Sometimes it’s obvious, but most of the time it’s not. What am I talking about? I’m talking about how we, as humans, are comforted by following the pack or making decisions that everyone around us is making. For example:
– We like buying Google stock because it helps us find things (there are alternatives) and the media loves Sergey and Larry.
– We like buying SUVs because they are safe (not really) and Bob has one in his driveway.
– We like buying Green because it helps the environment (not all the time).
– We like not saving much because easy credit is (once was) available.
– We like buying our own home because there’s a tax savings (doesn’t off set initial investment) and because we’re told every American is entitled to one (not true).
Most of the “like items” above are, or once were, things that most people liked doing (or felt compelled to do) mostly because the behavior is/was rampant or popular. “Doing” the above items may be good or bad, but what I do want to point out is that doing something because it goes with the flow or is in fashion is not a good thing. In fact, I’d like to argue that it should be everyone’s priority to find a different angle and go against the flow, when it makes sense. Here are some specific examples:
– If you have the money (real cash) and need a car, buy a car now (there are great deals available on any every category of vehicle on the market). Moreover, don’t buy a hybrid but rather buy a vehicle that has a new modern diesel engine (it’s gets better fuel economy than a hybrid, as well as better performance and reliability; see the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI).
– If you’re invested in the stock market and have additional cash handy, buy more blue chip, individual, stocks or low cost index funds (like the ones offered by Vanguard), given the hugely undervalued companies and sectors in the market today.
– If you want to help the environment, don’t buy environmentally friendly products, rather consume less altogether (e.g., make do with the TV you have and don’t get a flat screen, walk instead of drive when you can, and shut off your lights when you don’t need them) and use the products you have in your house as replacements for the latest green products (e.g., don’t buy the latest eco-friendly Windex
My general point is that it’s comforting to do what we see people around us doing, but it’s hard to think differently. The real opportunities in life are centered on ideas, products, behavior, etc. that have not yet been commercialized or popularized (if you’re an entrepreneur, do you really want to build the next great web site or focus on mobile devices and building the next great user interface for portable screens?).
Beyond business opportunities, living a practical life and saving money can sometimes be realized by simply tuning out the mass media and your next door neighbor and just doing common sense things, like purchasing a car just for transportation (do you need an SUV and leather seats?) and moving into a house that is cozy and just right (do you need 6 bedrooms and 2 acres of land?). So, the next time you need to make a decision (a big one or a little one) stop and try NOT to do what you see everyone else doing (it’s good for you, I swear!).
By not buying a home over the past few years, we were doing just that. Some people thought we were crazy to keep renting and now more than ever, we’re so glad we waited.
Vince, what can I say, great minds think alike. Walking on the road less travelled is sometimes lonely but in the end well worth the trip.
We all want to be unique but there’s nothing unique about doing what everyone else is doing. We’ve become a society driven by the Ads and instead of individuals, folks are turning into mindless drones. “No I’m not,” they will say but if they took a hard look…
Folks, STOPY BUYING INTO THE HYPE!!!
Vince, keep pluggin’.
Debra
Hi Carla,
You did the right thing, buying a home should be a logical decision (waiting for the right time and doing the math). There are exceptions like needing a home because of a growing family.
Good luck!
Best,
Vince
Hi Debra,
I think it’s important to stop and think about all actions, including marketing hype!
Thanks for the post, keep them coming!
Vince
The only problem I have with renting is that it feels like throwing money away to me. I’m not building towards anything.
If I have a mortgage then eventually that house will be mine, but if I’m paying rent that money is gone. I will never own anything, but I will continue to pay.
No, I don’t need six bedrooms. I want a modestly sized home; not too big, and not too small. I purchase cheaper, smaller, and more fuel efficient vehicle. (I hate SUVs anyway).
If you take a good hard look at your life you may realize a lot of your decisions have been based on what other people want for you, and not what you want. You may not even know what you really think anymore.
Here’s to self-discovery.
On the throwing money away part, everyone needs to spend money on housing so you are not really throwing money away by renting. What you should do is do the math given your current economic situation, so if you’re not paying too much for rent and are able to save a good amount each week (that you can put towards a 20 percent down payment for a new home) then continue to rent until your can afford a modest house.
obdcar ecu maps power tuning flash files
BMW ecu maps power tuning flash files download area
Conspicuous Consumption and Personal Finance: Do You Work To Want Things?
Daniel Gross, a columnist at Newsweek and Slate, published a recent article in the NY Times Book Review that argued that today’s über rich are essentially leisure-less tycoons who need to work around the clock. Gross goes on to argue…