Healthy Hundred

Carlos found himself pondering a timeless question: how much is enough? As he watched friends and endlessly focussing on earning and saving, he wondered if there was a point where you could comfortably say, “I have enough.” He found that the question was difficult to answer and seemed to be a balancing act between security and fulfilment.

Many people search for this answer in a number but when they get there, the number changes. As writer Joseph Heller, author of Catch-22, famously said, “I have something he’ll never have… enough.” Heller made this remark while attending a party hosted by a billionaire, highlighting the idea that wealth isn’t necessarily tied to a feeling of contentment. Heller’s words remind us that financial contentment isn’t about reaching an absolute number but about finding personal satisfaction in what we already have.

How much is “enough” is deeply subjective, and tied to both lifestyle goals and personal values. Here are two approaches for working toward this answer:

1. Set Clear, Personal Goals
   Start by identifying what you truly need to feel secure and fulfilled. Maybe it’s being debt-free, owning a home, or simply knowing you can handle life’s unexpected turns. By clarifying these goals, you set a tangible vision for what “enough” looks like in your own life.
2. Shift Focus from Accumulation to Experiences
   Instead of endlessly pursuing a higher net worth – you can’t take it with you – consider focusing on the experiences you want to have in life. For example, Bill Perkins argues in his book Die with Zero that maximising life’s moments brings deeper satisfaction than money alone. Investing in experiences rather than accumulating wealth indefinitely can help define a sense of “enough.”

Take this as a challenge: explore different ways to approach what “enough” means for you to help you identify what truly brings satisfaction . Is it a number, a lifestyle, or perhaps a feeling? Finding your answer could be the most valuable investment you make and help you spend your time in a more rewarding manner.