I’m a Boomer with no mortgage and good super. Why do I feel so guilty?

June 9, 2026 — 3:30pm

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I’m a Boomer. I have a paid-off home and a good amount in superannuation. I know I’m privileged, and I’m grateful, but also embarrassed. Should I be? I don’t live an extravagant life, but I also don’t deny myself small enjoyments. I don’t have children, but I do help others financially. I have mixed feelings about my wealth. I like having it, but also try to pretend I don’t have it out of fear of others’ judgement.

This is a conversation I’ve had with several people – those who were born into above-average levels of wealth, who came into large amounts of wealth suddenly, or who have had more success than they’ve been able to fully accept.

Here’s the short answer: I don’t think there is much value in being embarrassed for having wealth. Let me explain why. I’ll start with a short personal story. Years ago, I wanted to hire some household help – but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

Why couldn’t I do this thing I had every rational reason to do? I did the mindset work. I peeled back the layers – I went beyond the layers of “this feels like a waste of money” and “I could just do it........

© Brisbane Times