Do we have affluenza?

Affluenza, n. a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more.[1]

Affluenza, n. 1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. 2. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by the pursuit of the American Dream. 3. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth.

Ok, it's made up word, but the concept is real. So what's the cure. One idea is Buy Nothing New Month.

It really is as simple as it sounds. For one month we make do with what we have, second-hand items and things we borrow or make.

At first it may sound challenging to break our consumer habits, so the website has some tips for us.

Obviously you can do this at any time you choose, but if you want to do it this October, why not sign the pledge?

Some people really like it. Sal decided to do it for a whole year. Twice.

Comments

What to do with 128 pens?

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How to never worry about the share market

The Ulysses Contract doesn't sound like a book about investing. The subtitle "How to never worry about the share market again" is what grabbed my attention. The book is mostly about the mindset and strategy of investing in shares. The obscure title refers to Greek mythology, the temptation of the siren songs, and the measures Ulysses took to keep his ship and crew safe - including being tied to the mast of the ship, to hold himself to his own plan. In the book, Michael Kemp outlines the temptations (siren songs) in the share market, gives some solid guiding principles (the mast) that investors can secure themselves to, and outlines his idea of a Ulysses contract for investing. The temptations include spending too much on consumer items (it's hard to invest if we spend all our income) doing what everyone else is doing (when the crowd is selling, it might be the best time to buy) expert predictions (not worth that much, and can be wrong as much as right) market-timing, ...

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