‘Enough’ Is Not Too Little: WHAT REAL WEALTH LOOKS LIKE

Two girls playing on the beach in shallow water with sunset behind them

There’s a line in The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel:

“Enough is not too little.”

It’s simple. But powerful. Especially when we live in a world constantly telling us we need more to earn more, own more, spend more, be more.

So often, someone’s money story is judged by what they drive, where they holiday, or how polished their kitchen looks. But real wealth? It’s usually the things you don’t see. It’s the freedom to choose how you spend your time. The ability to sleep well at night. The quiet confidence of knowing you’re okay even if no one else notices.

Comparison Trap

I’ve definitely fallen into the comparison trap. I think most of us have. We glance sideways at what others are doing or buying and start measuring our own progress against it. Occasionally, it motivates us, but more often, it chips away at confidence and clarity. The irony is that the person you’re comparing yourself to is probably doing exactly the same thing. It’s exhausting. And it pulls focus away from what actually matters to you.

“Enough” isn’t a number.
It’s not a type of house or a pension target.
It’s about knowing what feels right for your life.

That might mean being able to say yes to a family holiday. Or knowing you could step away from work for a while and still be okay. For some, it’s security. For others, it’s time, freedom, or choice.

Here’s something that often gets overlooked:

Person 1

  • £15,000 car, paid outright
  • Modest 2-bedroom home
  • No mortgage
  • £500,000 pension
  • £200,000 in cash savings

Person 2

  • £90,000 car with £85,000 on finance
  • £600,000 house with a £400,000 mortgage
  • No pension provision
  • No savings

From the outside, Person 2 might look wealthier. But when you look beyond appearances, Person 1 has stability, flexibility, and options. What we should be taught is ‘real wealth’ is invisible.

For me, I’ve made intentional choices professionally. I was once part of a business growing quickly, more people, more scale, lots of potential. But I realised that wasn’t the life I wanted. I didn’t want to build something to sell. I wanted to build something I could be proud of.

Astute Financial Planning is the result of that decision. A business that feels personal, human, and aligned with what I believe in. I work closely with a small number of people so I can stay in control of my time and still deliver real value. I am the business and I like it that way.

So, what does “enough” look like for you?

Not what your friends are aiming for.
Not what your Instagram feed is shouting about.
But genuinely for you.

Is it peace of mind?
More freedom to enjoy life now?
Feeling in control of your future?

It’s okay if the answer changes over time. But getting clear on your version of “enough” can change not just how you make financial decisions but how you feel about them. Because in a world constantly trying to sell us “more”, there’s something quietly radical about saying:

“This is good. This is enough.”

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