The Internet got very mad at Emma Chamberlain. Since most of you have never heard of Emma, she’s an OG YouTuber. She landed a Joe Rogan-esque deal with Spotify during the pandemic. At the ripe age of 22 years old, she’s reportedly worth $20 million. But she wouldn’t know. She hasn’t checked her financial statements in years. What’s your hot take on Emma? Totally irresponsible? Or has she found total freedom? ## What gets measured gets managed A 22-year-old with $20 million is destined to draw the ire of the Internet. The _anti-financial-advisor_ gang came in and said “FEES ARE EATING YOUR RETURNS.” The _late capitalists_ said “this is EVERYTHING that’s wrong with the system.” And even her Gen Alpha superfans said, “Bruh, you’re totally unrelatable.” All valid perspectives. Now let’s look at the other end of the spectrum, [FatFIRE](). This is [delayed gratification crowd](). They’re relentlessly saving to [retire as early as possible](). (The “fat” part means they’re trying to do it in _high cost of living cities_.) In this [Reddit post](), 208 aspiring millionaires are debating _what software to use_ to keep track of their net worth. ![Blog post image](/images/blog/image-1024x403.png) They are debating: * Excel vs. Google Sheets * The Empower app (“you can track commodities, like Silver”) * Quicken vs. Mint They’re also debating whether you should track your net worth monthly. Some say quarterly. A few think daily provides the right amount of vigilance. Then there’s one cheeky commentator (maybe it’s Emma) who uses a novel approach: > For the last 18 months or so, I’ve used the age old technique of burying my head in the sand, plugging my ears, and yelling “EVERYTHING IS OKAY” over and over. ## Should you bury your head in the sand? Let’s go back to Emma. Yes, she does come across as pretty out of touch. (Guys, SHE’S A CELEBRITY!) But to me, she’s doing something very clever. She’s opted out of [the “money game.”]() And I know, that many of us are watching the net worth numbers like hawks. Sometimes it’s [because of scarcity](). Other times it’s because we use [net worth as a measuring stick for our self worth](). But if you earn, [invest]() and spend reasonably – there’s a strong case to be made that __you don’t need to look.__ Period. Especially if the person “looking” is your ego – who’s always trying to make sure that “mine’s bigger than yours.” ## Shifting my frequency Emma goes on to say that there are numerous checks and balances to her approach. First, many people (including parents) ARE looking. She generally knows __what’s coming in.__ And she generally knows __what’s going out.__ Before watching this clip, I was on a quarterly “checking” schedule. And while I have [wayyyyy less than her](), I too know what goes in. And what comes out. And I know what markets do to my portfolio. So I’m stealing a page from her playbook. And not checking for at least a year. And maybe never again. ## Here’s how we can help you * [The Life Operating System](): Your home base for personal productivity. It combines tasks, notes, project management and a CRM in one place. * [Supercharge your Productivity](): Learn how our $10K Work method can help you improve your mind, career and relationships. * [Apply for our Group Coaching:]() Are you an executive or founder undergoing a career change? We’ll give you frameworks and accountability for this transition. * [Download The Examined Life podcast:]() Every week we ponder one of life’s thorniest questions. * [The RadReads Newsletter](): Sign up for 3 actionable insights each Saturday for a life well-lived.