I was thinking the other day that I am giving companies every reason to totally, absolutely hate me.
Why?
I talk about personal finance — saving, investing, not spending money and basically not pushing our economy forward.
Think about it — if we don’t spend as consumers, the money languishes in our bank accounts earning us interest, but none of it gets pumped into the economy.
It’s the reason why Obama gave money to every American as part of the Stimulus Package way back when during the crisis, to get people to start spending money again.
If personal finance bloggers talk about NOT spending money and living below our means, we’re basically screwing our economy by not advocating the use of credit to pay for lavish lifestyles.
Of course, we’re not normal, but that’s beside the point.
Even if nobody really follows 100% of our advice to live like frugal hermits, spending 1% of their income a year, SOME of it sticks and trickles down.
People may start to think twice about paying for things on credit.
To top it off, I’m also a bit of a “Natural” movement hippie, who advocates strange and extreme things like to:
- Not use laundry detergent 99% of the time — GASP! How will they ever sell their detergent?
- Not use laundry dryer sheets — I hang everything to air dry now
- Not use body wash — It actually dries out my skin & makes my eczema worse & I don’t need it
- Not wear perfumes except for essential oils — <3 the Bulgarian Lavender by Essential Goodies
- Not buying any home sanitizers or sprays — Again, the perfumes are really strong!
- Not eating any processed or packaged foods — Kraft dinner has never entered my pantry
- Not eating out or buying junk food — I really try to avoid restaurants these days
- Not buying or using any hand sanitizers or those silly anti-bacterial wipes
- Reusing and repairing what I have instead of buying it new
- …and basically not buy into the idea that everything needs to be ridiculously clean and fresh
Among OTHER things, now that I’m on this thing of not buying anything cheap and disposable (especially stuff from China), the problem for companies has worsened in the sense that I am not buying cheap but stylish clothes to dispose of in a year.
I’m searching for quality, handmade items, tailored clothing and things that I will buy once and wear for a good 10 – 15 years.
Even if I pay more now up front for an amazing pair of custom-made boots from Italy (I am looking at $850 – $1000 for a custom pair of leather boots), I am going to keep what I have for a longer period of time.
I really REALLY suck as a consumer for this society (at least I will, after I replace major things in my life and wardrobe).
Although to my credit, when I do spend money, it now stays in Canada, goes to the U.S. or to countries in Europe, and I’m trying to choose independent stores over mainstream retailers.
