How would your life be different if you were financially independent?

Kim · 04-13-2007, 12:58 PM

Say you had no mortgage, plenty of money for retirement/kids' education, and enough money coming in each month via investment dividends/interest so that you didn't have to work for a living and could maintain your current lifestyle.

What would you be doing with your life? Would you be in the same job? Would dh be in the same job? If not, what would you be doing? Would you still be living in the same place? How would things be different?

KathrynHannah · 04-13-2007, 01:19 PM

Very good question!

Dh and I had a conversation about this very thing a few weeks ago. We both agreed that we would not change anything except ...

We would consider getting a 2nd car. Being a one car family may be good for the bank book and the environment but can sometimes be a logistical nightmare. Other than that, we'd continue to do what we're doing.

2bearsmom · 04-13-2007, 01:22 PM

We wouldn't be in this area (School district stinks and we send DD to school outside of our home school). We're looking at moving to a better school district/cheaper tax area down the road anyway (need to make a decision by the time DD is in 5th grade!).
We'd just be able to move sooner than later. DH wouldn't have to stress about OT b/c he could work a regular 40 hour week and enjoy his day( He likes what he does) I would continue to be a SAHM, but not continue with the mortgage business, I don't like it as it is and am not happy. We wouldn't stress over the bills anymore and that alone would be a huge relief to both of us! Financial security would make for a happier home!
Honestly, those are the only real changes I could see worth making...a move to a better school district and me giving up my job....Both would take away a ton of worries and stress!

I wouldn't give up my coupons or bargain hunting...I love a good deal!

diamondgrl1177 · 04-13-2007, 01:24 PM

I personnally would not still be married and I'd probably be doing something for unwanted animals or farm. I've always wanted to do something like that. I'd still want to be home with my kids like I am now. Just maybe divorced earlier!!!

Unfortunity I have to stay married right now until I can find a job were I can support myself. But I'd definately do more good then some of the mill & billionaires out there.

MandaRenee · 04-13-2007, 02:03 PM

We would not be working at all. We would farm/garden for hobby/money. And spend time enjoying the country life.

I would be able to devote tons of time to charity work for the MS Society and Habitat and really feel like I was making a difference. Things that I feel strongly about and love.

We would be able to spend more time with family and not have to worry about paying the bills and having enough money.

I would still bargain shop too. Just because you have money doesn't mean you need to be dumb. Although I would likely splurge and buy myself a Coach handbag as I love them and have always wanted one but can't justify the money.

sweethearrtofdc · 04-13-2007, 02:09 PM

We wouldn't change anything except dh's job. He would get a regular 40 hr/wk job with no on-call nights, ect. so that he could be more apart of the kids lives.

crystalwave · 04-13-2007, 02:17 PM

I would quit my job, but other than that we wouldn't change much. Dh likes his job, so he wouldn't be looking to change jobs. We are happy with our house and our immediate family is all close by so we wouldn't want to move. Although some place warmer would be a nice change :-)

Missystuy · 04-13-2007, 02:23 PM

I think we would totally upgrade out house. I would actually LIKE to stay here, and just build up, but dh would like to just get a whole new house. I don't even like this house, but I love the area, and the street I live on.

treehugger · 04-13-2007, 02:26 PM

The thing that makes us happiest is family time. I would love it if my dh didn't have to work so we could have more time to spend together with the boys. He works so hard for us and I know sometimes he feels like he's missing the good stuff even though he spends every possible minute he has with our boys. So that would be priority number one.

We would love to own and operate a small organic veggie farm. It would be wonderful to be able to do that and involve our boys in it too.

Happymom · 04-13-2007, 03:42 PM

I would not be working!!! I would love to do more volunteer stuff!!! The schools, red cross, hospitals , all kinds of stuff!! I don't think dh would work either. We would probably not live in this house either.