When Living Beyond Our Means Became a Reality | Shopping Habits

Oct 11, 2011 by April    3 Comments    Posted under: Shopping Habits

In my work over the years with hoarders I’ve found it fascinating to learn how our society has arrived at some of the shopping habits that have led to living beyond our means.

It’s important to remember though, hoarding is a much more complicated situation than just “the acquiring of stuff”.

If you are a loved one of a hoarder or a hoarder yourself, the shopping habits are only one small element in a much larger treatment plan and you should ALWAYS have a qualified mental health professional involved in any long term solutions.

Now onto when the acquiring epedemic became available to the middle class of today.

It’s a simple history lesson, actually.

If you look back over the ages you can see the signs of acquiring as early as the Egyptian tombs, with their collection of possessions

However until the 80′s such an eclectic lifestyle was limited to the wealthy.

So, what happened in the 80′s?

Credit Cards.

And the ability to live beyond our means.

Can’t afford it? No problem! Swipe that handy plastic card & away you’ll go with the high priced items your bank account can’t afford!

Many of the children from those formative years are the adults struggling in the current economic downturn. Yes, I’m aware, grandparents are shaking their heads in disappointment as they watch their offspring’s offspring “whine” about not having enough. But that won’t change anything either.

So what will?

Awareness. Knowledge. Consistent Effort. Retraining the Brain.

That’s why this week’s Challenge is all about how to Start at the Beginning of your Shopping Habits. How to learn more about what you buy and why.

You know that saying :: “when you know better, you can do better”.

Now it’s up to you, will you do better?

Share your thoughts / opinions in the comments below or over on The Mental Clutter Coach Facebook Page ::

Did you know when living beyond our means became a reality and how it tied into modern day shopping habits?

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!