I mean it when I say that I came from nothing. My parents struggled all throughout my childhood to hold down jobs and as a result, we were in and out of housing commission. I don’t mean to sound like I’m complaining, I love my parents and I’m lucky to have them. All of this is more just a fact and sheds some light on why I am the way I am.
I was lucky enough to go to university and land myself a high paying job. I worked hard for it and now I make more disposable income in a year than my parents made my entire life. You would think I’d have no trouble spending it, but that’s not the case. I’m always saving my money in case something happens. It was a value that was instilled in me from a very young age, and despite having hundreds of thousands of dollars, I can’t help myself.
My wife and I just bought a bigger home. I’m determined to save money where I can, which is why I’ve decided to build my own decking and outdoor areas. I’ve begun to frequent the hardware store in Sandringham so that I can get all the tools and supplies I need. I don’t know much about building things, so I’ve also been spending a lot of time chatting with the staff and asking for advice. They’ve been very helpful.
I know it may seem crazy that I can afford to buy this big expensive house by the beach but can’t afford to hire a builder to build my decking. It’s not that I can’t afford it, I’m just not used to having so much. It goes against my first thirty years of life to spend money unnecessarily. Maybe I’d be different if I grew up in Cheltenham. Timber and other supplies may not be expensive, but it’s how I was raised. I’ll try to raise my kids to be responsible but generous with their money.