“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” —Will Rogers
The average American home size has doubled in the past 50 years. Still nearly 20% of households rent offsite storage and 25% of homeowners with two-car garages can’t park cars in them. 60% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. And the average U.S. household with credit card debt has a balance of around $6,065.
It appears we have a spending problem. We buy far more than we need.
And yet, our filled closets, overflowing drawers, and crammed basements stand as proof that purchases are not improving our lives. Our discontent is evidenced in our excess.
In every imaginable category (from homes and cars to clothing and technology), we must find greater intentionality in our consumer pursuits.
To accomplish this, I propose we start asking ourselves some very specific questions before making any purchase.
3 Questions to Ask Before Any Purchase (by category)
Clothing/Apparel:
1. Am I replacing an item of clothing or buying something new? If the item is not a specific replacement, rethink your need for it.
2. Is this something I will wear regularly? If you can’t see yourself wearing the item on a regular basis, rethink the purchase.
3. Is the style one that will last? Don’t believe all the hype of the latest trends, they are manufactured by the fashion industry and change quickly.
Technology:
1. What problem does this solve? Technology should make our lives easier by solving problems. If a new technology is not solving an existing problem, it is only adding to them.
2. Are there any rumors of new advancements to this technology? Technology is changing rapidly. If your purchase is not time sensitive, it may be wise to double-check if a new release is right around the corner.
3. Is this technology I can afford? Keep in mind the full cost is often far greater than the initial investment.
Furniture/Decor:
1. Is my purchase based on a genuine need or a cultural pressure? Am I succumbing to a specific pressure brought on by cultural, peer, or family pressure? Or is the furniture/decor something I truly need?
2. Am I choosing quality over quantity? With furniture, choose quality over quantity. One comfortable place to sit is far better than three uncomfortable options. And one beautiful piece of art decor will provide more life than a dozen cheap ones.
3. Is this style one that will last?
Entertainment:
1. Will this entertainment choice result in rest and value? Entertainment moves our emotion, occupies our heart, and exercises our mind. Or at least, it should. Choose to invest your entertainment dollars in places that will.
2. Am I overusing entertainment to escape my life? There is nothing wrong with enjoying entertainment. It serves an important purpose. However, it can become a personal and financial burden if we use it as a means to routinely escape our own reality rather than face it.
3. Is there a cheaper alternative? A walk in the park or a hike up a mountain is often more entertaining and beneficial than buying another movie ticket.
Food:
1. Will this food add fuel to my life? Unhealthy foods may taste better in the moment, but in the long-run, they detract from our well-being and lifestyle.
2. Are my food decisions contributing to my financial stress? According to statistics, Americans spend 42% of their total food bill eating out. If you are unable to get ahead financially, this is one easy place to start cutting back.
3. Who am I supporting with this purchase? You need to eat. Support your local economy while you do.
Personal Insurance/Health:
1. If purchased personally, have I discussed my options with a health insurance professional? Find professional help with this decision. It is their job to understand all your options (and they are changing quickly).
2. Have I researched the benefits of my existing plan? Am I getting the absolute most out of my current payments? Search dental, vision, and preventive care.
3. Am I pursuing a health-benefiting lifestyle? The most effective way to keep your health care costs at a minimum is to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Accidents and heritage happen, but healthy habits always pay for themselves in the long run.
Transportation:
1. Do I need a new vehicle? If not, why do I want a new vehicle? And is that a good enough reason to spend the resources?
2. How much cash + trade-in have I saved? Always, always buy your vehicles with cash. You won’t regret it.
3. What are the additional expenses associated with this purchase? Calculate insurance, gasoline, anticipated maintenance, and unique circumstances (parking, tolls). Factor these into your decision by comparing several models. Sometimes a vehicle may cost more upfront, but save money in the long run.
Housing:
1. Am I buying/renting only what I need? Choose shelter based on your needs, not what the realtor says you can afford.
2. What will be the additional expenses included in this purchase? Whenever possible, research the utility costs, insurance, taxes, expected maintenance, and HOA fees of your new purchase—especially if you are transitioning from a rental.
3. Will this arrangement bring freedom or burden into my life? Your home should bring you security and stability—not stress. Wisely consider also the impact of potential economic downturns on your home value and ability to make future payments.
Pets:
1. Is this a pet I can afford? Consider all costs associated with your pet: feeding, licensing, housing, cleaning, grooming, pet-sitters, and medical expenses.
2. “Will this animal or pet keep me from pursuing other important goals like travel, hosting others in my home, or financial independence?”
