2 Questions and 3 Rules for Spending This Season
“…some of you thought it was bananas, others thought it was impressive, and a few of you used it as motivation…”
I’m making a lot of big moves in preparation for an incredible new year - including moving to a new career, a new home, a new town. While packing up I was honestly a little stunned at how much I had, yet didn’t need or use. It was humbling for someone that likes to have a light footprint and remain agile to life’s whims (aka I like being able to pick up and go whenever). Through the chaos of organizing and cleaning and packing, I shared my ways of staying ‘light’. Some of you thought it was bananas, others thought it was impressive, and a few of you used it as motivation to do some epic fall clean ups of your own.
As the Black Friday deals are starting to pop up and Christmas music plays in every store, it’s easy to get caught up in the buying spirit. Even thought I just got rid of a bunch of stuff - I’d love a new rucking vest, winter boots, and whatever outdoor gear is on sale. My amazon and REI carts have a lot more in them than I’d like to admit. I also have some lofty preparedness goals for the future.
Before I go down the spending rabbit hole though, the two biggest questions before I purchase anything are:
Does this purchase bring me closer to or further from my goals? and
Can I pay for it in cash? (Grandma would be proud of this one!)
More Qs For You
I love a great deal and there’s obviously nothing wrong with shopping. However, it helps our wallets and well-being to be intentional with our purchases. Here are a few more questions to consider before tapping that credit card:
Is this a need or a want?
Am I filling an emotional or ego void with this purchase? If so, how else can I address this without spending money?
Do I have something similar already at home?
Would I use it regularly and get a return on the investment?
“It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” J. K Rowling
Rule 1: One in, One out
At one point I had 12 lightweight hiking jackets and 34 pairs of leggings. Considering the average price of both of those item types, well, that was a solid vacation sitting on my closet shelf. Which is fine is that’s all I wore and used but it isn’t. So the rule is one in, one out. If I really want a new hiking jacket, then I sell the one or two that I have in my closet. Hiking leggings are now worn, and patched, and worn again until they can no longer be patched. Then I’ll go get a new pair. There’s enough textile waste in the world without me over contributing to it. This rule applies to everything else I own as well, from linens to exercise equipment to books (ugh, I love buying books!).
Rule 2: Consumables, Knowledge, or Experiences
My family has long realized that I simple do not contribute to gift giving during the holiday season nor do I particularly like receiving gifts. There are exceptions, and that’s if the gift is in the form of consumables, knowledge, or experiences. I started gifting a cottage weekend together in the summer for my little family, and would never say no to gifts of honey, soaps, or road trip adventures myself.
Rule 3: Memories/Mementos Rule of Thumb
In general, I keep one thing per person. I have, and wear, my grandmother’s wedding rings. There’s a book of local WW1 veterans that my grandfather proudly gifted me one year that stays in my book shelf. Everything else however, is sold, donated, or recycled when possible. I do not keep all-the-things because I find it weighty rather than comforting. Maybe you have different attachments and having a few more pieces suits you better. The only aim here is to find a balance that works for you.
because there’s always an exception to the rule
These aren’t really rules. They are boundaries that’s I’ve placed on my self that support my future goals. So I dare you not to adopt them, but to create your own and bring more awareness into individual spending habits and how they impact your life.
again, DOES this purchase HELP OR HINDER my ONE big life?
It is the question of the day and much like the last article, I’ll leave you with two little further questions to ponder:
What are your individual goals for 2024? What are your goals as a family?
Are there experiences, learning, or creative activities that we can focus on this year?
Feel free to tag me on Instagram or LinkedIn with your comments and insights.