Dear Family,
I was scrolling Instagram this morning when I came across a post by John Hope Bryant, Founder of Operation HOPE and author of Up From Nothing. He was reflecting on a recent comment from Whoopi Goldberg.
Despite earning an estimated $6 million a year as host of The View—with a net worth around $20 million—Whoopi admitted she may still need to work.
At first, that sounds unbelievable. But as Bryant pointed out, “If your outflow exceeds your inflow, your overhead becomes your downfall.” Taxes, homes, staff, agents, family support—it all adds up. And when it does, even celebrities can find themselves living check to check.
But here’s the part that should hit home for all of us: this isn’t just a “rich people problem.” According to Bryant, 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Even one-third of people making $250,000 a year are strapped.
That raises the question: How much is enough?
The truth is, “enough” isn’t a number. It’s not six figures, seven figures, or even eight. It’s the relationship between what comes in and what goes out. It’s clarity about your values and discipline about your priorities.
Money without literacy = stress.
Literacy with money = freedom.
That’s why I always encourage you to pause and reflect: What does “enough” look like for you and your family? Is it financial independence by 50? Is it covering college for your kids without debt? Is it owning your time so you can step away from work when you choose, not when you’re forced? For Whoopi, the question is whether she can afford to retire.
For us, it’s whether we’re being intentional enough with our money today to make sure tomorrow isn’t dictated by bills, debt, and obligations.
Because if you don’t define “enough” for yourself, the world will keep moving the goalposts for you.
From LUX, With Love
Matt
P.S. How is everyone doing?
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