The Little Things
The dozens of predictions that economists have been making over the last two years centers around this idea that once everything returns to a certain level of normal - probably better to use safe instead of normal but I'm sure we all agree normal means something different than it used to - consumers are going to start splurging on all the money they have been saving up. Personally, even if this turns out to be the case eventually, I think this saga of our lives really has given us enjoyment in the little things.
Freedom from it all
I need to preface this next section with the caveat that I have been incredibly fortunate to have stayed employed throughout the pandemic and others have not been so lucky. My perspective therefore may not come across as worth reading about or grounded in reality for a variety of other circumstances but I digress.
Being able to work remotely essentially for two years now has given me the perspective that there aren't many things that I actually need on a day to day basis to make me happy. It has shifted my habits on shopping in general, forcing me to consider what I will have to look at day in and day out. This consideration is of course made easier by the necessary steps that we need to take in order to reduce carbon emissions by stopping the seemingly limitless consumption of soon to be trash.
Shifting desires from material goods to experiences has also helped me drop the idea that keeping up with the Jones' is something that should be strived for. I don't think spending on whatever you want on its own is wrong to do (it's completely one's own perogative to do so), but when it ties directly with so many of the larger environmental issues, it's something that I personally have found something that we should limit as much as we can. I am not going to re-hash these things on my little soapbox. This post is only meant to talk about where I am and what has worked for me the last two years.
Friends, Family and Hobbies
Spending time with friends, shooting the shit, going on walks, whatever floats yor boat, has been something that I have come to value the most as it was the thing that was taken away from all of us (the responsible ones) for such a long time. Finding hobbies that don't cost a ton are also really nice to strive for as you can easily make more friends doing them (if you want).
I probably sound like a quintessential millenneal but there is more to life than killing yourself to get more money. (This again is a privileged perspective and I don't mean to offend anyone who can't find financial comfort. I hope that you do). Long story short is to spend time with friends and family (if you like them) and try to find some fun hobbies to pass the time instead of consuming consuming consuming.
Also, a friendly reminder to call your parents and grandparents and see how their doing. At least for me, living without the potential regret of having missed out on conversations is something that gives me peace of mind.
Mike's Tips for A Non-Essential Purchase
If you do want to buy something you know you don't need but still sounds fun that is fine! These are the critieria I myself tend to set for myself, and the result has been that I can't think of anything that I have purchased recently that I haven't used extensively or regretted.
Put off a purchase for two weeks before proceeding with checkout This alone will help tremendously with impulse purchases.
More expensive (only if for a reason not brand alone), well made and multi-purpose are better than cheap and specialised. I'll just say here that chef's have a few great knives and do not have a slapchop in their kitchen. Get things that can be used for all kinds of things.
Use money that has already been freed up from savings and utilities. I have a guilt free fund that I use exclusively for these kind of things so that I never stress about putting myself in a touch financial position if things go sour.