The other day at the checkout line at Kmart, I overheard a conversation in the next aisle over. People were getting antsy and frustrated that the line was being held up by this one woman.
She was trying to pay for her two bags of toiletries which amounted to less than $40 and her 2 credit cards were declined. She rummaged for some cash in her wallet but was short $5. She looked over to the stranger next to her and asked to borrow a few bucks. Nobody contributed and she returned a few items to be able to pay the full amount.
Oh man, tough times.
{via Pinterest}
As I watched this all unfold, it was such a rude awakening. Though it seems like most of us are doing well in this not-so-good economy, it’s not the situation for the “average” American. Layaways and payment plans are becoming more popular as people have more difficulty purchasing items outright.
This wasn’t my first encounter, but it reinforced what I already knew and heard on the news. I didn’t want to see the harsh reality with this middle-aged woman struggling to pay…it made my heart ache. And it made me re-evaluate my priorities.
I could be better about saving money. I could pare down my shopping budget. I could cut down unnecessary expenses. And that’s what I plan to do starting the new year. I’ve been riding this seemingly endless shopping bubble for a while now and though I do pay my credit card bill in full every month, it would make me feel better if I didn’t spend so much anyway.
More saving, less shopping.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
i commend your efforts! it’s really hard, especially in this materialistic and consumerist world. my community service all goes to trying to relieve the stress of local urban families struggling in poverty. they fall down once and it’s hard to climb back up without a helping hand. good luck!
i find myself remixing everything nowadays, so a bursting closet doesn’t seem to make sense anyway.
Good for you! It’s rough when you meet those who live paycheck to paycheck. Remixes are definitely alleviating the itch to shop.
It’s quite sobering really how big income inequality is in this country. It makes me feel very guilty and lucky at the same time when I can still afford to spend on big ticket items. You’re right though, I should start saving more and build a better cushion should anything ever happen to our own incomes.
When we are surrounded by people with similar financial backgrounds, it’s easy to forget the disparity around us. We are definitely lucky to enjoy the life we currently lead. Who knows what the future may hold but we can make little changes now that can greatly affect our future.
good for you!! kind of on the same page, i found it interesting today that one of my patients was on disability and didnt have enough money for rent. she doesnt pick up most of her rx except pain meds because they’re expensive. yet we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on her healthcare, and she frequently uses the hospital as a hotel. working in hc makes me realize how messed up our system is. /rant.
Yea, I’ve heard similar stories. For some, it’s easy to abuse the system for others, they can’t get a break. The hospital shouldn’t be used like that!!
Mmm… I see why the scene in Kmart has guilted you to decide not to spend as much in the new year, Jess. However, have you thought about how “not spending as much” will do to help this poor woman or the like at all? Your saved money will probably go to some sort of investment – be it savings account or stock market, while the US economy is going through a painful downturn, begging for consumer spending. People like the Kmart woman is likely on government welfare which is highly dependent on government earnings. Just a thought.
Thank you Vicky for putting it into perspective! I know the economy isn’t at its best and yes, consumer spending does boost our GDP. Although I cannot directly improve the woman’s situation or people like her, there are other ways to help our community via community service, direct donations, etc. instead of shopping for myself. I’m re-distributing my budget so although more money is going into savings, it also allows me to increase my tithes and donations to organizations that help those in need. I like to have direct contact with the people I’m helping, so with the money I give, I try to volunteer at those places too.
I was reminded that life can be unpredictable and it’s wise to secure a stronger financial cushion to weather the tough times. Recently, I’ve been spending my money frivolously and I don’t want that to become a habit, so I’m putting a stop to it before it gets worse. There are many working years ahead of me and I want to make sure that I can have a good financial foundation. I’m at the “scrimp and save” part of my life so that I can splurge in the future.
If everyone is as sensible and responsible as you are, Jess, this world would be a better place to be. I’m glad you are thinking about it now rather than later. Happy to have a blogger friend like you.
Thank you Vicky!
I agree wholeheartedly with you. It’s really easy to forget how lucky we are and for the rough situations to be lost in the background noise if you and those of the people around you are all relatively secure. As a PF blogger I tend to live with a sense of heightened awareness but I see all around me that it’s really very easy to forget how many people are having a much harder time making ends meet these days.
One of the new line items for our combined budget this coming year is dedicated charitable giving; I’ve always been overcommitted financially but I’d give when I saw dire situations. Now that we’re married, it doesn’t automatically make everything easy and us wealthy, but I do think it’s important to make it a priority to help others in need because no matter how tough our personal roads are, it could always be worse and it’s a blessing if we’ve planned well enough so that we can offer another a helping hand.
Good luck to you in your renewed focus on your budget! I’ve been thinking about paring down my own shopping spending as well in the new year to focus on saving for long term and short term goals. Fashion is fun, but there are other things and experiences worth investing in that shouldn’t be neglected.
This is such an interesting point. And yes, I agree with the other poster that we should spend to keep the economy moving, I think it’s a good idea to save as well. It’s not like you’re thinking of a complete spending freeze. I myself just became a first time home owner and will def be watching my spending. Even though my mortgage is the same as my old rent each month, I feel a much greater sense of responsibility.