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When Greed Doesn’t Look Like Greed
- Jose Alvarez, MBA
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 23
There Are Two Kinds of Greed
Most people think of someone who's greedy as someone constantly chasing more - more money, more power, more shit they don’t need but want. The people who want it to show off their success, their income, their lifestyle. To make others envious of them. The people who will never have enough.
But I’ve seen another version that’s just as harmful, maybe worse. It doesn’t always show up as excess. Sometimes, it shows up as fear.
And here’s the thing nobody really says out loud:
Obsessing over the fear of losing money can be just as much a reflection of greed as obsessing over getting more of it.
When Money Starts to Own You
I’ve seen people hoard their money the same way some people hoard junk in their house or garage. They don’t think of it like that, of course. They’ll say they’re being smart, staying conservative, protecting what they’ve built.
Hoarding money is more respectable right?
Absolutely not. The truth? It’s not strategy. It’s an obsession based in fear.
People who hoard money shove it into accounts that promise safety - CDs, annuities, savings accounts... anything with a guarantee. Not because they have a goal, but because they’re terrified to see that number dip, even for a second.
Even when it goes up, they won’t touch it.
They avoid giving it to their kids.
They avoid investing it.
They avoid using it.
They’re afraid to donate it away.
Afraid to support causes they care about.
Afraid to spend it on something they’ve always wanted.
Like shackles, the value of their accounts binds them and, frankly, makes them afraid to live. Because if they do, the value of their accounts will go down.
And just like people who hoard physical stuff end up buried by it, people who hoard money end up trapped by it and can’t enjoy their life.
What Fear Really Costs
People who hoard money can miss out on the most important parts of life.
They lose time - sometimes decades - waiting for a moment that feels “safe enough” to do something they actually want to do. They lose sleep stressing over every bump in the market. And the worst part? They lose real chances to show up for their family - not just financially, but relationally.
The trips they don’t take.
The dinners they don't have.
The memories they don’t make.
The generosity they keep putting off for "someday.”
And for what... A number on a screen? A false sense of control? It's all bullshit.
That’s fear wrapped in virtue. Not stewardship.
That’s greed wrapped in humility. Not conservatism.
Money, at its base level, is a tool. A tool to further drive the relationships you have and want to see flourish.
Money Was Never Meant to Sit Still
Like a gun used to protect your family, your livestock, your business, or your country - money is a tool. A damn good one. But, like a gun, only if you use it the right way.
True stewardship isn’t about hoarding. It’s about direction. Purpose. Movement.
It means you’ve got a plan.
You invest with intention and spend with joy.
You give with open hands and trust that your money will serve your life - not the other way around.
It’s not greedy to enjoy what you’ve earned. It’s not reckless to invest it. It’s not irresponsible to give some away now while you’re here to watch it make an impact - in fact, watching its impact is one of the best parts of being intentional with your money during your life.
But hoarding it all just to feel “safe?” That’s a slow, quiet kind of greed. And it doesn’t make anyone’s life better - not yours and not your family’s.
It's time to talk about using the wealth you've built with someone who understands and has helped others feel that fulfillment. Someone who will help you use it in a way that honors the relationships and things you value most - your family, faith, friends, and fun.
Let’s build a plan that honors what you’ve built without being afraid to use it.
Jose Alvarez
Founding Advisor
Harvest Horizon Wealth Strategies Me
The information presented in this blog is the opinion of the author and does not reflect the views of any other person or entity unless specified. The author may hold positions in any securities discussed in this blog. The information provided is believed to be reliable and obtained from reliable sources, but no liability is accepted for inaccuracies. Images included in this blog are created by artificial intelligence. Any resemblance to any existing persons, past or present, is purely coincidental. The information provided is for informational, entertainment, and educational purposes and should not be construed as advice. Advisory services are offered through Harvest Horizon Wealth Strategies LLC, an investment adviser registered with the state of Wisconsin.
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