While thru-hiking on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia I noticed shimmery gold rocks the second day of my hike. These particular rocks were gorgeous…more sparkly and glittery than any other I have seen in nature. These rocks would be a beautiful addition to the prominently displayed rock collection in my living room. Throughout the next few days, I saw even more outstanding rocks…rocks outlined in gold & copper, rocks that couldn’t be any purer white, and a single rock that was colorless and absolutely flawless. I pondered the possibility of adding these rocks to my collection and what it would mean to carry them the next 178 days. Let’s explore this idea.
Early on in your 2200 mile hike, you spot a glittery rock shimmering in the sunlight. You pick it up. It’s beautiful, a nice souvenir. A few miles later, you add the rock outlined in gold and copper. Then a pure white one and so on. Before long, your backpack is heavier, your pace slows, your energy drains, and the novelty wears off. But it’s hard to let go—you’ve carried them this far.
Now imagine the rocks as metaphorical counterparts: shiny cars, flashy jewelry, the newest gadgets, high-end fashion. Like the rocks, these glittering possessions draw us in with their appeal. And like the rocks, they accumulate weight—not physical, but financial and emotional. Monthly payments, maintenance, insurance, and the pressure to keep up appearances become a burden that slows your progress toward real financial goals: freedom, security, and purpose.
On the trail, every ounce matters. Experienced hikers obsess over gear weight, knowing that unnecessary burdens can lead to injury, exhaustion, or failure. In personal finance, the principle is the same. Every “just because” purchase adds to your financial pack. Over time, the weight can lead to debt, stress, and a constant feeling of never having quite enough—despite having so much. Yet, not all glittery things are bad—just as a single, lightweight keepsake rock might remind you of the journey. The key is intentionality. If that shiny car is reliable and brings you joy within your means, it’s worth it. If that glittery rock fits in your pocket and doesn’t slow you down, carry it proudly.
Financial planning, like thru-hiking, is about endurance, balance, and knowing what really matters. Every choice you make adds weight or lightens your load. Be mindful of what you carry—on the trail and in life. Push those rocks out of the way! Choose substance over sparkle, and you’ll go farther, faster, and freer.
This blog is the second installment of our “Lessons from the Trail” series. Our own April Busby, CPA, CFP® is currently hiking the Appalachian Trail.
