Let’s talk about stuff. You know, all the “things” we just had to have much if which is gathering dust in some corner. Also, are you stressed from trying to pay for all that stuff?
FIRST… let me state that I am not advocating that we live like paupers so don’t panic.
There are several underlying reasons we buy all those things, AKA “Stuff”. Understanding these needs is an important step in reducing stress related to your stuff.
* First, we want to own stuff for the perceived pleasure of owning it.
* Secondly, we buy stuff for image, status, keeping up with the proverbial Jones, etc.
* Thirdly, we buy things that are necessities, such as a car that we need to get to work.
* Lastly, we buy stuff for the pleasure of buying stuff, in other words recreational shopping. For some of us, this is a big deal. I know someone who spent $100,000 buying stuff from those TV shopping networks. She committed suicide.
So how is stuff adding stress to our lives? Two ways.
* One, and by far the most stressful, is paying for all the stuff. And believe me, it’s a lot more expensive and stressful than you ever imagined.
* Number two is the stress of clutter all around us.
So how can we still enjoy owning stuff while dramatically reducing the related stress? Here are keys to accomplishing this.
1. Always buy quality.
2. Always buy classic, particularly in clothes and furniture.
3. Don’t overbuy. Once you reach a certain level of quality, stop. The quality difference in the number 2 item and number 1 item is often insignificant, even undetectable on things like TVs and Stereos.
4. Only buy for your personal pleasure, not to keep up with the “Jones”.
The heck with the “Jones”. They’re going down the toilet. Don’t follow them.
Learn to derive pleasure from knowing you are living a life with far less stress than they are.
Paula and Ron Stone are lifestyle and financial professionals. Their companies include an insurance agency specializing in group insurance for small businesses, in particular trucking companies. Learn more at their websites, Affordable Group Insurance and Truckers Insurance
Article Source: The Stress of Stuff
