I started to rethink this idea.

Good Reads:

The Simple Path to Wealth: https://amzn.to/3SGDXOA
Your Money or Your Life: https://amzn.to/3SRhy14

My Frugal Equipment:

Acer Nitro 5 Computer: https://amzn.to/3R458Br
Rode Videomic GO II: https://amzn.to/3R7HAf1
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Camera: https://amzn.to/3TIGDvF


On my own personal finance journey, I started to realize that there is a big issue that is a result of what is often preached. This issue is called the "Destination Trap," which is "Putting off the present, thinking that once you reach a future destination you can start living.”

The destination trap is a dangerous thing because it keep you forever living in the present. Once I realized I was trapped in the destination trap, I started to rethink happiness and I stopped seeking happiness through money.

Here are "10 Reasons to Avoid The Destination Trap."

1. "Happily Ever After" Doesn't Exist

When it comes to money there seems to be this magic number that everyone is working towards of one million dollars. And once you reach that number you will live this "happily ever after" scenario with no problems; however, life never stops and life will continue on no matter how much money you have.

2. The More Money You Have, The Less You Feel You Have

As I start to have more money in my life, I am noticing that what I consider "a lot" of money changes. The more money I have, the less I feel like I have because one I reach one financial milestone, I am ready to move onto the next one.

3. More Money Can Make You Less Content

As you start to have more money, your idea of what a lot of money changes. As that number increases, I believe that it can make you feel less content because you keep trying to find contentment through a specific amount of money, but that number doesn't exist.

4. There Is No Such Thing As A "Problem-less" Life

If used correctly, money is a tool that can help you solve many problems in life; however, there is no such thing as a problem-less life. Once you solve one set of problems, life will just give you a whole new set of problems. It doesn't matter how much money you have, problems will always be there.

5. Sadness Is A Part Of Life

Social media often portrays this fictional, exaggerated lifestyle where people are extremely happy and never feel sad. And this lifestyle is often portrayed from people of high economic backgrounds; however, sadness is just a part of life and money won't lead you to a life without sadness.

6. Tomorrow Will Never Be Better Unless You Live For Today

If you don't do something today, you probably won't do it tomorrow. The destination trap makes people believe that this future destination will be better; however, unless you start making things better today, things won't be better tomorrow.

7. Privilege Is Useless If You Don't Recognize It

Economic privilege is a privilege that isn't in abundance in this world. Most people in this world do not have an abundance of economic opportunities. It is important to recognize it and not let it go to waste.

8. You Never Really Figure It Out

As long as you are alive you are going to have problems. I find myself learning, forgetting, and relearning the same lessons over and over again. No matter how much money you have, you will never really figure life out. Money won't make you any more "knowing" that having no money.

9. "Enough" Is The Real Way To Seek Happiness

You will never have enough until you define enough. I believe that it is really important to establish "enough" early on in your personal finance journey because the more money you have, the harder it is to establish enough. And I believe happiness is not found through a specific number, but a certain feeling.

10. Money Doesn't Bring Happiness, It's What You Do With It

Money doesn't bring happiness. Money brings freedom, options, and flexibility. And it's up to you to use those tool to bring happiness in your life. If used correctly, money can help you bring happiness in your life, but it's all about what you do with it.

*None of this is meant to be construed as financial advice, it's for entertainment purposes only. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Austin Williams does not guarantee any specific outcome or profit. You should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investment discussed. Strategies or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value. Investments or strategies mentioned may not be suitable for you.*