When did life become about things? About how much we can make, spend, save, buy, go, etc? When did it become the norm to live above your means... to rack up credit card bills you can't afford... apply for payday advance after payday advance just to have a few dollars in your pocket? Why do we as a society think its necessary for children who cant walk or talk and can barely hold their heads up on their own to have name brand clothes and shoes? They don't stay in them for more than a month, yet WE (because i do this too) shell out $40- $50 for one pair of sneakers; $60-$75 for one outfit, and then spend $250 to have their pictures made in the clothes. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone here, I'm merely trying to find an answer because i do some of the aforementioned things.
I understand credit cards and payday advances in emergencies; but when did a vacation or new shoes become an emergency? I'm going to put myself on blast for just a second, here. I have a SERIOUS addiction to online shopping. I have and still will buy something online before i take care of my bills. Now, don't judge me because i still handle my business and i very rarely ask for help on anything. If i don't have it i go w/out {now}. Maybe because i'm a mother now and i have rearranged my priorities. Maybe because I've grown up some. Two years ago, I would overdraw my bank account to pay a bill because i had shopped my paycheck away... and not give two thoughts about it. Why? Why do i need more shoes than i can wear in a month? Clothes hanging in my closet season after season with price tags on them? it doesn't make sense; yet soooo many of us do it.
I have a friend with perfect credit and when she talks about how she spends and saves, I'm always in awe. Its almost unreal. In my mind, during these conversations, i wonder things like "who taught her how to save?" "is she balling or just good at budgeting?" "is she cheap/frugal/ thrifty?", etc. i look up to her, but i'm nothing like her. I buy what i want and worry about the rest later.... BUT WHY? I've never been the type to keep up with the latest fashion trends, I wear what i like. so i don't think that's reason. I'm not really into electronics, so its not that. i don't compare myself to other people. I'm not jealous of what other people have. I don't make purchases based on what other people have or are purchasing. So the question remains, why dont I/ we just live with in our means? is it that difficult to simplify your life? Can you live w/out plastic? Is it our own weakness or are we victims of a messy economy?
Talk to me! i'm interested in your views!
~XOXO,
LyfeBytes
I love it... It is so very true I am kind of the same way. But we are the generation of getting what we want. Not what we need. I didnt have much as a kid so I feel I have to give my son everything I can afford. Which leaves little to fall back on... Keep up the great work honey!!!
ReplyDeletei'm the same way. I've said plenty of times..."if i can afford it, he can have it!". I guess it's not a healthy thought process but i think it's natural as a parent to want your child to have everything. I just hope i get vry wealthy in the next few years because judging by the looks of Sevryn's closet and all his belongings... i'm gonna go broke unless my $$ goes waaaaay up! hahaha
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