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I check our investments daily, often more if the market is jumping around. Why do I do that? There is no good reason. I don’t trade, I don’t even use the funds.
If I am honest, I check the accounts only to keep proving to myself that I have been successful meeting my own financial goals. It’s just between me and me.
Is there anything wrong with being proud of what you have accomplished when you started at the bottom with zero in hand? I read the stories posted by many HD readers who have accomplished a great deal or overcome punches in the face and got up swinging. I see nothing wrong with being proud of that.
I grew up in a modest household where money was not guaranteed from week to week, where paycheck to paycheck was very real, where there was no such thing as investments or any talk of going to college.
I didn’t get where I am by myself, I had a few great mentors. We have been blessed with the absence of serious misfortune. Still, both of us do take some credit for not being irresponsible with money. Hence, persistence and time – a long time, worked its magic.
So for those who have overcome adversity of any kind, who have achieved financial security and a comfortable retirement, be proud – even if you have more than your friends and family or have left national measures of income and net worth in the dust. You earned it.
Besides, no matter how well we have done, somebody has done better 🤷🏻♂️
Charles Dickens said it well; “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen and six, result happiness.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.”
Very good, I guess prudent money management is nothing new.
If I have done well, feel lucky!
Looking at my investments I guess I could give myself a pat on the back and my ego would love to take credit, but in fact, many investors follow simple rules. For example:
1. Save.
2. Invest cautiously and with purpose.
3. Use compounding to your advantage.
4. Avoid things you don’t understand.
My portfolio is a bit more complex than simply owning indexes, so I guess I learned a few things to enable stepping outside the box. But I followed the rules above and, as they said in the movie: “The monkey threw the switch.”
I have arrived where I am. Could I have done better?
After experiencing multiple “lost decades”, recessions and a few personal financial hiccups and spending shocks, I would suggest that consistently adhering to a few simple rules was helpful. Yes, I did make certain decisions. For example, in the dark days I suspended saving, but as soon as the budget allowed, I did resume saving.
I would say, one decision I consciously made that did make a significant impact was to work longer than the usual “full retirement age”. That had a profound impact on our retirement, as opposed to retiring early, say at age 62. But luck was a factor. Not everyone has the good health to be able to do this.
Luck, or providence is as much a contributor to success as any investing “skill” I may have applied. Investing isn’t rocket science. If anything, it is a slog, a slow uphill climb of saving and investing and no one knows with certainty the results 40 years hence. The experts tell us what we may expect. That isn’t fact; it is an extrapolation. A guess.
Following investing rules is hoping that the guess will materialize. Every time I buy an index or ETF, it is a guess that the S&P 500, or Ex-U.S. stocks or bonds (U.S. or foreign) will do well. The Callan Periodic Table indicates how mercurial this is.
Today, I do find it difficult to take credit for the outcome of “good” decisions. Memory tends to obscure the bad ones.
Yes, there are traits which are helpful, too. Resiliency comes to mind. But can I take credit for my wiring? It is true that I have done things to make myself a better human being. Investing for a long period of time is akin to achieving muscle memory. After a time, thinking isn’t required and decisions can become automatic. So too, are the results.
Sometimes, it all seems to be a simulation. In recent years, one of the significant decisions I had to make was to unexpectedly tap my Roth-IRA for a significant amount. Automaticity made this difficult. It definitely felt like the wrong thing to do, if for no other reason than a perception the Roth is a very long term, tax-advantaged account. I mentally stepped back and concluded that it was necessary and just did it. There was a temporary decrease in our portfolio. But within two years it had not only recovered, but had gained 10 percent. There were no negative effects, other than the blip to the value of the accounts. Life went on, there was no need for belt-tightening, etc. Looking at the financial reports today, and comparing them to 2021 it seems as if nothing had happened.
I’m happy for my good fortune.
Following those simple rules is beyond many people – even number #1 – so doing so and adding to success deserves credit.
While I can understand taking pride in what one has accomplished I fail to see why the gyrations of one’s investments should affect one’s sense of pride or dismay.
Honest question, are there people out there that aren’t proud of their accumulation of assets?
Not honest ones. 😄
Jonathan would be disappointed by this posting and the bickering. Let’s honor him by staying focused on sharing financial “learnings”. Remember HUMBLEDollar!
