Getting consumerism under control, that is purchasing and spending what is not needed, is the quickest way to save money and affect your budget in the positive.
But, what is consumerism?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, consumerism is:
1: the promotion of the consumer’s interests
2: the theory that an increasing consumption of goods is economically desirable; also : a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of consumer goods.
It is that last bit we are concerned about. Having a preoccupation toward buying a lot is never good, and it can lead to some serious financial repercussions. Our society and culture generally encourage consumerism as the norm, so we may not recognize it in ourselves when we see it.
Some ways of curbing consumerism…
Develop an attitude of gratitude: Being grateful for what you already have can go a long way to help you realize that you don’t need more. Look at all of the blessings that are currently in your life. To give yourself a reality check, try volunteering at a soup kitchen, taking a trip into a poorer side of town, or just read a book about the struggles of others.
Get counseling if needed: Some people use shopping as a coping mechanism to deal with stress or serious issues. If this might be a possibility for you, it is important that you seek out counseling.
Take a good look at advertising: Most of us don’t even notice the hundreds of ads that we see each week. That is right, hundreds. Advertising, both subtle and bold appears practically everywhere in our every day life. Pay closer attention to it, so you can see how you are constantly bombarded. Then work toward eliminating as much advertising from your life as possible. One big source is our television. Choose to watch shows and movies through streaming services and avoid the ads.