You’re Not Broke — Six Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think
One of these signs is being able to pay for gas.
Am I doing okay with money? Am I doing well in life?
You’re bound to ask yourself these types of questions several times at different stages in your life.
The definition of financial comfort and success varies by person, but there are a few common indicators:
- Spending less than you make consistently, even if it’s only by $100
- Being in good health and not burdened by medical issues
- Possess some free time for leisure, such as a hobby
It’s hard to feel reassured just by comparing your daily life to others. People display their homes, lifestyles, and even their dogs on social media. Using those indicators to gauge if you’re doing enough is hard.
Instead of looking over the fence, it might be better to look within. So deep, I know.
Even if you’re not swimming in a vault of gold coins, you’re probably better off than you think.
Here are six signs you’re better off financially than you think:
- You’re able to pay for gas without thinking twice about it
- You can pay for the groceries you put in your cart without having to compromise and put items back
- Possess at least one hobby
- You have at least two hours of free time each day to yourself
- You’re able to see friends at least once a month
- You’re in relatively good health
Why are these seemingly basic things a sign that you’re doing okay financially? Here are six signs that financial well-being is closer than you realize:
1. You’re able to pay for gas without thinking twice about it
It’s easy to take what you have for granted. Whether you drive a Honda or a BMW, if you can pay for gas regularly without worry, you’re already doing better than most people.
Facing issues with gas prices is just naturally connected to how much money a household makes. Much of the country struggles to pay for gas, especially now that costs have increased.
Gallup had a good analysis of the impacts this is having on households. 67% of Americans, up from 52%, say gas prices are causing financial hardship. According to the same survey by Gallup:
Eight in 10 adults in lower-income households — those earning less than $40,000 per year — say the rise in gas prices has caused them financial hardship, with 40% saying it has been severe.
The next time you sigh, frustrated at not having nice wheels or thousands of dollars in the bank, remember to be grateful that you’re doing well enough to pay for gas without other concerns.
2. You can pay for the groceries you put in your cart without having to compromise and put items back
During your last grocery trip, did you have to decide whether you would skip buying ice cream to afford food of substance, such as milk or bread?
Even more dire, did you decide to skip buying groceries this week out of necessity?
If you answered “no” to one or none of these questions, you’re doing better than 60% of Americans.
Food insecurity is a real issue for many Americans, as a majority say they are struggling to afford groceries.
A new report — “Facing Up to Food Insecurity” — by consumer research company Attest found that 59.5% of Americans fall in this bucket.
Eating homemade meals at home can be more affordable and healthier than dining out at restaurants. If you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein without worrying about whether you’ll have enough cash or credit at checkout, then you’re doing better than over half of Americans.
3. Possess at least one hobby
Let’s face it: time is more valuable than money. You can make more money, but you can’t make more time.
Having a hobby shows that you can enjoy leisure activities and have time to cultivate those interests.
In signs #1 and #2, we discussed how over half of Americans struggle to pay for gas and groceries. People working to survive don’t have the luxury to indulge in knitting or building their coin collection.
I’ve witnessed this personally. Growing up, my mom worked 12–16 hours a day as a seamstress. She barely had time to spend with her children; having a hobby was out of the question!
If you have an interest you can spend time on, even if it’s something as simple as reading comic books, consider yourself lucky!
4. You have at least two hours of free time each day to yourself
As I just mentioned, time is a precious commodity. Consider it a significant financial and personal achievement if you have as little as two or more hours of free time daily!
While half of the country is caught up in the perpetual race to meet daily obligations, you can carve out space for personal leisure and relaxation.
This might even mean you get the recommended amount of sleep; lucky you! NIH did a study that shows how prevalent sleep deprivation is in America.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 3 adults in the United States reported not getting enough rest or sleep every day.
This is a testament to your financial stability and perhaps to your ability to manage time effectively — an essential skill contributing to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life.
If you can keep these hours for yourself, that’s wonderful!
5. You’re able to see friends at least once a month
Some people are social, and some are not. Regardless, relationships and social connection are human nature — we need it.
Among the rush of life’s demands, it can be hard to prioritize seeing our friends and family.
If you find yourself consistently able to meet friends at least once a month, consider it a noteworthy sign of financial and emotional well-being. Here’s why.
Friendships are invaluable but can sometimes be impacted by financial constraints and may require some effort to meet everyone’s budget. Being able to schedule regular meet-ups indicates you’re managing your finances well and nurturing essential human connections.
Investing in relationships contributes to your overall happiness and well-being.
So the next time you gather with friends for coffee, a hike, or even a simple chat, recognize it as a testament to the richness of your social life — a vital part of living a fulfilling and prosperous life.
6. You’re in relatively good health
While financial abundance is a vital part of well-being, it’s essential to acknowledge the value of good health.
It’s a profound indicator of overall success and financial stability if you're someone without significant health issues. Here’s why:
Maintaining good health requires time, resources, and good choices. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and access to healthcare are vital to physical well-being. If you’re positioned to prioritize and invest in your health, it reflects wealth beyond money.
Not only are medical bills burdensome and costly (especially if you live in America), but you only have one body, and there’s not enough money in the world to solve all the health issues people potentially face.
So, as you reflect on where you are, consider good health a valuable form of wealth.
Takeaways
In conclusion, wealth and fulfillment are more than just the dollars in our bank account or job title.
In pursuing a happy and prosperous life, it’s essential to recognize that wealth can come in simple opportunities.
The ability to pay for necessities, enjoy personal hobbies, allocate free time, connect with friends, and maintain good health is essential to a well-rounded existence.
As you navigate through the complexities of finances and strive for success, remember not to celebrate only monetary milestones but also everyday victories that bring comfort and joy.
Whether it’s being able to share a meal with friends or fill a gas tank, these are the components of a life well-lived.
Thanks for reading. I’m a former Big 4 management consultant who grew up in poverty, writing about work, culture, and personal finance. I’m not a financial advisor. I’m just an average person.
Through Modern Money, I share money tips, education, and career advice. Even one tip can make a difference for others. 💰✨
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Consult a financial professional before making any significant financial decisions.
