Is affordability the best way to think about things?

I was struck the other day by the difference in how I view purchases of stuff, and stuff in general, from how I used to view them. Until the last year, how I used to view stuff was always in terms of whether or not I could get it. Not how good is it, or is it worth it, but can I afford it?

For example, when I wanted to buy a new dress, I didn't ask myself if I needed it, or if I had a use for it. I didn't think about the ten other dresses I had in my closet, or whether this dress was well made or was a good value. Basically the only thought going through my head (other than "I want this") was 'can I afford it?'

Of course this brought up some issues, all of which come from the basic fact that just because I can afford it, doesn't mean its a good idea. I may not need it, it may be a bad deal, it may be a poor value, I may have other things my money would be better spent with. And, from a financial planning perspective, its an awful mindset. As long as I keep buying stuff cause I can, I'm not saving anything for later!

I can't point to what caused me to change, or the exact day I did, but, a little at a time, I switched from 'can I afford it' to 'why do I want it.' And the wierdest thing happened: I stopped buying stuff. When I starting thinking about why I wanted something, it became very clear that most of the reasons I had were superficial, fleeting, and generally stupid.

To use the same example, if I had stopped to think about why I wanted the dress in the first place, a whole other set of thoughts come up. If I want it because it makes me feel pretty, then is this dress the best way to feel pretty? Or is there something else that would fill the need better? Why do I need to feel pretty anyway? Maybe that is something to look at within myself. OR maybe I want to feel wealthy? To cheer me up? Because I'm bored? Because I've been shopping too long?

There are a whole host of reasons why I, or anyone, would be drawn to buy something, but most of them look pretty vacuous in the light of day. And after you see that, its really easy to walk away from purchases. The upside is that when I find really solid reason to buy something, I feel great about it days or even weeks after the purchase. AND I spend money on things that really make me content and happy long term, instead of just for the moment.

Someone Else's Junk

So, prior to today's major happenings (see Miss Piggy moment below) I was excited to write about yet another amazing trip to the Salvation Army. thrift stores are such an under-utilized asset. (yes! triple word score!) Recently, Jeremy and I were talking about getting a bread machine, so we can make our own bread, pizza dough, etc.

And, for those who don't know, there are two kitchen appliances you are almost guarnteed to find at any decently sized thrift store: ice cream makers and bread machines. (If you don't see any, wait a couple weeks...they'll show up) They always seem like good ideas at the time, and then get used maybe twice and put away. And then someone finds a dust covered "thing" and donates it.

So, instead of spending $200 on a solid bread maker, we spent $4.

Our Salvation Army is good for a lot of other stuff too. I bought a ton of Christmas decorations this year from them. When I needed new work clothes, they were totally there for me. And creative plates, baskets, bowls etc to put homemade goodies in for Xmas? Yup, they set me up.

I used to think that they never had anything good, and then I took more than two seconds to think about it. Seriously, what do I see the people in my life donate? What do I donate? Its usually clothes slightly out of style, working but unused electronics, and other cool sundries.

So maybe I don't want the sweater that doesn't fit anymore, but someone will. And that street goes both ways. The prices are rediculous (especially on 50% off days - check your local thrift store to see if they have these) and you can find some seriously awesome stuff. Just plan enough time to sift through all the ungl bridesmaid dresses and julienne french fry cutters.

Oh, and awesome tip for those into brand name bling. Thrift stores based in rich areas like Beverly Hills will carry pricier items, at pricier prices but still way below retail. Milano Blahnik's for $50, anyone?