This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
More resources = More responsibility
“Why did you buy that?” Because it felt good.
Retail therapy is addicting.
Shopping online and getting items delivered to your house is addicting.
Something new, different, and upgraded from our usual looks good to have around. It adds spice to our life, and this new-thing-high is temporary 99% of the time.
Not only have we become addicted to accumulating materials, but we have become addicted to mindless spending because of how it makes us feel.
Accumulating is another way to avoid living more intentionally and prevents you from tapping into the emotions you’re trying to mask through unhealthy spending habits.
Materialistic Accumulation
Whether you have money or credit cards, you can “afford” to buy stuff.
We all can.
But we should take this responsibility less lightly.
Many people accumulate debt not because they plan to but because they accidentally made too many financial decisions that led them there.
To want what you have or to want less is powerful because we live in a world of creation.
There will never stop being more things to buy.
The more we question our purchases, the more intentionally we live, the less debt we accumulate, and the more financial freedom we experience.
Not Every Opportunity Is Right For You
Investments
I’ve encountered a few investment opportunities that sounded great but weren’t so great after all.
My gut knew this was the case, but emotion got the best of me, and I jumped because the source seemed reputable.
Could I afford to make the investments, whether they were a success or bust?
Yes, but just because I could afford it doesn’t mean I should’ve climbed aboard.
As you accumulate financial resources, there will be many opportunities for you to utilize your money, but many opportunities will be unnecessary, only end in loss, or misalign with your goals.
Sift through investment opportunities carefully and always do your research. Vet everything to avoid unnecessary losses and to make more prudent decisions.
You can’t avoid loss 100% of the time in the investment world, but you can taper them.
Think before you invest.
Purchases
The brand new [insert whatever you fancy] may not be the best or right purchase for you during this time of your life.
Upgrading your phone every year or your car every couple of years is unnecessary.
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should – unless that genuinely brings joy to your life.
Some people enjoy taking advantage of new technology.
Others simply want to appear relevant.
Choose wisely.
Weigh the pros and cons.
Always take emotion out of investment and purchase opportunities.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.