Have you ever really looked around at all the stuff you own? I have… it’s not a pretty sight. How on earth do we accumulate such stuff over time?  I shake my head as I wonder in amazement when cleaning up the basement, or trying to organize a desk. And yet I still see the “need” for various things and go and buy them. I “need” this tool… I “need” these vitamins… My child “needs” this toy… We “need” this food… and gradually it really becomes… I want.  So when I look honestly at my needs versus wants? Most of them are wants.  Sometimes I feel guilty for so many wants, but I enjoy the stuff I have just the same.Â
Perhaps in a few years down the road I will think about downsizing. But not yet. Besides the vast majority of the Baby Boomers are far ahead of me in that process.  Which brings me to the pondering questions I have about the economy.  If it is normal during the course of our lives to begin “downsizing” and not accumulating as much “stuff” then does that mean that as a nation, economically, we will not be buying as much stuff, and thereby we will spend less money?  If so, does that mean the savings rate will increase? Or will we spend our money on other things? Perhaps a little of both, but something tells me the winds of spending are going to change quite drastically in the years ahead.Â
In this article from the AP via Yahoo, a Woman Tries to Sell it All on Ebay. Her focus is on simplifying her life… breaking free of the “stuff” that makes up her life to gain a clean start for herself.  I can identify with that desire! I also think that will be a new “movement” or focus for many Americans… to simplify their lives, to live more simply, to not accumulate as much. And I believe that too will equate to less spending in many traditional areas. This week I’ve been minimizing my health care expenses by not seeing a doctor. I’ve just had the flu and I’m finally walking around with clarity in my eyes for a change. I haven’t really had the flu like this since I was a child, but I ended up in bed for 2-3 days with a 102 degree fever and a head that wanted to explode. Many folks turn first to the doctor when they don’t feel well. I’m a stubborn sort who likes to handle things myself if possible.Â
Maybe those same traits lead many of us along the pathways of handling our own personal finances as much as possible too. But my best remedy when I’m sick is Nyquil. I don’t know why, but it really makes a difference for me and helps break the fever. That and sipping Coca-Cola during the day. Now it’s time to begin cleaning up around here. Got to figure out what to do with all this “stuff” first!
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