It’s Thanksgiving and a big theme this time of year is being thankful for the things we have in life.

We only really talk about being thankful this time of year, but gratitude is a powerful tool on the path to FI

We often consume in an attempt to replicate the lives we see on social media. This is dangerous, as the cars, houses, and lifestyle these people have are often either fake or rented. People often take on a lot of debt to have the toys they think they should because their friends do. Comparison is the thief of joy, but gratitude is the enemy of comparison

When you compare, it makes you unhappy, and can drive you to consume (spend money), which can derail your financial plans

Gratitude for the things you do have can protect you against envy, and keep you on good financial footing

No one is immune to the effects of comparison. There are people like me with “only” 7 figures who look to those with 8 figure net worths with envy

There are single digit billionaires who look at the centibillionaires (100 billion +) with envy. Never mind the fact that even a single billion is more money that anyone will ever really need

Don’t let comparison steal your joy. Be grateful for the things you do have, and save for the future instead of buying stuff you don’t need