The business mentality often comes across most of our minds when we visualize our future and make decisions concerning our needs and wants. We think at times that in order to make and save more we either have to work harder and longer hours or find a high-paying job.
Is it always true though? Instead of a money-hunger philosophy that drives us to the top, why not just focus on controlling our spending and being happy with what we have and things that are priceless?
Living in Hong Kong at the moment, my husband and I share a flat on the 27th floor in Kowloon, which is only 400 sq. feet. I'm sure many of you are thinking, "Are you crazy?". Yes, it's a bit tight, but at the same time we've learned that it's completely livable. Although it would be luxurious to have a house to ourselves, it is not necessary and we truthfully don't need additional room. We'd rather have a nice view of the city, have useful facilities downstairs (fitness center), and spend more time out of our apartment, venturing around HK.
When I reminisce back to my babysitting days, I would work in homes in Klein Creek (Winfield, IL) that were 2,243 sq. feet! This is almost 6 times as big as our HK apartment, and not including the spacious front and backyards. This is beyond the luxury that a good majority of people in the world could afford. My question for you- is it necessary? And doesn't it add to other costs and harms? For example, the larger amount of land you own equals more animals/nature which were forced out of its natural habit. In addition, living in a gigantic home means you use more energy and pay more bills. Also, owning an extra car means you use more gas and car exhaust, which damages the environment through pollution.
Take one moment to imagine this. It's 2015 and people have taken the step to change their lives. Everyone is living in a small apartment (doesn't have to be as small as ours!), and has a few less luxury items. They have only one car instead of 2 or 3, or they only use public transportation. Instead of 2 or 3 bathrooms, everyone has just one. Instead of hundreds of toys, kids just own a few and go play and share with their friends. Instead of buying a new pair of shoes each month or several times a year, they own just a few and use them until they're really worn out. Instead of eating out at restaurants three days a week, they only eat out once. Instead of three 50 inch plasma TVs, each family just has one. Instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on Christmas gifts, they buy just one, simple gift for their loved ones, or instead of gifts, experience something special together (or make home-made gifts). During this year, people believe it's more important to spend time with people and help/give to others than actually receiving carts full of gifts.
How do you think these simple changes could affect our environment and peoples' lives? Do you think this change could be possible in today's economy?
Consumerism and commercialism I believe is at its greatest. Almost every holiday has become about buying loads of decorations, gifts, chocolate and candy. How much is too much? How much exactly do we need to buy in order for us to feel satisfied and happy?
How do we go about saving more while earning less? The answer is simple. We have to spend less! Let's start finding ways to promote spending less and buying less. Know that the more you make at work, the more likely you are to spend on consumer goods. Let's control the wants and focus on the needs and the big picture. Start working a job that enables you to have a life full of quality, experiences, savings for emergencies and time for people you love. I learned this valuable lesson very quickly last year with my previous job. There's no reason to work so hard, and give all your time and effort to your job when you have no time and energy left to spend with friends and family. And why work longer hours to earn more and to buy more luxurious items when you don't have time to even use them?
Use the Wheel of Absolute Health to keep you focused on what is important in life. Think about our environment and giving time toward balancing your health, your social life, having time to make nutritious meals, giving time for yourself and your spiritual wellness, and having time for education (intellectual wellness) and entertainment (emotional wellness). By spending less, you are allowing yourself to have TIME and ENERGY to balance your wheel of absolute health.
Tips for Saving More While Earning Less
-Limit eating out at restaurants!!!
-Only buy things you need, not want
-Use public transportation instead of owning a car
-Choose free hobbies/weekend activities (think 'nature')
-Watch movies online instead of going to the theatre
-Buy used products, instead of brand new ones
-Look for sales
-Instead of buying gifts, make home-made gifts
-Do a secret santa among your family/friends for Christmas gifts
-Recycle things at home, reuse them and be resourceful
-Don't buy a home phone or TV. Instead, use your computer/laptop and cell phone only to save on bills
-Instead of air-conditioning, open your windows and use fans
-Turn off lights when you leave the room
-Choose to live in a smaller house. You won't buy as much furniture and decorations, and will be less likely to clutter the place with unnecessary items.
-Enjoy the moment while on a trip, instead of buying an expensive souvenir
-Be happy with less!
List some small changes that we could make in our everyday lives to help us spend less, work less and save more.