Keeping Up With the Jonses?

Keeping up with the Joneses was a full-time job with my mother and father. It was not until many years later when I lived alone that I realized how much cheaper it was to drag the Joneses down to my level.–Criso Quetin

So many people live their lives trying to model it after others instead of taking stalk of where they are and where they want to arrive. Of course it is not a bad idea to set goals for yourself, and to try to achieve a certain level, status or performance.  Life without goals is pretty senseless, you have to be shooting for something otherwise you would just wonder around aimlessly accomplishing nothing and that isn’t good either.  But what I am talking about here is the danger in trying to act as though you have already arrived at a certain point when you really haven’t yet gotten there.

I believe that most everyone has finally gotten the picture that living on credit is not the best modus operandi.  My rule of thumb is, if I cannot afford it, don’t buy it.  If it is really something that is needed, then I devise a plan whereby, if need be, I can create more income to accommodate the purchase of said item.  All too many people get caught up in this “I just have  to have it” trap that comes by the great art of advertising.  We are barraged with enticing advertising that does a pretty good job in convincing us of just how great and necessary that new gadget is and how easy it is to buy it at just $29.99 a month! But before we know it, there is a long list of $29,99 payments that are due at the end of each month.  Before you know it, these things begin to own you instead of you owning them.

The quote above is cute in the way it is stated, however logically if your level is not at that point and you could use a bit of an upgrade, then it might be wise to see how you may be able to accomplish it before taking on more financial burdens.  On the other hand, if you are doing pretty well and you have all that you really need to get by on, then why even allow yourself the temptation to buy the latest gadget that you have lived without your entire life?  Especially if you are not currently in a position to afford it?

With today’s economic climate it is even more important to live within your means.  Who cares if the Joneses have it, just don’t allow yourself to be pulled into the ugly downward spiral of debt and live someone else’ life.  There are so many other things in life that are far important than having all of the latest!

Do you follow the Joneses or are you living within your means?