Stop Treating Your Money Like Litter
We crested the ridge and all I saw was another steep slope climbing endlessly up. “This is climbing…” I said to myself, “…stop complaining. This is why you came halfway across the world, get on with it…”
We were ascending one of the black diamond runs of a ski resort in Russia. To our left was the jaw-dropping beauty of the peaks that comprise the Georgia-Russia border. Our destination, Mt. Elbrus. At 18,510 feet it’s the highest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits.
I gobbled another Snickers down and purposely made a point to not let the wrapper get away from me in the stiff breeze. Not that it would have mattered if it did. I was surrounded by more trash than I had ever experienced on a mountain climb.
“If this is what climbing in the Caucasus of Russia is always like, I’m not so stoked”, I thought. The trash was everywhere. Mostly plastic bottles and food wrappers. It took some of the wow factor off an amazing place.
Our guide, Sasha, was a former Olympic champion slalom ski racer. He raced for the Soviet Union back in the 1980’s. Transitioning his stout, ripped frame into a mountain guide after he retired from racing was probably easy and natural. You could tell he was a mountain guy through and through, he moved effortlessly.
And unlike other Russians, he smiled a lot. Despite the ubiquitous litter, these mountains were still more than smile worthy.
Someone Else’s Problem
At first I tried to pick up some of the litter until I realized it was a futile effort. I was increasingly bothered by it, but was doing my best to ignore it.
“You don’t have this litter back in America eh?” Sasha said to me, noticing my annoyance.
I told him that we did have litter in many places, but generally nowhere near like this. And our National Parks and “premier” wilderness locations were mostly litter free.
He smiled, as if knowing the answer ahead of time, and said something like this.
This is part of our communist legacy. When you live in communism you don’t own land, so keeping the land clean is someone else’s problem. Many Russians still litter because of where we came from. Cleaning things up is just someone else’s problem.
Sasha was born and raised in the Soviet Union, under the heavy hand of communism. If you think about this concept of communism (and socialism) and litter there are a few angles to it.
There’s the “tragedy of the commons” angle. It is indeed a real issue that has countless examples throughout history. In this case under Soviet rule the land and all resources and pretty much everything is owned by the government, and ‘shared’. So the people simply exploit this beautiful resource and litter everywhere because, why not?
The other angle to this – and the one that relates to your money – is the mental process of littering in and of itself. When you litter, you’re essentially saying “I’m just too tired and lazy to deal with this, so I’m not going to”.
So you toss that cigarette out of the window of your car. As if it will magically go away.
It won’t. Don’t do that.
If you’re ignoring your finances and not planning for retirement, you’re doing the same thing with your money. “I’m just too tired and lazy to deal with money and retirement planning, so I’m not going to”.
As if the issue will go away and resolve itself.
It won’t. Don’t do that.
Contract It Out
Instead of totally ignoring it, you may decide to just pay someone to handle your money for you. I do not think it’s necessary for most people to pay a financial advisor.
Sure, some have very complex financial situations and in those cases it might be wise. But most don’t.
Paying someone to manage your money and your retirement planning is, however, at least better than totally ignoring it.
But like litter, you’re still in essence saying “this is someone else’s problem, let someone else deal with it”.
Here’s the deal. You should deal with it.
It bears repeating that no one cares more about your money than you. Unless of course you don’t care a bit about your money, and if that’s your scene then that’s good too.
But I doubt that’s the case.
Getting your finances in order and taking the time to learn the basics is easier than ever. You just need to care enough and do the work.
And like holding a candy bar wrapper in your pocket until you come across the next trash can, it’s not that much work.
Leaving the Litter Behind
Thankfully as we climbed past the ski resort the litter quickly vanished. Not too many people venture to the dizzying heights that start the real climbing to the summit of Mt. Elbrus.
As we ascended past 15,000 feet to the upper slopes and towards the summit, the 40+ mph winds and brutal cold couldn’t suppress my smile. I was relieved to finally be surrounded by nothing but pure clean white snow.
