A good friend named Mark recently bought a new truck. To call it a pickup is grossly inadequate. Mark arrived one day in this shiny enormous vehicle with four doors, cushy soft leather seats, a fully digital dashboard with onboard space-like technology, a moonroof that spanned the entire length of both the front and back seats, and automatic retractable step-bars that lower and raise as you open the doors. I’ll admit I was a bit envious as I looked at my aging twelve-year-old Nissan Murano sitting next to it. But after hearing the “great deal” Mark got by paying only $50,000 for a $65,000 priced truck, all envy evaporated. My Murano is free and clear, still looks decent, and reliably gets me everywhere I want to go. Meanwhile, our family savings sits safely secure in investments that generate automatic cash flow. Instead of envy, I now have pride—pride in the benefits of a frugal and rightsized life. [Read more…]
5 Big Reasons Why Women Shop, Part 2
Last week I explored a few of the fascinating theories being tossed around in the scientific world to explain why women shop. As to be expected, I heard from several women who love to shop, and just about as many who said they don’t. And although there are exceptions to everything, statistics show that approximately two-thirds of us regularly enjoy the experience—especially when we have the time. That fact is just one more piece of the puzzle that explains the attraction to shopping. This week I offer more insight into the complicated motivations behind the urge to shop—all with the intention to help us become more conscious and responsible consumers. [Read more…]