3. Will the benefits an animal brings to my life outweigh the extra work and expenses? Am I able to articulate the exact reason why I am taking on this responsibility?
I am very open to this being a fluid list. Are there any spending categories you would like me to add? Or do you have any specific questions for the categories above you have found particularly helpful? Let us know in the comment section below.
Thanks for this list, Joshua. I like the food questions because I am working on eating healthier. You could add a category for purchases related to children, too.
I would add toiletries/cosmetics to the list. How many of our vanities are full of barely used products, yet we still purchase more because it has a new scent, colour or technology? I made a rule for myself after I moved and realized how many bottles of lotion, hair care products and makeup I had. I was not allowed to buy any new products until the ones I had were totally used up. It was a few years before I had to replace some products!!
I would like to see a question about all the pseudo-science encouraging us to buy cosmetics, food fads and alternative medicines and therapies.
I believe this website contains very excellent composed content material articles.
When considering purchasing a pet another good question to ask is “Do I have the time to care for this pet?” Many people buy pets and then leave them for hours unattended or neglect them because of long work days. The health and well-being of the pet should also be considered
…just like with kids.
I would like to see advice on gift giving.
You should buy the book. It does include some advice on gift giving. Excellent read, I might add.
Now if only I could get my family to read it also…….
You
Old. Hog
What about appliances? As in kitchen appliances, household appliances, etc…
I would like to see an addition about children’s and adults activities or hobbies. Sports, crafts, music lessons etc.
I find a lot of hobbies – more the paraphernalia actually – cluttering things and find them really hard to shed! “Yes I haven’t done archery for 3 years but I’ve been meaning to” etc ☺
I find all the questions on your list very helpful. Thank you.
I agree with Emily and Keith. I would love some insight on how to “regulate” hobby spending. I genuinely enjoy several hobbies but have trouble justifying spending too much on them – so sometimes I try to get supplies/lessons in the least expensive way possible but then the quality is sacrificed. Additionally – where to keep all the creations: paintings, pottery, ceramics, needlework… Some days I feel as if my house has evolved into a tacky cottage displaying all my art. Other days it fills me with great pride to see my creations. Any way – some insight would be appreciated!
Should be similar questions about whether or not to have children!
Children are much less likely to inhibit your ability to rent a home, travel, eat out, stay in hotels, or even stay with friends than a pet will. There are of course places that are not kid friendly, but few where they are actually prohibited. People are not allergic to children (well, not technically, anyway :) ) Pets do limit your freedom to an extent, and you have to weigh whether or not this is worth it to you, that’s all.
I do feel that some people use pets as an excuse to limit their interactions with humans, just my opinion, and this does not mean every pet owner.
Children are expensive and a life long commitment. Many people make the decision without thinking it through. There are so many people struggling with money yet they continue to have children. Doesn’t make sense to me.
I would like such advises: About kids (to have or not and why), shoes, makeup, perfume, home decorating, flowers, spa procedures and massage, food supplements, education, trips. Thanks.
How about guitars and instruments? :) that’s our downfall.
I wonder where this bestselling author lives…small bungalow? And does he live in a location that allows him to commute by foot or bicycle, thus negating the need for a car? I doubt it. He’s just trying to make money, not trying to help people. He’s a self-help author in the sense that he’s “helping himself” to your money.
I have thought the same thing. However, I believe it’s almost a safety mechanism to justify not finding the reason to all he is stating. I don’t know if it would be too much to ask for an interview with pics of his home. It’s like satisfying our curiosity while serving as a possible motivation. Accountability keeps us genuine.
He has posted pictures of the interior of his home before. It might be a good idea to ask him directly before posting criticisms here.
Actually, he has posted pictures of his home, which is very modest with minimal decor and furniture. Although, I do find it strange to require evidence that a stranger is living simply before you use the lessons of minimalism for yourself. It’s all about choice.
Where did he ask for your money? Look him up on Facebook, and read his blog. He follows his own advice, and his advice comes from experience.
When has he asked for your money, Jim (serious question)? I have followed this blog for a long time and get very regular value from it, but haven’t had any contact/requests/pressure to buy anything. Do you live a minimal lifestyle?
Much of what he says is not only true, but of help to those people he mentions in this post.
Sometimes though, it is fun to acquire something unusual, artistic or otherwise for different reasons.
I like how Joshua does actually walk the walk and talk the talk but that kind of strict minimalism is not for this artist.
Are you kidding me?
He sells book but this website, his Facebook page and Podcast are FREE resources whether you buy his book or not.
This website is even advertisment-free & easy to navigate since there are no pop-ups. If someone doesn’t find value to anything written here, they can simply walk away.