My team and I summitted that day, I stood on the top of Europe. The trip wasn’t cheap for sure, but it was far better than treating my money like litter.
Some Pics
What good is a post about climbing one of the Seven Summits without some pics? Enjoy!
A fun part of climbing around the world is seeing the world. Entering Red Square in Moscow.
Our first views of Elbrus, in the back on the left
The ridge that separates Russia from Georgia, amazing peaks
Our team, climbing like a well-oiled machine in the dawn light
On the summit of Europe, jacket still half zipped to regulate the heat from the climb. Don’t be fooled, it was about zero degrees with 30-40 mph winds.
Looks like an incredible trip!
You know what I always say about communism? Great in theory (everyone gets the same provisions) but terrible in practice (everyone gets the same provisions regardless of how hard they work).
This is seen in the litter example. It’s not their problem, and it’s someone else’s responsibility. Whether they clean it or not, their life won’t change.
People take this sort of view towards money all of the time… They just don’t feel personally responsible for it and want someone else to manage it.
That’s a tough road to hoe, and very unlikely to lead to financial success.
TPP
I personally don’t even think communism is great in theory, but your points are more than valid 😉
Interesting comments about it being government land. I was in Bhutan last year and was surprised to see trash in many of the trails. Not as much as you’ve described. Saw more in Nepal as we hiked near Kathmandu.
Wow, Bhutan! That’s a bucket list location for any respective mountaineer You have to be on a guided government trip from what I hear. There are TONS of unclimbed peaks there.
Yes, Kathmandu is a total mess of garbage but the hike to Everest basecamp was relatively litter free!
Agree on the trash in Nepal – I was most saddened when seeing rivers near Kathmandu completely clogged and full of stench. Several years ago I was part of a UN sustainability effort there – so am hopeful for implementation of change over time. (?) For work I also got into the mountains – around Everest and some other peaks. You’re right, Dave, the mountains were mostly better (I hear it gets worse along heavily populated final ascents). There have been some interesting studies though on pollution (a lot entrained in precipitation, then into water supplies, etc). In any case, another great post, with much to mull over. Thanks Dave!
There’s been a massive effort to clean up Everest in the past 7 or 8 years. Mostly discarded oxygen bottles and destroyed tents. The climbing community largely has a great LNT ethos, but when life/death is on the line and someone has the choice of carrying a 6lb empty oxygen bottle or not, they sometimes ditch them. But they’ve been running some teams up the mountain with no intention to summit, and solely to clean up. It’s a great thing.
Thanks for your work on clean up!
There are so many examples of this is in our society as well and unfortunately it will be difficult to remove ourselves from it.
There is a mentality for some that of why try to better oneself if others do it for you. That it is the downside of some society programs we have. There are truly people who need welfare etc but there is also a segment of population that I am sure abuses it. Why go out and work for money when you can rely on govt funding instead.
It is sad that such a scenic place can be treated like a garbage can. I agree 100% on line that no one looks out for your finances more than you so you need to make sure to have some level of knowledge even if you do end up outsourcing financial management just to make sure you are not being taken advantage of
Growing up in Baltimore I can attest there are many people who abuse our social safety nets, I saw it all the time around me. However, they also were born in to hopeless situations, with drug addicted parents or lack of any parents at all. It’s the cycle of poverty, and almost impossible to stop. I have empathy for them, but don’t have the answers as how to fix it.
What a trip of a lifetime and can’t believe you climbed one of the Seven Summits! When I see people litter it seems so thoughtless but it’s not thoughtless, it’s a deliberate act. It actually makes me think they’re not that happy. If you are in a solid place mentally and emotionally you want to take care of yourself and others and things around you. It’s a natural extension. Littering or ignoring money gives off a sense of hopelessness. That it’s futile, so why bother.
It is deliberate in many situations. Especially with smokers, who always toss their cigarette butts out of their car windows. They treat the world as their personal trash can.
Thanks for stopping by!
