Frivolous spending

[Tom 1]

I think I’m writing this mainly to stop myself buying something I don’t really need, but I’m also curious about what people think about the ethics of frivolous spending.

When we moved house a few years back, I realised how much stuff I had accumulated that I didn’t really need, and got rid of quite a lot of it. I’ve bought a lot of stuff that I’ve used for hobbies I was pretty serious about, and to make money sometimes, like photography gear and hiking gear. With the latter I only really had a few favourite pieces I used regularly, and a lot of pretty expensive stuff I only used once or twice in specific conditions.

Nowadays it’s footwear. I get a bit obsessive about buying the right pair of shoes or boots for this or that use, even down to the perfect pair of sandals/flip flops for using around the house. I always want the best quality thing. And already I have several pairs of running shoes, hiking boots, dress shoes etc that don’t get a lot of use.

I wonder what drives this kind of thing, and what people think about that and about the ethics of buying stuff you don’t need and will rarely use.

 

[angelsaroundme]

Shoes are practical items. Having an extra pair or two is harmless IMO.

 

[ByTheSpirit]

It's hard to tell without really getting into your motivations. There is nothing wrong with wanting nice, quality stuff. Now accumulating too much can be a problem as part of being good stewards of the resources God gives us is to use those resources to bless others. Jesus warned people that possessing too much wealth could lead to ruin, as we'd love our stuff more than we'd love God. So it's something to pray about honestly.

 

[d taylor]

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Sounds like you get bored with these hobbies quickly and move on to something else.

I by thing but usually like this. If i find a shoe i like, i will buy three or four pairs. Knowing that if i did not, the next time i purchase, the shoes will have been discontinued.

 

[Tom 1]

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Sounds like you get bored with these hobbies quickly and move on to something else.

I by thing but usually like this. If i find a shoe i like, i will buy three or four pairs. Knowing that if i did not, the next time i purchase, the shoes will have been discontinued.

The hobbies I was into for years, and I roughly made about as much from the photography as I spent on gear. Maybe a little less now as I bought a different camera system when I stopped doing it professionally, although I did sell the old gear. I used to hike a lot, and for years, but still I ended up with a few bits of technical clothing I rarely needed, as I was usually hiking in similar conditions. Now though, buying stuff just feels like a habit.

 

[durangodawood]

Great question for a number reasons, which I will conveniently number:

1. Many of us suffer from various emotional deficits. We fill those voids with the fun and excitement of getting new things. We might be better off looking for more lasting solutions for our emotional needs.

2. The world cannot support billions of people acquiring and disposing of stuff at this rate.

That said, there's undeniably something great about having a really really good object. I have a couple snare drums that sound so terrific. Every time I hit them its super satisfying. One was really expensive and the other dirt cheap. The challenge for me is to find just a few great and durable things to own, even if they are expensive, and stick with them.

 

[Tom 1]

Great question for a number reasons, which I will conveniently number:

1. Many of us suffer from various emotional deficits. We fill those voids with the fun and excitement of getting new things. We might be better off looking for more lasting solutions for our emotional needs.

2. The world cannot support billions of people acquiring and disposing of stuff at this rate.

That said, there's undeniably something great about having a really really good object. I have a couple snare drums that sound so terrific. Every time I hit them its super satisfying. One was really expensive and the other dirt cheap. The challenge for me is to find just a few great and durable things to own, even if they are expensive, and stick with them.

Yeah that sums it up pretty well. I like to think I’m an aspiring minimalist, but I still have more stuff than I need, it’s just that some of it is in boxes.

 

[durangodawood]

Yeah that sums it up pretty well. I like to think I’m an aspiring minimalist, but I still have more stuff than I need, it’s just that some of it is in boxes.

Me too. Stuff overload. I can tell you it feels great to do a proper Marie Kondo edit. But.... beware of just making room for more new stuff.

I do have a bike collection habit. But those are mostly used bikes that would often end up in the junkyard anyway. Sooner or later I pass them on.

 

[d taylor]

The hobbies I was into for years, and I roughly made about as much from the photography as I spent on gear. Maybe a little less now as I bought a different camera system when I stopped doing it professionally, although I did sell the old gear. I used to hike a lot, and for years, but still I ended up with a few bits of technical clothing I rarely needed, as I was usually hiking in similar conditions. Now though, buying stuff just feels like a habit.

That is good that you did them for years. But what was the reason to stop. Did you get too many on your plate and not have enough time for each one.

One of my problems is buying things that end up not working out or like i was expecting them to be. This is mostly an internet problem though.

I am trying to be a better judge of a product i am buying now and actually try and put more research into a purchase. But still when the item can not actually be seen in person sometimes it is just a gamble.

 

[partinobodycular]

I'm exactly the opposite of everyone else here. I'm EXTREMELY frugal.

For example, my clothing budget for an entire year is $75.
My average cost per day for food and drink is $2.79
I don't use air conditioning, and during the winter I have my thermostat set at 58 degrees. I'd set it lower, but I don't want to risk the pipes in the outside walls freezing.
I have a keyboard on which I practice three hours a day, every day. It now has six keys that don't work. I should probably buy a new one, but I don't. I figure that if it was good enough yesterday, then it's good enough today.

On the other hand I have a rule to live by, never sell anything that you can give away, and I've given away just about everything that you can think of. If I no longer need it, I'll give it away.

