59 Shopping Days: Getting consumerism under control is simple

Counting today - and many people do because somewhere in the city there is a deal on something that someone would surely love for some reason as a gift - there are only 59 more shopping days until Christmas.

But if you’re beginning to dread the holidays because so many people want a piece of your paycheck then try these two things for starters:

First, add ‘Christmas shopping’ to a list entitled “Reduce Spending on These Things”.

Food, clothing, shelter, transportation, recreation and now Christmas shopping top my list. [What would your top six be?]

Second, try a ‘borrow, barter and buy secondhand philosophy’ if you really, really, really need something.


[The best things in life are free: Photo GAH]

In my last column, about the book called The Virtuous Consumer [see Read This in margin] I said:

What (some who follow such a philosophy) have discovered is that by stepping out of the malls, they’ve found more time for friends and family, more time for experiences that enrich their lives.

One member said, “It’s simple. Getting our consumerism under control comes down to one question: Do I need this? The answer frequently is no.”

You have 59 days to determine what you really need.

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