The Cost of Keeping up Appearances!

There is a common expression about persons who endeavour to impress their neighbours called trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses”.  We use this phrase to refer primarily to people who focus on appearances – especially when it comes to appearing financially secure.

Unfortunately trying to keep up a certain lifestyle has derailed many budgets!

The truth is trying to get the same standard of living as those who might be better off financially is not only foolish it can be detrimental to the entire family.

Budget Woes

The decision to adopt the same lifestyles of the more affluent includes trying to shop at the same stores and in the same quantities.  Ultimately your budget has to accommodate your lifestyle and still meet the basic needs of your family.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying money or spending it.

When you compare  yourself to your nearest neighbour you might have feelings of envy. However, if you could peer inside the Joneses’ home and bank accounts, you might not get such an enviable picture.

Here’s the bottom line: Many people live beyond their means.  The advent of credit cards and the popularity of accessing  loans can present persons as living a high quality of life but really its on borrowed money.

Overspending on material items will make you more stressed out and unhappy in the long run. The stress comes as a result of knowing that  you will have to spend the rest of your life working overtime to pay off  those extravagant purchases.

I am certain that just thinking of all that work will remove your enjoyment of the perceived prestige you thought they would bring!

Think before you try to impress!

So consumers need to think before they try to buy extravagant purchases!  This is especially true for those purchases that are not really needed and will put you further into debt.

If you realize that you are only purchasing this item or service because you’re worried about what the neighbors or people in general think of you then its time to walk away.

If you really want to be happy save your money for the future, spend  some time with the people you love best and eliminate those Joneses right out of your mind.

So what’s your take? Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: budget, saving money