Saying that he’s just ‘helping’ others for money is a very judgemental statement.
Perhaps you need to look in your own mirror. I read the blog posts to better myself and to reduce my living. If you don’t care for the advice, move along and have a nice day. I bought a book and found in beneficial to me. The website, along with my own commitment to living a more simple life based upon the teaching of St. Francis of Assisi, guide my lifestyle. I’m not sure why you even bothered to post.
I don’t know the author, but I do know enough to know that he lives in a smaller home in a community with great public transportation. Not everyone is out to ‘get you’. He has talked about making a conscious decision to downsize, and he put it to the test.
People who jump to being Negative and condemning and judgmental is what’s wrong with America today
Remember “Thumper”
” if you can’t say something NICE dont say ANYTHING at all”!
If like to see some business points brought up. Like marketing. I can blow a lot on marketing. Any points to consider?
I’ve got a large problem with the pet section. Many of the people I know including myself end up with stray cats. Mama kitty showed up in our shed with 4 kittens and we took them in and I tried to find decent homes for them but we ended up with 3 of them. I just couldn’t bring myself to drop them at the pound. We have other strays as well. Some things can’t be planned. I’m an official crazy cat lady.
My grandmother always used to say ‘nothing is cheap if you don’t need it’. Great motto to live by especially in today’s world of sales sales sales, bargain, 2 for 1 etc.
Brilliant. So simple, really, yet it takes courage to ask these questions. Thank you for this article.
As a Professional Photo Organiser I’d include the category of photos.
Did you all see the granny that went viral? The one in a crowd where everyone else was focused on their camera not the “moment”….
The 3 questions
1. Would my grandchildren enjoy this photo
2. Does it support an important/funny/historic/memorable story
3. Would I be upset if the photo was lost forever? (leasing to the important topic of backing up…if you think it’s important enough to take the photo then it’s important enough to back up)
What about small/large household appliances. I see a lot of new gadgets out there and I am drawn to them. Do we really need the slow cooker with the digital timer. Or maybe the fancy refrigerator that has the ice and cold water dispensers. There are so many things out there to cover your counters. I may not be able to find my one cup coffee maker one day. You know…….the fancy one that comes in so many colors it’s hard to choose one. And it just does everything you ever wanted in a coffeemaker. :D
I recommend an excellent book called The 7 Experiment: Mutiny against Excess in which Jen Hatmaker explores seven areas of life that needed reexamination–food, clothing, possessions, spending, media, etc.
I thought about you the other day when I purchased myself a new purse. The purse that I had I didn’t like because of the style and color. I specifically replaced that with a new purse, with a purse that would bring some joy to my life. I donated the purse I replaced, and I hope that it will bring some joy to the person who finds it. Thank you for increasing the intentionality of my life.
https://motherteacherartistwoman.blogspot.com
Thank you for your
Very useful post
Hi. I went to look at it as I find questions to hold a secret and magic power to fully used in many contexts. I enjoyed reading it but I found it weird that only entertainment had question 3. Is there a cheaper alternative?
And also that the idea of entertainment were restricted to: A walk in the park or a hike up a mountain is often more entertaining and beneficial than buying another movie ticket.
I thought of how strange I find that a concert with an orquestra seems healing in a way I had never been told. How even bad theatre seems to provide a sense of community with other human beings.
Hope this is helpful to keep up the good work of raising questions :)
oh I meant not fully used
Thanks Josh. Inspirational as always. I’d add a category of questions about buying second hand. “Can I buy this item second hand to save money and reduce waste?”
And I would also add a question about the environment; “What is the total impact of this purchase on the environment? Can I have less impact by not buying this item or by buying something else?” Clothing is a particularly relevant example and so is furniture.
I love this article and the great exchange of comments it has produced. One thing I’ve found helpful is from Your Money or Your Life, by Joe Dominguez and Vikki Robin: At the end of each month, review your purchases one by one and ask for each: Did I get satisfaction for this in proportion to the life energy/hours of work I expended to purchase it? and Is this purchase in alignment with my life goals and life values?
one another way is to learn to lend and borrow stuff that we don’t use everyday. Sometimes I lend out a bucket or an extra blanket to my neighbours and they let me borrow some extra crockery for parties. There are basic rules about borrowing, donot misuse, return after use and don’t borrow sentimental items, they cannot be replaced. Also it helps if you return stuff looking and working nicer than when you borrowed it. And always say thank you and don’t be a borrower only. Also lend stuff. If not things help out return times, walk the dog and take out the garbage. That way you will not be considered a leech.