Why You Think You Need to Have More Stuff

I never understood why we all (myself included) constantly feel the need to have more stuff. Recently, I got an answer.

When I first started blogging, I never anticipated how much I’d learn from you – the readers.  Wow…what a treasure chest of knowledge and insights you’ve been.

I received great comments to the post I wrote on Tuesday about how sometimes frugality is really just wasting money. In the post, I described a woman who was given a free 15-minute consultation with a super-genius financial adviser (me!).  She did need the help since she was drowning in debt. But she preferred to go participate in a raffle rather than talk.  The raffle was for a T-shirt and she didn’t even win one.

I got many smart comments, but one really stuck out in my mind.  Here’s a comment by Beth that has an amazing amount of insights packed into 98 words:

Actually, I was thinking about this issue from a different angle. Perhaps the raffle was an easy way out, but she essentially made a value decision here. Acquiring more “stuff” she didn’t need was more urgent and important than working on her financial situation. It’s still giving in to instant gratification, even if the item is free.

I hope that recognizing her failure to take advantage of your expertise will be a wake-up call. In which case, the role you played in this scenario will have far more impact that anything you could have said

Beth

What I took away from Beth’s comment was that we often value physical “stuff” over the ideas – regardless of the relative value. It feels like this is almost instinctual, because it’s sure not logical. 

Why do you think we do that?

Need proof that I’m right? What is Groupon (if not one of the hottest new companies around)?  This firm is dedicated to helping you and me do nothing else but acquire more of everything – except ideas and a little peace of mind.

Beth’s comment also served as a great reminder.  Sometimes we have to let others make bad decisions because it’s the only way they are going to learn.  The woman who turned down the opportunity for free professional advice really needed it.  But the way she made her decision illustrates exactly why she has the financial problems she does.  Holding up the mirror for her to see this is much more powerful than any advice I could have provided.

Thanks Beth – and everyone else for the comments. You continue to blow me away with your insights.  Keep ‘em comin’.

Speaking of insights, here are a few fantastic posts I’ve read this week.  Enjoy!

Mike at Oblivious Investor wrote one that really made the hair on the back of my head stand up.  It’s about how we should not trust financial statements. He makes some great points and since he’s a CPA, I really had to take in what he had to say.

What would you do with the money if you received an inheritance? Here’s a lively discussion over at Frugal Dad – one of my very favorite blogs.

Here’s an excellent piece on minimum wage over at Digeratari Life.  This is a great history and political lesson – only without the midterm exam.  Nice.

The education doesn’t stop.  Here’s a primer on how marginal tax rates work from Moolanomy.

Want to save money on everyday stuff? This one from Get Rich Slowly will help.

Tired of junk mail and calls?  Five Cent Nickel tells you how to put a stop to both.  Sign me up!

Jeremy over at GenxFinance teaches us how (not) to finance our cars. Thanks, Jeremy…nicely done.

Lots of folks have an interest in the Cash for Clunkers program. Matt from Debt Free Adventure talks about what is happening with the program.

My personal fave for the week – Why Even Ask? It’s a delightful piece over at Free Money Finance.  I don’t want to spoil it for you…just read and enjoy.

Finally, I participated in the following carnival. I hope you have a chance to review some of the fine articles available there.