We are pretty similar really, think alike and all.
I came from a family who didn't have much left over after all the necessities were paid for and so I've always had a need over want purchasing ethos and have worked towards making what I have last longer, or to repair what I have so I do not have to spend needlessly. This doesn't mean I don't have good things, nice things, I do. What it means though, is that as my income increased over the years I applied that ethos and it ended up seeing me focus on quality not quantity, and I have some very good quality things.
Having said that, experiences are what's important as you point out and for me that means travel - I've been all over the world on multiple occasions and it's what I found/gained through travel that I think of when I think about what I have.
I hear what you're saying about guns, it's the same with other things (cars, trucks, watches and so on, but I have always worked to apply the need over want. Sure, I've been unsuccessful and have ended up with more than I need at times but generally it's worked out that I have had what I needed, when I needed it, and I'm ok with it.
I agree. I never would've thought I'd find someone on Hive who has similar opinions, standards, and approaches to life. I'm sure we'll find something we don't agree on at some point, but the differences are what makes us unique and life more interesting. 😁
I didn't have quite the same childhood, but my dad did and made sure my sister and I knew. I try to live like I'm "poor," to the point that I told my son "We don't have enough money for toys" as we drove to the grocery store to pick up our order. We could make room in the budget, and we do for special occasions like birthdays, but otherwise the money goes to bills and savings.
I'd love to travel. I'm working on starting the process of getting my passport. I can't really go overseas right now, but eventually it'll happen.
We all have different experiences and they lead us to different thoughts and attitudes; sometimes people get to the same point in different ways too.
Good luck with the travel, it's something that broadens perspective and deepens understanding. The passport is the first step. ✅