Coming of age this last decade has given our generation the idea that conspicuous consumption is a way of life, with no end or consequences to our debt-driven culture.
That has all changed now with this economic meltdown.
Thrift has returned to the masses as a way to control expenses and have fun while doing it. They say the fun is all about the chase and that’s exactly what you’re doing. You’re in control of the hunting process.
Some rather jealous colleagues and peers may toss out the “cheap” label but that would be a huge error for them to make. The word “thrift” is derived from the verb “thrive,” as in making the most effective use and choices in deciding how to use your time, money and resources.
Thrift is a chosen lifestyle of virtue that can be traced back to Ancient Greece. Aristotle in “Ethics” noted that “happiness requires completeness in virtue.”
The last time thrift was a national phenomenon, practiced by Americans, was during the Great Depression of the 1930s. As with the current economic climate their sense and promotion of thrift was out of necessity. Just as you aren’t born with traits such as being cool under pressure whether you’re a doctor in open-heart surgery or a police officer in a shoot-out, outer influences nudge us into our habits.
In becoming more thrift of your purchases, excess and unnecessary luxuries need a weaning out.
Does anyone really need that atmosphere at Starbucks to plunk down that kind of money? I’d posit not and going for your coffee at other cheaper locations can save bundles.
How about cable or satellite TV with its nearly infinite number of channels. How can anyone possibly need all those mind-numbing television stations? And if you really do need and use all those channels, which I can’t imagine you’re helping us out of this economic downturn by being productive, you need more help than I can give here.
I’m not suggesting that you live near the level of the poor when you don’t have to, rather just that you cut back on the excesses that so many went out and purchased on credit, because we just had to have it.
There is a section of us that have a little bit of trouble when it comes to seeing how much money we are actually spending. Use cash. When you actually see how many dollars you are using to buy items that aren’t essential, it’ll help you think twice. Also, using more money than you have is impossible when you use cash unlike a credit card where money is lent to you if you want it.
We are constantly hounded by credit companies and other businesses promoting that you need something when you actually don’t. Ever see those commercials that say you’ve been putting off and need to get away to some tropical paradise of your dreams?
Take a more local approach and visit a nearby national park. You’ll save money and get to see what makes America one of the most diverse and treasured lands in the world.
The fight to end this mass conspicuous consumption, developed in roaring times, is here and now. Americans are finally discussing money openly which helps make thrift the new chic movement that needs to stay.
