Not just shoes

I don't need any more than I have.

It's a good position to be in because it avoids needless spending, the lure of marketing and the trap that many fall into, the credit trap.

I'm not saying I have everything, far from it.

My guy and I just know what we need and want and buy accordingly rather than buying to accumulate more. This leaves money for more important things like investment, savings, travel, better health choices and the pursuit of experiences which, to us, are far more valuable than material things.

Recently my cousin and I went for a day out at the mall with the intention just to enjoy each other's company, have lunch, chat and we each had a couple of items we needed to buy; for me it was a pair of white casual shoes and a lipstick.

The result was a really nice day out, casual and relaxed, and I managed to find exactly what I was looking for plus a book for my history-loving guy which was 75% down so only $12. He's going to love it.

What I didn't see was any evidence of people holding back with their expenditure and in the current economic times it struck me as strange.

In the last few months several huge retail groups have gone into voluntary receivership with thousands of jobs lost. Add that to the many other businesses going bust and the subsequent financial pressure that adds. Additionally, the cost of goods and services rise and rise and we get less for each dollar we spend even for the most basic of requirements. These changes have confirmed to us the benefits and legitimacy of our strategy and mindset but we have worked towards improving our methods also because the situation consistently changes. The funny thing is, there's still so many who have not adjusted and I wonder if they're oblivious to the financial pressures or uncaring, and if it'll be too late for them if and when they decide to adjust.

Economic issues affect everyone rich or poor and no matter where a person is on that economic scale wasting money isn't productive, not in my opinion anyway, and yet it's so easily and readily done.

We all like nice things and getting new things but is that extra pair of shoes simply new shoes?

I believe people are losing the ability to see objectively and with eyes that see anything but a degree of instant satisfaction or gratification through buying something new. I understand we all need to replace what we have and to seek better things is part of being human however is there a tipping point in a volatile and increasingly difficult economic environment such as we are in? Is it the right time to understand that it's not just shoes but a financial consideration or decision that could ultimately have a dramatic impact?

I'm not sure, I'm not an economist, although have, together with my super-guy, created a life that is comfortable financially and generally and it's been done through a lot of good decisions and with eyes open and looking towards the future and what may come...and what we may need to maintain a comfortable life.