Stop Trying to Catch Up: You're Not Behind
How to stop measuring your life with someone else’s ruler and start building real wealth on your terms
Have you ever looked around and felt like you're falling behind - even though, on paper, you're doing well?
You're earning more. You're making responsible financial decisions. But there's still this persistent feeling that you're not where you should be.
That feeling has nothing to do with your finances.
It’s about comparison. And it’s quietly costing you peace, confidence, and clarity.
The Trap We All Fall Into
We compare constantly - on social media, in group chats, at dinner parties. It’s become second nature.
Someone’s always making more money.
Someone’s always spending more freely.
Someone’s always posting more exciting updates.
But here’s the truth: none of that means they’re actually wealthy.
Wealth is rarely loud. It doesn’t need to be. The friend driving the newest car might be buried in debt. The couple with the dream house may be living paycheck to paycheck. The high earner taking luxury vacations might be quietly panicking about their savings.
Comparison gives us the illusion of context, but it’s a highlight reel with no financial footnotes. It distracts you from the only thing that matters: your own plan.
What You Can’t See Counts More
You can’t see someone else’s emergency fund, their investment account, or the anxiety they feel every time they swipe their card. You also can’t see their goals - and whether they’re sacrificing long-term stability for short-term validation.
When you compare your life to someone else’s visible spending, you’re playing a game without knowing the rules.
And often, the scoreboard is rigged.
Wealth isn’t about income, appearances, or how well someone can play the part. It’s about how well you’ve set yourself up to live life on your own terms—without stress, shame, or second-guessing.
There’s Room for Everyone to Win
If someone is earning more, saving well, and enjoying their money? That’s great news. It means it’s possible.
We’re not in a zero-sum game. Your friend's success doesn’t threaten yours—it simply proves that good decisions pay off.
Let it inspire you, not pressure you. You don’t need to chase someone else’s version of success. You just need to stay committed to your own.
What Rich Feels Like
Forget the traditional definition of “rich.”
Rich isn’t a number - it’s a feeling. It’s waking up without money stress. It’s being able to take time off, say yes to things you care about, and sleep well knowing your financial future is secure.
It’s your version of freedom. And you get there by aligning your spending, saving, and lifestyle with your values - not with someone else’s timeline.
So next time that wave of comparison hits, ask yourself:
“Am I building a life that feels rich to me?”
Because that’s the only benchmark worth tracking.
Here’s How to Start Shifting That Mindset
Audit your inputs. If someone’s posts regularly trigger stress or envy, it’s okay to mute or unfollow.
Reconnect with your numbers. Instead of checking someone else’s progress, revisit your own. Are you moving toward your goals? Great. That’s what matters.
Celebrate actual wins. Not the flashy ones. The quiet ones. Paying off a credit card. Booking a trip with cash. Feeling calm when you check your account.
These are the signs that you’re on the right path - even if no one else sees them.
Because at the end of the day, your financial peace is far more valuable than public perception.
Stay grounded. You’re not behind. You’re building
Whenever you're ready, there are 2 other ways we can help you:
Opulus Method Digital Course: Join 350+ students inside the Opulus Method. In just 90 minutes, learn a proven system to secure your financial freedom without sacrificing your lifestyle.
Join Opulus as a Client: We'll build your personalized strategy to reduce taxes, boost your income, and grow your wealth. Live life on your terms—we'll execute the financial strategy to get you there.
Opulus, LLC (“Opulus”) is a registered investment advisor in Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions where exempted. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply any specific level of skill or training.
The content of this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, or accounting advice. It is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or investments, nor does it endorse any specific company, security, or investment strategy. Readers should not rely on this content as the sole basis for any investment or financial decisions.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategies discussed will result in profits or avoid losses.
All information is provided "as-is" without any warranties, express or implied. Opulus does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Opinions expressed are those of the authors, Ryan Greiser and Francis Walsh, and are subject to change without notice.
Opulus is not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use or reliance on this information. Use of the content is at your own risk. This content is not intended as an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be illegal..