Agreed. I grew up in a house where my parents constantly had to worry about money, and from 21-23, my income was less than $20,000/year. My income had a definite negative impact on my health due to stress and poor nutrition, and I had complete emotional breakdowns over my finances more times than I can count. I also watched what financial concerns did to my parents’ relationship. They divorced twice before I hit puberty. When they got married the third time, my mom had completed her master’s and moved into a position that nearly doubled their income. Their once very rocky marriage was suddenly very solid and still is 10 years on. That wasn’t an accident.
I’m grateful every day that we don’t have to worry about money the way most people do. I know what a luxury, and a rarity, it is. I know what it means for my health and my family’s. I know what it means for my marriage. There’s just…so many ways that it makes my life so much easier. I really, really do get that.