What you really need…

I am here! I survived Black Friday, Black Weekend et al and even Cyber Monday, without so much as the temptation to scan through the online or print space for those big bargains. No, I’m not rich. And, I sure could use the extra savings. But I don’t do well with things that are hyped up. It distracts me from what I really need. There I said it. I just said what many South Africans have chosen to ignore these past few days… what they really need.
I’m all for stocking up on household detergents, food items and toiletries. But, never at the cost of credit. And many South Africans did just that in a matter of hours these past few days. They have plunged themselves into the “red” for items they wanted… name brand clothing, name brand technological devices and even fancier named cars! (Just remember to watch the petrol price in the coming days… unlike the “black” deals – fuel is going up.)

Why this rampant consumerism in a country with a “junk status” economy?
Well, it remains a tale of two cities, with an ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor, and the middle class continuously aspiring to reach higher status. If wealth is your definition of status, then this surely includes more material possessions.
Let’s take the not-so-humble cellphone. It’s evolved from literally a “brick” to make calls to a mobile office space, able to connect people everywhere in the world particularly through social media and wi-fi.
Perhaps, with all the tempting deals, you convinced yourself that you needed a newer or another cellphone to keep up with your busy lifestyle. You may even have decided that now was the best time to buy your child a cellphone. If your child is still in school, he/she does not need a cellphone. But, he/she probably convinced you that they NEED it because they NEED to fit in with friends who do.
And that, arguably, has become the biggest need which drives people not just into debt, but to become people they are not… the need to fit in. It becomes more pronounced during this time of the year when there are many events, parties and gatherings that you are invited to. You do not need to attend them all and you certainly do not need a new outfit for each one! Then there’s the competition as to who is able to buy the best gifts, as I already alluded to. And let’s not forget who is able to throw the best year-end party – booze, bikinis and all! Am I making you dread December already? That’s certainly not my intention. Because really, all that is not what the year end is about.
It’s about the love and support of family and friends. It’s about the people whom you naturally fit in with because they value you for who you are, not your worldly possessions.


If you plan to go out clubbing and party up a storm with them, go ahead. But if you would rather relax at home with them and watch a movie in your sleepwear, that’s great too.
Just be yourself, no terms and conditions attached, no hidden fine print. It’s the best deal you can give yourself. 

 
 
Please share your year-end plans or best year-end memories with me… We NEED happy thoughts!