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24 signs that you're a mega-consumer

Posted Apr 14 2008, 07:35 PM by Karen Datko
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Do you automatically think that "budget" is the name of a rental-car company? Chances are you have a problem with spending.

A post by Ron at The Wisdom Journal identifies 24 signs to look for to determine if you're a mega-consumer. He said he was inspired to write the post after his kids noticed that someone they know has four yard sales a year and asked, "How much stuff do they have?"

Another sign: "You cannot fit anything else in your garage -- and you don't even have your car in there."

Ron isn't writing about people who have so much money that they never have to worry about how much they spend. He's speaking to those who spend and don't know where that money is coming from.

These are folks who "go to those free time-share weekends and fall for the spiel," have tons of clothes but never have anything to wear, and have already spent their tax rebate check even though it hasn't arrived.

Other signs: "You have HSN and QVC on speed-dial." "You evaluate every purchase in light of its monthly payment, or what your limit is on Visa, or which credit card you're not late on." "Your motto is, I came, I saw, I wanted, I bought."

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Comments

 

Not only did it take three links to get to the list (as usual for MSN) the third-party site that has the list has exceeded their CPU quota and I can't read it.  Oh well, time to bookmark another news service.

JLC (Posted 04.16.08 9:54 AM ) Report Abuse

So where are the 24 signs?  I've clicked on everything and can't find it!  Am I the only one?  Are you hiding the story?  I just would like to READ the damn thing!

sherry (Posted 04.16.08 9:57 AM ) Report Abuse

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to come to the realization that fossil fuels are not in infinite supply and energy prices (and thus the staples of life) continue to rise in cost the amount of money spent into the economy on worthless material posessions will continue to decline. The majority of the population who drive and/or own a  house will be spending a very large portion of their pay on energy.  It won't be far into the future that many may only be able to afford the neccessities of life rather than all the latest gismos and gadgets and otherwise mostly usless items that they did not even need in the first place.  Many people do not understand the huge difference between between wants and needs. Conservation, reusing and recycling will be the norm for survival rather than a voluntary act.

JH (Posted 04.16.08 9:57 AM ) Report Abuse

conservatism is the cause of all problems in this country today.

liberal bob (Posted 04.16.08 10:05 AM ) Report Abuse

America is being lead around by our addiction to new products, to bling, to bigger houses, to massive TV screnes, to cars as big as tanks. Our addiction is fed from the very products we buy, It's called advertising. Psycology majors, and behavioral specialists are coaching these Gouls to prey on and and your kids.

If you really want to help America and the World, CONSERVE, stop buying stuff, share the ride, choose to live closer to your destinations so you can walk. Turn off the TV. Go outside, read a book, have a friend over for some coffee, eat less, SLOW DOWN, Pace yourself, your kids don't need to be involved in 4 and 5 extra-activities, They'll still get into college. STOP BEING THE GREAT CONSUMERS. Learn the lessons of our Mothers, Fathers, and Grandparents, go without the bling and fill that void with friendship, and family.

Shoeshine Boy (Posted 04.16.08 10:05 AM ) Report Abuse

This generation has grown up with the attitude if I want it then it must be bought for me.  If we could return to some of the ideas of our forefathers about budgeting and spending then this would not be such a problem.  Ask any teenager today what a savings account is and they have not a clue.

Botto (Posted 04.16.08 10:10 AM ) Report Abuse

Some bumber stickers say -  Republican because somebody has to work!  or Democrat - the party of complain and blame.

Jim (Posted 04.16.08 10:11 AM ) Report Abuse

Consumerism is a byproduct of a business "ethic" called profit maximizing. Although the concept sounds reasonable and responsible from a corporate point of view in situated in a free market economy, its downstream consumer byproducts are anything but. If you follow this line of reasoning to its logical conclusions, then you will easily understand why your grandparents are still using the same toaster they bought in the fifties while you're filing bankrupt on the latest cuisanart which won't make it to the end of the decade!

Jim Testerman (Posted 04.16.08 10:12 AM ) Report Abuse

OK, so here's the deal.  You must consume...and in ever greater quantities.  This is the way our economy works.  If a company's profits and  market share aren't increasing, then it gets hammered in the market (stock).  If the markets pull back enough, then consumer sentiment goes south causing people to slow spending (situation we're in now).  When this happens, tax revenues fall and the government worries.  This is why we're going to get those checks - so we can go out and consume.  So fill up that garage, save little, and DRIVE THE ECONOMY!

Capitalist Pig (Posted 04.16.08 10:13 AM ) Report Abuse

I don't have any money so I can't buy anything

joe (Posted 04.16.08 10:14 AM ) Report Abuse

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