“Loud budgeting,” apparently another TikTok trend has passed me by. Defined as “a financial strategy where you share your money aspirations directly and not so quietly with the people in your life.” My generation didn’t “talk” about money but got way too caught up in “showing” money … bigger houses, fancier cars, elaborate vacations. I’ve lived long enough to cycle through those trends and now value time and connection more than money. Still finding it a challenge to talk about money, but here goes.
Here on Substack, we talk money at a slant, couching it as “paid subscribers,” celebrating the stepping stones to success … which always seems to be the “next” one. Years ago, I realized that my writing is not in “the money groove,” and, if I wanted to “make money,” I would need to write better or focus on more lucrative subjects. One of the my early aha’s was that money flows to the Big 3 — how to lose weight, have better relationships/sex, and how to make money. Next comes: news, sports, entertainment.
While I do want to write … need to write … and want to write better, my main motivation is to encourage and inspire people on their own journeys through life by savoring and reflecting on my own path. I’m not sure I want to, or even can, write about the Big 3 or other mainstream attractions. That would be writing for money. That would be a job. That would suck up my time. Been there; done that.
The Lily Pad of Enough VS Asking for Support
As I wrestle with the question of how or even if I should focus on making or asking for money, I realize that the question is complicated by the lily pad I sit on which is called “enough.” 2008 retired me from my business of trying to help organizations be more creative and innovative and left me with time, a modest nest egg, and a better-than-average monthly Social Security check. Sixteen years later, my income and outgo are in relative balance, my nest egg has shrunk, and I’m blessed with time, health and the energy needed to follow curiosity.
I don’t *need* to make money to exist comfortably. However, as I look over my budget for the upcoming adventure, the dip into my dwindling nest egg is a little cringe-worthy. Spreading that nest egg out over the years from now to 95 seems rational. Lopping off years 94 & 95 for this adventure is either a brilliant way to rationalize what I want to do today … or a prescription for trouble when I’ll probably be too old to hustle up a side gig.
Sidling up to the point of all of this: I am asking for support …
moral: comments, suggestions, connections, sharing … engagement
financial: money, housing … resources
The upcoming adventure to explore murals and stories of Mexico with the intention of creating a book or other creative capture of what I find inspires and energizes me.. It wraps up so much of what I want to do and learn and write about into a bright shiny package calling me, reminding me that life is short and time is a gift to be spent wisely. I hope being part of this adventure will also inspire and energize you, however, I have a question …
How could we make this more of a “community adventure?”
Please take this poll and add other thoughts about what might most interest you in the comments.
And, back to money … It would mean a lot to have your financial support … however …
Only if coming with me on this journey would bring you delight or insights into your own life.
Only if it makes sense in your own financial world (it costs nothing to be an amigo.)
Only if it would be fun to be part of a journey into the Mexico that lies beyond the beaches, margaritas and tales of cartels and corruption. Those things are real but not the point of this adventure.
Only if it might encourage and inspire you to strike out on your own life adventure.
You can be an Amigo of this adventure, simply by subscribing … and maybe sharing with your friends. (Benefits: weekly posts/reports & photos): FREE. Always. Your comments and sharing will feed me lavishly and will always be appreciated.
Or, If you would like to get involved financially, here are two possibilities:
Compadre/comadre: the annual subscription price has been cut to Substack’s minimum of $30. This level includes a private chat each week where I’ll share stuff about the trip that doesn’t make the weekly post and answer your questions about travel, Mexico, and the specific places we’ll visit. Also more photos and info will be shared in periodic flip books.
Vagabundo … this is the sponsorship level where you can contribute any amount you want (over the $30 annual subscription). The level shown on Substack is $5,000 … anything over $250 will be donated to Cherán’s reforestry project, or to fund a young mural artist, or anything else we find along the way that needs a dose of financial generosity. Vagabundo sponsors will receive special thanks in everything related to this adventure and have a voice in deciding where the contribution funds will wind up.
Just a reminder: we are going to Mexico …
you never know what you’ll see there.
question, if we choose Vagabundo, you said we can put in any amount we want. Does that mean we just change the 5000 on the screen and that will adjust the amount that Substack charges?
I am certainly supportive of your project goals. I what to think more about Andrew's question: "Is there some way to interact? I wonder if there might be another way to integrate the readers into the story itself."