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Americans Are Still Spending Like There’s No Tomorrow
(www.wsj.com)
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this post was submitted on 03 Oct 2023
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Why do they always attack the things that might bring a modicum of joy in an otherwise bleak world? Collectively we're depressed and mental health is not a priority in this country so we shop.
Not sure if someone had the intention to attack anyone but isn't it somehow part of the problem that people seek joy primarily by spending lots of money? Without ANY savings on the side, you'll be constantly on the short leash of big corporations and have little to no room to improve on mental health and stuff.
Not talking about people buying groceries and other daily use items obviously. But I doubt buying expensive electronics, fancy clothes etc. will make anyone happy but the shareholders of the manufacturers and the credit card companies.
I can’t speak for everyone but when I’m spending 40+ hours a week working a job I don’t like, another 10+ hours commuting to that job, and however much more time it takes to do things like clean and physically take care of myself the little dopamine hit I get from seeing something, thinking “I want that” and then being able to have it feels life changing for a moment. It’s one of the few places in my life where I feel like I can just make something good happen without having to struggle for it.
I’ve also found when I’m working less (or not at all) my “I want this right now” desires nearly completely go away. The behavior has been the same regardless of if I’ve had savings or not.
My view is that some savings allow you to take more risky decisions. E.g. if you know, you can survive the next 2 months without your current job, you'll be more confident to apply for a better one elsewhere with less commuting, more remote work, better benefits, more freetime etc.
Satisfaction from consumption to cope for a bad mood is almost never healthy. Being it drugs, binge eating or shopping. It leads to a short term release of dopamine that won't last long and that might be even follwed by regret.
Not saying one should never buy anything except the absolutely necessary. But "I feel bad, so I should buy me a treat" is not the way. Go outside for a walk, spend time with people, do some sports, get into arts, visit a public library... There are many hobbies you can do on a budget that will have a more lasting effect on your mental health. :)