Inside US National Parks are usually litter free. Outside is another story. I have noticed in my travels to more open lands, that the first half mile to mile of a trail tends to have more litter. Once you hit the point where the average person stops, the litter magically disappears. What has been ingrained in me is the ‘pack it in, pack it out’ philosophy.
On contracting out financial advising – I am going to take an opposing view. I care so much about our money that we decided to have a financial advisor manage our investments. I do appreciate that in your post left open the option to use an advisor – everyone’s circumstances are unique.
Yeah we still have a litter problem, but nothing like what I saw in Russia or most places I’ve been in the world.
As for advisors, like I said many have complex financial situations and I think it’s prudent to have one if that’s the case. The tax code can get crazy when you pile all sorts of unusual circumstances on top of one another. But if you do have one they should definitely be a fiduciary, because if they aren’t they’re very possibly trying to push you towards things that pad their pockets more, versus what’s in your best interest.
Either way, I know you realize that you are padding their pocket regardless by having to pay them, and that money could be adding to your stash if you didn’t. But again, to me certain circumstances warrant it and you’ve no-doubt evaluated that and made the best decision for your situation.
I wish people littered with actual dollars. Imagine being surrounded by cash all the way up the mountain. Would people pick that up?
It reminds me of our rental which we finally finished cleaning the filth left behind from our last Section 8 tenant. I could not believe that there was not only a lot of junk and litter left behind in cabinets and such, but I kept finding coins everywhere. And they were so filthy that I hardly could bear to keep them, but I did. They needed cleaning! This is the attitude of “someone else’s problem”. And we are the “someone”.
Love those photos of the climb. What an awesome accomplishment!
You should have just put those coins in a jar of turpentine overnight. That’ll do it 🙂
Thanks for the kudos Susan!
Nice way of working the climbing into a financial story, well done
Both good places to not litter
From one climber to another – thanks man!
The other day, I had an interesting conversation with the surgeon and scrub tech I was working with. The scrub tech I was working with had recently went to India to get married. He married an Indian woman. He had told me that he was appalled by how much trash was everywhere. And the interesting thing is that he said there were trash cans, but no trash in the cans. The trash was basically around the trash can but not in it! A strange and bizarre concept for sure. Then our surgeon, who happens to be from India, she said that people are not used to trash cans (they are a modern concept) and that many people assume that lower class people will clean it up. I found it interesting. This might be common practice in China and elsewhere.
Contrast that with a society like Japan, where there are very few trash cans and no trash at all. Everybody has a personal responsibility to deal with their trash. And take Singapore, for instance. Littering is a crime that could be punishable by flogging. Yikes.
Maybe how a society deals with trash depends on the culture or cultural institution (in the case of your story, Communism).
I think it’s part societal/cultural, and also probably part income level. Having grown up in a poor area of Baltimore and now living in a very wealthy area, there’s a marked difference. I’m not judging people, just conveying what I’ve experienced first hand.
I think you’re spot on about the income level. I’m not judging either, but I do think wealthier individuals have more privilege mental energy to be mindful of the environment, their trash, and their money.
Unfortunately, lower income people who are bare scraping by have so many external stressors in their life that it would be hard for them be thoughtful and mindful of other things (environment, money, etc.) when simple survival is the priority.
Oh yeah, and amazing adventure mountain photos! Makes me want to get out of this OR and get outside!!! 🙂
Thanks – get out there!
When I was hiking through Sapa, Vietnam this past October, my fellow travelers and I were so upset to see all the litter along the hike. The region is so beautiful, so to have trash everywhere was such a disappointment! I relate. But I’ve seen many, many filthy places throughout the world. It’s just sad. My own city, Philadelphia, is nicknamed Filthadelphia, since we completely lack the ability to secure our trash and recyclables on trash night. It also doesn’t help that some people pick through trash and make a mess or just like to litter. I routinely pick up trash when walking my dog, and I’ve even told people I’ve caught littering to please stop trashing the birthplace of America. One person actually hugged me for saying this to him kindly and said he would stop littering! I hope he changed his behavior.
