Addiction can be simply described as a compulsive or obsessive relationship to a substance or behavior. The following list are the most common addictions.
- Alcoholism
- Anorexia
- Bulimia
- Drug
- Gambling
- Sex
- Smoking
- Spending
Can personal finance really be an addiction. Of course, but the word addiction gets a bad wrap. When people are so focused a single overriding goal they call it being passionate, that sounds better. The first person that comes to my mind when thinking about passion is Dave Ramsey.
Dave Ramsey uses the term “Gazelle Intense” to describe this passion. Gazelle intense just means that you are doing everything in your power to get out of your financial rut. Dave is very animated while describing it (if you’ve seen him live you really know what I’m talking about). Don’t you think Dave is a little addicted (passionate) about helping people get out of debt? I sure believe so, just like he was when he was getting out of debt.
I have turned my current situation of “Debt Prison” into an all out personal finance addiction. I want to get the hell out of debt and will not stop until I get there. I would certainly classify that as an obsessive behavior as stated in the definition above. I read at least 50 blog posts a day either through my RSS reader, or my favorite medium – Twitter. Why do I read and read and read about personal finance? Because I’m still learning. If I was smart about money and the ways of the personal finance world I sure wouldn’t have gotten into debt.
I’m the type of person who needs to know. I need to figure things out, I need to understand how everything fits together and works like a well oiled machine. I crave it. I’ve used a ton of the advise that you (pf blogger) have written about. I’ve followed the tips and tricks of Dave Ramsey, I even taken a chug of the Kool-Aid. I been able to rock my financial world with everything I’ve learned. Am I debt free yet? Nope, but I will be soon enough.
Call it what you will; addiction, OCD, passion, love, desire. I call it our “call to action. “
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
WOW! The past few months, I too, have determined that I’m addicted to living financially FREE! As a single mom of 3 that does not receive child support (ex doesn’t pay) I refuse to live an average life. I made up my mind “No Child Support! No Excuses!” and we got into motion. I’ve been reading and following 25 plus blogs and in 2010, my focus is engagement. I’m cheering you on!
Tina,
You are now on my inspiration list. Thank you for the comment and I love reading all your twitter updates.
“No Excuses!!!” I couldn’t say it better.
Take care, Jeff