By Petra-Ann Brown, Brown Financial Solutions, LLC
Look, we all have our own definition of wealth. A high-end car, a home with a big yard, a closet full of clothes, children going to the best schools, eating at fancy restaurants where the food served can fit in the palm of your hand (and after finishing, you have to run to McDonald’s to fill your belly), living in an RV while traveling the country, or just having the ability to surf all day or go wherever the wind take us. Whatever it may be, we each have a vision of what a good life looks like.
So, what is keeping us from attaining the life we envision? If you count the number of years you have been working and the amount of money earned throughout that period, shouldn’t you be further along financially than you are right now? If the answer is yes, what is holding you back?
Some of us may say, “I do not make enough; I am barely getting by,” or “Everything is so expensive that I have nothing left to put in savings.” But let’s wipe the fog off the mirror for a moment and really look at ourselves and our spending habits. Do we not make enough money, or are we caught up in consumption? Have you earmarked your paycheck for consumption?
The consumption Trap?
Consumption is deeply ingrained in modern society. The average American spends a significant portion of their income on discretionary items that aren’t essential for survival. According to the recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average household spends significant portion of its income on housing, transportation, food, and personal insurance and pensions, leaving only a small percentage for savings and investment. This high level of consumption can leave little room for building wealth.
The Illusion of Necessity
Many of the things we consider essential are, in reality, luxuries. The latest smartphone, designer clothes, frequent dining out, and other non-essential items can consume a large part of our income. This lifestyle inflation where our spending increases as our income rises – can prevent us from achieving financial stability and long-term wealth.
Breaking the Cycle
To break free from the consumption trap, we need to adopt mindful spending habits. Here are some strategies:
- Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back. A budget can help you allocate more money towards savings and investments.
- Prioritize Needs Over Wants: Focus on essential expenses and minimize discretionary spending. Ask yourself if a purchase will bring long-term value or is just a momentary desire.
- Set Financial Goals: Establish clear, achievable financial goals. Whether it’s building an emergency fund, saving for a down payment on a house, or investing for retirement, having goals can motivate you to save rather than to spend.
- Practice Delayed Gratification: Instead of making impulse purchases, wait a few days or weeks before buying non-essential items. Often, the urge to buy will pass, and you’ll realize you didn’t need the item after all.
- Invest in Experiences over Things: Research suggests that spending money on experiences, such as travel or hobbies, tends to bring more lasting happiness than buying materials goods, and I can confirm it. I have never heard my children talk about the clothes or toys I bought them, but they are always saying, “Remember when we went to the park and had a picnic?” or “Remember when we went to the museum?”
Changing Your Mindset
A shirt in mindset is crucial for breaking free from the consumption cycle. Recognize that wealth is not just about having more money or things, but about having the freedom and security to live the life you want. This often means making sacrifices in the short term to achieve long-term financial health. When I began my debt-free journey, some of my family members did not understand. I was constantly told, “You only live once,” and while that is true, it is still a long life. So, while they were traveling and living their best lives, I was at home in my backyard playing in the inflatable kiddie pool with my kids or going to the playground in the park. By making that temporary sacrifice, I am now able to take my children on paid-in-full vacations without worrying if my bills are paid. Meanwhile, those family members are still stressing about how to pay their rent and working themselves to the bone to afford the life they cannot sustain.
It’s easy to get caught up in the culture of consumption, but taking control of your finances requires mindful spending and a shift in priorities. By evaluating your spending habits and making deliberate choices, you can earmark your paycheck for building wealth instead of fleeting pleasures. Remember, true wealth is not about the things you own but the financial freedom and peace of mind you achieve.