Richard,
Expanding on your points if I may:
One of Jonathan’s gifts was his ability to write relevant, often actionable prose in a selfless and humble manner.
I never got the impression in reading his column in WSJ all those years and through the Humble Dollar years that he expected nor wished that all would agree with what he wrote. He saw a higher purpose behind his writing-it was never about him.
Underscoring this view, if you look back at his postings in Humble Dollar, he had the “Executive Presence” in his approach to let others organically share their interpretations, views, personal experiences, etc. without feeling the need to opine further on what other people wrote in comments to his postings. In other words, it was never about him. In rare cases when he did add a comment to one of his own postings, it was to answer a question that no one else had yet answered or to correct/counter truly incorrect or misleading statements made by a commenter (or himself). His focus was on tangible, often analytical topics not semantics. Jonathan inherently knew that his humble, collaborative approach resulted in the best results for his readers.
Jonathan is truly missed but his example lives on for those who choose to follow it.
Dunn, Thanks for sharing – exactly!
Good post, Dunn. JC was truly gifted in this regard. Both writers and those who only comment would do well to emulate his style.
I agree. He also wanted to link pure financial issues with real life. He and I went back and forth for weeks trying to get my chapter in My Money Journey the right blend he wanted.
Why would he be disappointed?
What is wrong with people who have achieved their goals, overcome any number of obstacles in their financial and personal lives, as often related on HD by many different writers over the years, being proud of their accomplishments?
We have people who are able to retire in their 50s even 53 in one case, people are able to help others, people who overcame personal problems and tragedy, etc.
What exactly is the issue of people being proud of their accomplishments? What is the problem with posts recognizing those achievements in many individuals?
It seems to me such achievements give others hope
“Don’t confuse brains with a bull market” Humphrey B. Neill
Reading the comments here it is obvious that “If you have done well be quiet” is more prudent. Had the Dow Jones not gone from 1000 to 50000 over my career I have no idea where I would be today.
Being proud of one’s accomplishments which transcend the accumulation of money does not mean a person has to brag about it. As I said in the article, it’s just between me and me. Not even Connie knows how I measure myself or why.
“It’s just between me and me.” But when it is in a Humbledollar post it is the exact opposite.
For Pete’s sake it wasn’t about me. I was just trying to make a point. You can’t see from what I wrote that I was talking generally about people?
My grandmother would always share this advice with her grandchildren: Always look up to the man who is more educated than you and don’t pay attention to the man who has more wealth than you. And always be grateful for whatever luck life brings you.
Wow! I’m late to this “party,” and saddened by the bickering in some of the comments. I agree wholeheartedly with Mike Gaynes that if you have done well, be grateful. I’ll add that the idea of keeping a daily “gratitude journal” came from here and by doing that for over six months now, I have had a significant increase in my quality of life. I would miss anyone who decides to stop contributing and/or commenting because of this article and its comments, so I hope that won’t happen. Thanks all for your good advice, and really, friendship.
My alternate headline would be, “If you have done well, be grateful.”
Yes, to a great extent that is true, but for most it takes some personal effort as well or at least not creating their own problems.
I knew that eventually you would make a comment that would make it clear that this thread is on the same level as all of your other criticisms of the behaviors of others that you don’t approve of.
Sorry, you lost me. Did I criticize anyone?
My favorite retort to the “The harder I work the luckier I get” folks … Every year a quarter of a million people are struck by lightning .
I never would have thought the number would be this high.
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2025/sep/25/lightning-deaths-rare-most-strikes-survivable/
Around 2000 people a year are struck by lightning worldwide, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.
“250,000”? Nonsense.
Suggest you read the above Note it is worldwide and they are not fatalities but strikes.
I think it is fine to be proud of what you’ve accomplished. I am, but at the same time I don’t go around broadcasting it. I feel fortunate that I am able to have a comfortable retirement. In many respects, I exceeded my own expectations of myself and this creates a sense of pride. My motives were greatly affected by witnessing what my parents were going through growing up and into my 20’s and 30’s. They were terrible with money, didn’t save, and had miserable retirements. I did not want that to be me. As a result, I saved as much as I could, I worked my ass off, took on tough assignments, moved my family 5 times for better opportunities which led to greater financial outcomes. The pride for me is really knowing that I made this journey and it meant something. And I do not discount being in the right place at the right time, having great teammates along the way, and of course some luck!
