These emojis may be pretend little drawings, but the numbers are real. The average wedding in the US today costs about $30,000. It lasts about 4 hours. The average person has their first wedding at age 30. Keeping everything else identical, the cost of that wedding literally buys MORE THAN THREE YEARS of early retirement if invested instead of spent.‎
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I’ve never been married, so I can’t say whether my wedding was a waste of money or not. But if I were to have one now, I think it would be really had to get the full value of that money crammed into such a short time. My personal fantasy of a perfect wedding is a months long road trip around the US with my new bride spending a night or two with every one of our friends and family where we can eat, drink, relax and actually enjoy the time with our “guests” instead of staring into bright flashes and pretending to enjoy doing the chicken dance. Plus our guests wouldn’t have to spend all the money that accompanies a wedding, like flights, hotels, dresses and shoes you’ll never wear again, etc. I’m sure they would all be thrilled at the savings until I inform them how for our new age road trip wedding it’s customary to add those costs to a cash gift given to the happy couple upon arrival.‎
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And yeah… months long wedding road trips aren’t free. But they’re possible once you’re financially independent! Or if you guilt your guests into paying for it!
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So you don’t have to do it my way, but if you do please let me know. And if you’re planning a wedding, think about the alternative freedom that money could buy and decide what you value more! The rules are fake!‎
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As always, reminding you to build wealth by following the two PFC rules: 1.) Live below your means and 2.) Invest early and often.‎
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-Jeremy‎
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via Instagram