For me, having stuff to give away is far more important than simply having stuff. I don't need stuff.

I would really like to have a dog though. Does anybody wanna make an offer?

 

[Tom 1]

But what was the reason to stop. Did you get too many on your plate and not have enough time for each one.

Photography gradually tailed off as a hobby once I stopped doing it for money. I still get my camera out sometimes though, a few times a year maybe. Hiking I just can't be bothered with anymore. I used to love it when I worked in an office, then I switched to farming and that was enough of an outdoors fix, maybe, or maybe I just didn't need it to clear the office brain fog anymore. Thanks for asking.

 

[Tom 1]

Me too. Stuff overload. I can tell you it feels great to do a proper Marie Kondo edit. But.... beware of just making room for more new stuff.

I do have a bike collection habit. But those are mostly used bikes that would often end up in the junkyard anyway. Sooner or later I pass them on.

Someone told me 'one bike is never enough'. My mum has several actually, but I spent quite a lot on one good touring bike and I've never bought another since, I've had it about 10 years now. I suppose it's just a functional thing for me, I'm not into recreational cycling.

 

[Tom 1]

I'm exactly the opposite of everyone else here. I'm EXTREMELY frugal.

For example, my clothing budget for an entire year is $75.
My average cost per day for food and drink is $2.79
I don't use air conditioning, and during the winter I have my thermostat set at 58 degrees. I'd set it lower, but I don't want to risk the pipes in the outside walls freezing.
I have a keyboard on which I practice three hours a day, every day. It now has six keys that don't work. I should probably buy a new one, but I don't. I figure that if it was good enough yesterday, then it's good enough today.

On the other hand I have a rule to live by, never sell anything that you can give away, and I've given away just about everything that you can think of. If I no longer need it, I'll give it away.

For me, having stuff to give away is far more important than simply having stuff. I don't need stuff.

I would really like to have a dog though. Does anybody wanna make an offer?

Two of my dogs have started fighting recently. I wouldn't mind giving the newer one to a loving home, if you ever happen to be in Romania.

 

[Tom 1]

One of my problems is buying things that end up not working out or like i was expecting them to be. This is mostly an internet problem though.

Yeah that's one reason I have more shoes than I need. Trying them on in a shop first is a better idea, but it's a hassle.

 

[tturt]

In addition to praying about it, instead of purchasing something for yourself,, you could give that block of money to a charity. (not implying that you aren't giving now). Some charities have an independent audit. There are some that buy a goat, chickens, etc to give to a needy family. The way things are going, there may be more families in need than previously known.

 

[partinobodycular]

As addition to praying about it, instead of purchasing something for yourself,, you could give that block of money to a charity.

Something that I used to do years ago was to go to a thrift store in a poor part of town and put money in the pockets of the children's clothes. I figured that if someone was in a thrift store, in a poor part of town, buying children's clothes, then there's a good chance that they could use some extra money. And nobody would ever have to know where it came from.

 

[Lost4words]

I been told i spend way too much on marrow bones and fancy collars!

 

[partinobodycular]

I been told i spend way too much on marrow bones and fancy collars!

And don't even get me started on that fancy do...

 

[bèlla]

Need is subjective. You don’t have to use something frequently to justify ownership. I have a chef’s kitchen, baking cupboard, another for appliances, several for everyday and long term food, and two spice carts.

Although I have culinary training I’ve never worked at a restaurant. I don’t entertain often due to the pandemic. But that’s not the point. When I want to make a meal I have everything I need at home. If I’m in the mood to bake, make bread or cheese, preserve, or try my hand at wine I can.

I want to have the ability to satisfy those desires at a moment’s notice. Without going to the store or placing an order. That’s my convenience.

It’s a question of priorities and balance. I indulge my interests while maintaining a clutter free environment that’s well organized (I’m a Kondo fan). I’m not a minimalist but I live intentionally. Everything has a purpose.

I declutter often and don’t have a problem parting with items that no longer serve my needs. It’s good to do so. Sometimes things outlive their usefulness or our focus changes.

I don’t subscribe to the notion we have to do something forever or can’t explore it further due to other interests. Herbalism was always appealing. But now I’m creating an apothecary. Circumstances warranted a deeper dive in that area and others. The unexpected is a factor too. And it needn’t be serious.

I enjoy the fruits of my labor. I’ve earned them. I don’t question my deservedness. I give generously to others in many ways. Why would I do less for myself? I’m just as worthy.

 

[durangodawood]

I'm exactly the opposite of everyone else here. I'm EXTREMELY frugal.

For example, my clothing budget for an entire year is $75.
My average cost per day for food and drink is $2.79
I don't use air conditioning, and during the winter I have my thermostat set at 58 degrees. I'd set it lower, but I don't want to risk the pipes in the outside walls freezing.
I have a keyboard on which I practice three hours a day, every day. It now has six keys that don't work. I should probably buy a new one, but I don't. I figure that if it was good enough yesterday, then it's good enough today.

On the other hand I have a rule to live by, never sell anything that you can give away, and I've given away just about everything that you can think of. If I no longer need it, I'll give it away.

For me, having stuff to give away is far more important than simply having stuff. I don't need stuff.

I would really like to have a dog though. Does anybody wanna make an offer?

Wow. I have to say, it pains me to think of anyone who really plays an instrument that much not having a truly inspiring instrument. Or at least a fully functioning one.