In today’s industralized country, the things we need for survival are almost a guarantee.  For survival, what do we need beyond food, shelter, and water?  Of course we need health and cleanliness, but all these things are pretty a guarantee.

The role of things

Of course things have the ability to bring us more comfort, make our lives easier.  We don’t need that television set, or that car, or even a computer.  But have said things makes life easier, comfortable, and makes us in many cases more productive in our daily lives.

What’s Your Poverty Threshold?

Your poverty threshold is the minimum amount of discomfort you are willing to deal with.   Often one’s poverty threshold keeps them from pursuing new interests or careers that are more fulfilling. Would you take a large cut in pay to switch career and do something that was perhaps more fulfilling and meaningful to you? Of course it would mean losing some comforts in your life, but does the more meaningful job make up for it?

Questions I Ask Myself Before Buying New Stuff

Most would also call this pre-purchase dissonance.  (More marketing classes at work)

1. Do I really need this?

2. What functional role will this item serve me.

3. Is this an impulse purchase or have I had proper time to think about this?

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