David, it’s interesting that you learned from your folks’ bad money habits. I learned from dumb things that I saw my big brother do in his teen years. On the flip side, many people simply pick up the bad habits of parents or older siblings. I may have to research the subject for a future article.
We learn (hopefully) from good and not so good examples.
As mentioned it wasn’t until I was older when I was on my own that I figured it out. Growing up, thought everything was hunky dory and vaguely remember fights about money but whose parents didn’t fight about money now and then? I think it’s the “keeping up with the Jones” that’ll get you every time.
Excellent, similar to my experience except moving around.
Here is the first entry for “pride” at dictionary.com:
Antonyms: humility
While a sense of self worth is healthy, there’s a reason why pride is a sin. And let’s not forget that Humbledollar rather than ProudDollar was chosen as the name of this website.
Not as you imply. Being proud is not inordinate pride.
In everyday language and psychology, “being proud” often refers to the healthy, constructive side of the emotion pride—a self-conscious feeling that arises when you (or someone close to you) meets a valued goal, demonstrates competence, or embodies something admirable.
It’s the opposite of shame and can boost confidence, motivation, and even social standing when expressed appropriately.
I do not believe that the sense of superiority you regularly express when speaking of others, whether they are women with tattoos, young people in general, grocery shoppers, the general public etc etc is in the least healthy for you or for society. It seems designed not to educate but to ridicule others and indulge your own ego. I also do not believe that such contributions are at all in keeping with the intended spirit of this website. But it’s your life to live and I wish you well.
good response
Sorry about your perception of superiority regarding my critiques and observations on life. I can’t change that.
I think sometimes challenging assumptions, the consequences of personal decisions and actions financial-wise can be helpful, but I suspect doing so may make some people uncomfortable.
However, I do claim a measure of superiority over those shopping cart inconsiderates who continue to plague our parking lots.
And comments like this are why I choose to no longer participate on this site. Read….occasionally but not contribute.
You can be proud and humble at the same time. I know I am.
After divorces, occupational turmoil, and basically starting over at ages 49 and 47, we accomplished much more together than either of us could have on our own. So yeah, there’s some pride, and some good luck, but mostly it’s being grateful for the second chance that life seems to have given us.
Maybe you could stop patting yourself on the back for a few minutes and consider the role of luck.
— You were born white at a time and in a place where that mattered. A lot.
— You were born male at a time and in a place where that mattered. A lot.
— You benefited from free primary and secondary education.
— You lived in a stable and prosperous country that was becoming more prosperous over time.
— You were able to spend your whole working life at the same employer, with employee healthcare and a pension.
— You weren’t (as far as we know) the victim of an accident or serious disease.
I’m not suggesting you weren’t frugal and hard working, but that is often not enough.
I think we all understand that we don’t control the circumstances of our birth or our parents. We must deal with the cards we are given. How individuals do that is the key. How they make the most of their circumstances and opportunities is what matters.
I bet you know of people living in very similar situations that got to very different places over their lifetimes. I sure do, some in my own family. Every decision we make or don’t make is what counts.
For every circumstance you mention there are many people who still achieved much. Who overcame those obstacles and they should be proud. You can choose to live life as a victim or set a goal to overcome.
When I started working the a mail room in 1961 there was a fellow there who had been there for a few years. Like me he was in the union, received good benefits and annual raises. I guess he was content with his life. When I retired in 2010 he was still in that job. Is that anyone else’s fault?
That mail room dude may be more happy than either of us. It’s certainly not his fault we choose to put ourselves in more stressful situations for the purpose of monetary gain or elevated status.
Happy? Perhaps. He kept working beyond age 70 and at that point he was receiving his pay, SS and his pension. I once asked Tony why he kept working. He was never married and said he then had more money than any time in his life. He was giving some to his sister he said because he couldn’t use it all.
I’m pretty sure he had nothing in his life but work. I guess that makes some people happy.
I can’t see why this post is getting all the down votes. It contains a lot of truth.
