Sometimes I feel as though I'm way too materialistic. Yet upon watching shows like "You're Cut Off!", I know I'm not as bad as I could be. My parents aren't millionaires and I was never given everything I wanted when I wanted it. I was taught to say "thank you" for everything and I still really believe in the power of gratitude. I don't have designer and brand name clothing and shoes. I love finding deals and always search for the best deal on things that I buy.But still, I sometimes think I love "stuff" way too much. I guess most of Americans are this way, though. I can't say I'm the only one who gets that itch to go shopping when I get some money in my hands. I'm not the only one who sometimes engages in "retail therapy". I'm not the only one who feels attached to material goods and just wants the latest and greatest thing and feels like I have to have it.
But I still just wish I could be the kind of person that is happy with all the things I already have and absolutely loves saving money. I was always the kid who had to rip open the box of my new toy in the car on the way home even though my mom said, "Just wait, we'll be home in two minutes...".
Isn't it crazy all the things we buy to keep ourselves entertained, looking beautiful, and happy? Every kid has multiple gaming systems, TVs in their bedrooms, books and games galore, yet they're STILL bored. Even as adults, we always want the newest cell phone, all our favorite shows on DVD, and the latest and greatest technologies. Is this really making us happy or is it just draining our wallets and leaving us wanted the NEXT big thing?
It is hard to say. I will probably always love shopping and the feeling of a great new purchase. I also think it is a good idea to step back sometimes and think "Do I really need this? Will this be something I use and love or will I forget about it in a month or two? Should I really be spending this amount of money on this thing?" I need to do this to not only save money for my future but to control the feeling of buying happiness and freeing myself from boredom.
What do you think? Do you feel too materialistic sometimes? Are you a spender or a saver?
I made a rule for myself that I can only buy something if I can't live without it. If it's something generic I can find anywhere, I don't buy. If it's truly one of a kind or a deal that's never going to be found again, I'm allowed to purchase. *Does not include things I actually need like new socks.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me just as happy to see my savings account get bigger as it does to get that new bag.
I love your rule! I am definitely trying this out and I am going to try to learn to love seeing my savings account grow more than material goods. Thanks for posting this! :)
ReplyDeleteyeah, I know I can definitely be materialistic a lot... I have more than enough clothes in my closet, yet I still like going out shopping and getting even more... :/ I try to limit myself obviously, and I feel like I find some pretty good deals. I don't just go buy a $200 pair of jeans like some people at least! :P
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm the same way Natalie. At least I don't buy things for hundreds of dollars all the time, but I do love to shop! :-/
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