merely to underscore the widening wealth gap, but to emphasize that when I advocate for concepts like “Paying Ourselves First” with a modest monthly contribution or making additional mortgage payments, it’s rooted in my solidly middle-class perspective.

My wife stays at home, and I hold a middle-of-the-road government job in economic development. Trust me, paying ourselves over $20,000 in a year is no cakewalk for someone like me. While it may sound meager to some, it’s a sum that remains a distant dream for many.

Despite a rising stock market and soaring real estate values, more than two-thirds of Americans — 68 percent — say they’re worried they won’t be able to cover their living expenses for just one month if they lose their primary source of income tomorrow, according to a recent Bankrate survey. The financial spectrum spans a vast array, and “fifty shades of green” represent the ongoing financial struggle of countless individuals, unable to envision a future where they can prioritize self-investment.

In stark contrast, there’s a segment of the population riding the wealth wave. They’re making quick bucks cashing in on writing or freelancing, YouTube videos, affiliate marketing, and more. Medium is replete with their stories.

In my world, conversations about million and multi-million dollar projects are the norm. After two-plus decades in this field, it’s hard for a guy like me to not wonder why these folks are leading these projects and not me.

I don’t share this out of envy but to highlight the perspective shift.

When my younger brother casually mentions dropping $25,000 on home improvements, it means something else entirely compared to my neighbor struggling to pay her utilities.

The chasm widens even more as we consider the millions of Americans still grappling with financial uncertainty, a reality underscored by Prudential’s recent Financial Wellness Census, where 46% described themselves as “financially struggling.”

The stories are endless — from those who are thriving to those who are barely making ends meet. But as we move through life, we inevitably find ourselves somewhere in between, just like approximately 90% of us.

The key takeaway here is that we must avoid dismissing the stories of those who’ve hit the jackpot or the ones who’ve only made a few bucks with a side hustle. There’s wisdom to be gleaned from everyone’s journey, and platforms and publications like this one are where we gather to learn and grow.

I’ve made many financial decisions based on shared wisdom, from the importance of “paying ourselves first” to opening a Fundrise account.

Regardless of your current shade of green, remember that the journey to a darker, richer shade is a path we all desire. There’s always room to grow and safeguard your wealth, no matter where you start.

So, the next time you come across a reference to Fifty Shades of Grey, take a moment to ponder your own “shades of green” — and how you can enhance it, perhaps going one shade darker.

Each of our financial odysseys is unique, but it’s one we all share in our pursuit of improving our well-being and those of the ones we love.