Kathy, I get what you’re saying, and it’s important to recognize the luck involved. That said, I think it’s also fair to say that there are plenty of people born healthy, white, male, in advanced democracies/economies, with middle to upper class parents and plenty of opportunity, who nevertheless fail to do the necessary to take care of themselves and their families financially. Given that, if one wants to give oneself a little pat on the back for their persistence and discipline, and of course luck, placing them among those who did so and did well, that also seems fair.
The points Kathy makes here are totally true. I can’t believe why she’s getting down votes.
True of course, just not relevant to the original post.
How there can be negative comments from a simple observation that individuals who get from place A to a better place B and achieve their goals however defined, should be proud of their accomplishment is a mystery to be.
Regardless of good fortune along the way, there are still individual actions, decisions, choices that are important factors.
Oh… that’s why. Good to know. Thank you.
Gee, it must be a blast to hang around you at a party.
Post wasn’t about me, it was about everyone who accomplished their goals, including you.
Didn’t I say “We have been blessed with the absence of serious misfortune.” Others overcame more and accomplished more than I ever did.
There’s that brick wall again.
If it wasn’t about you, why all the “I” in the post?
OMG it’s like you didn’t read the entire post. What about the last two paragraphs?
I could write a post containing the solution to world hunger and someone would find something to criticize.
oh well, at least 105 people understood and liked it.
Lady Luck would like a word: it’s hubris. How well do you think you would have done, born a female Dalit in rural India? Or, closer to home, black and female in, say, Mississippi under Jim Crow. With sickle cell anemia. Or male, but black in a drug and crime-ridden slum?
But don’t worry. This site isn’t a good place for a liberal-leaning female, in-so-far as it ever was. Without active moderation it’s likely in terminal decline. I’m out.
Kathy – if you’re still on here. Please don’t go. Your viewpoints are valid and welcome.
Please don’t leave us!
Reading – hearing – seeing different points of view is healthy for everyone.
Please don’t do that, I highly value your viewpoint on all of the topics that you’ve commented on. You help provide great balance to these discussions!
I agree.
Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate them, but they are obviously not widely shared. I have (mostly) enjoyed hanging out here, but it is clearly time to go see what has been happening over on Bogleheads.
We’re “comfortable”.
I don’t feel proud though.
i feel blessed.
Unless someone handed you being comfortable with no effort on your part, why not be proud of your accomplishments?
That is a valid point.
I was a computer programmer ‘nerd’.
Organizations paid me for doing what I loved. Basically, solving various issues using the computer. I looked at them as solving puzzles. It didn’t seem like ‘work’ to me.
There are (were) certain projects I was quite proud to have worked on.
But our financial status is due, mostly, to having retired in an up market. And being too lazy to try to make any fancy investments.
Again … not pride … but being extremely blessed.
I’ve never really thought about feeling proud. If anything, I’m often surprised and amazed by my good fortune. My childhood and early adulthood were spent in a conflict zone. Walking down the main street of my hometown still triggers vivid flashbacks—being blown 50 feet down the street, lying in piles of glass and rubble when a 500lb car bomb went off. To think that the ruined economy of my homeland would somehow transform and propel me to financial security and early retirement still feels unbelievable.
You were lucky to survive that!
We used to cross the border to shop in Enniskillen a few times a year. I remember having to turn off the headlights a good distance from the crossing, wend our way through concrete barriers, and stop while soldiers checked the car. One would use a red flashlight to look around the car while another stood with his Armalite rifle at the ready.
Once, in December, someone left a car parked on the main shopping street with gift wrapped parcels in view. The army closed off the street, put barriers around the car, and blew it up with a controlled explosion. It turned out to be a false alarm – it wasn’t a car bomb, just some clueless shopper parking where they shouldn’t have.
Based on what you have written, proud is appropriate. Think what could have been.
When I visited Ireland in 2002, it was hard to comprehend that the Good Friday Agreement had only been signed four years prior. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to grow up in such an environment.
Dan. This might sound strange—maybe even unbelievable—but at the time, it felt completely normal. Walking out your front door and seeing a soldier in full battle rattle crouched in your garden hedge, scanning the street through his rifle sight, was just… everyday life. It wasn’t until I visited another country for the first time that I realized how abnormal that actually was 😂
I visited in the late ’60s as part of a research group. I don’t think any of us were surprised by the “Troubles”, change was needed, but the violence was excessive.