I hadn’t realized the mindset of communism and littering, but it certainly makes sense to not care much when there’s no sense of ownership — not that that’s right, but it makes sense nonetheless. Regardless, our world is turning into one giant society where we trash everything, including money. So many, politicians included, are not good stewards of their own money or other people’s.
Oh, and great pictures! Thanks for sharing!
Wow what an adventure! I’ve been to lots of places but SE Asia I have yet to visit. It’s certainly different in other cultures, and as Dr. McFrugal said it’s largely related to societal traditions and norms. In general though, I think there’s much more of an environmental ethos now than there was even 10 yrs ago.
Thanks for the kudos!
you made the summit, as i expected. it’s crazy to see litter in certain places. i used to live 1/4 mile from vermont and hardly ever saw any in that state. they outlawed billboards a long time ago too, which are a form of litter on the landscape.
i just said something similar about money. even a less than ideal investment is better than investing 0% of it and spending 100% or more in some cases.
Agree about billboards, I can’t stand them. Another reason I love the Daks so much, they have strict rules on signs and stuff like that.
I love all the ways you find to relate climbing/being outdoors to money management!
Thanks Erin. They have so many ties, maybe that’s why I became FI!
Great pictures! Congratulations.
Thanks Drew!
You want to hear something funny, you could describe NYC subway stations and tunnels the same way. My father walked the tunnels for many years, retiring a few years ago. The stations are gross, but once you get a few hundred feet from them, there are no more rats and things are clean. He did see a rat many times that was larger than a cat.
I work with many folks who are from mainland China. They told me that the cities have the same problem with litter with the generation who grew up under Mao; other generations, I am told, are not so careless with litter. I can’t verify that having never been to China, but those who told me are Chinese who grew up there. If it’s true, then Communism would be the shared link.
Conversely, I found Sao Paulo and Rio to be quite clean. Brazilians were quick to comment how much cleaner they were than we Americans are in our cities. It seemed true for the few places I went to there; they reminded me of Germans in that regard. Germany was amazing. (Yes I noticed these things in my travels. I’m from NY, what can I say. My picture is me under the George Washington Bridge.)
Very interesting. I’ve gotten around but have never been to China or Brazil. It’s makes total sense about communism and socialism, and my guide had traveled the world for skiing competitions so he had a great base of knowledge to compare it to. He was very smart and also very grateful that the Soviet Union collapsed. He had lots of interesting opinions about where Russia is headed but knows that freedom and capitalism don’t happen overnight.
Wow! Awesome trip! I see shorts in the red square! (I had the dumb idea that it’s just always bitter cold there…) Tell us more – How long did you get to stay in the country? How did you travel (like 1,000 miles or so?) to Mt. Elbrus? Was the visa and migration card stuff hard to deal with and figure out? I looked at some of those rules earlier today – I’m in the phase of trip planning where I spin the globe and go, “Hmmm” but their visa rules seem a little daunting – I saw warnings about getting stranded at the airport for up to 20 days if you forget to get a piece of paper stamped, or if you try to leave 3 minutes after your exit permit expires…you’re probably an old pro at that, with your a) travel experience and b) government experience…nothin’ to it, right?
It gets plenty warm in Moscow and much of Russia in summer, no different than here. I was in country about 2.5 weeks in total. We had to fly to a town called Mineral Vlody from Moscow, which is a sizable city and the gateway to the Caucases mountains. From there on it was hiking and climbing in the mountains. It rocked.
The visa was not hard to get at all, but it was before Russia invaded Ukraine and took over the Crimea. Since then tensions with Europe and the West have gone up a lot so it wouldn’t surprise me if it was a bit more bureaucratic. So yes some of those stories you read might be true and Russia is probably playing passive-aggressive games with western travelers.
If you like the outdoors and beautiful landscapes I definitely recommend the Caucases. You could see them from Georgia and I know for sure that Georgia is very friendly to America since we protect her 🙂