Do you really need that or is Tik Tok telling you must have it?
In today’s world, the overconsumption of material items is staggering. It feels like everyone is scrambling to buy $500 worth of clothes from Shein, Zara, Target, or wherever. But let’s be real: every dollar spent on things you don’t need is a dollar you’ll never get back.
So, do you really want to spend your money on stuff, or would you rather invest in experiences or big-ticket items, like a house?
I’ve talked about battling imposter syndrome before, and when I’m on social media for too long, it creeps back in. Suddenly, I’m convinced I need that $200 alarm clock to improve my mornings because, hey, good sleep is critical, right? Especially now, with all the amazing sales everywhere, it’s hard not to feel like I need this and that. But let’s be honest—how much are they paying the creator to promote that useless gadget, which is probably going to break after the first two uses? I can tell you exactly what the last time I bought something was, what it was, and how much it cost. If you can’t, you probably are buying too much, and if its been three weeks with tags still on maybe you didn’t need the item to begin with…
This constant push to buy feels like it’s designed to keep us trapped in a never-ending cycle. America practically runs on overconsumption, especially during the holiday season. Thanksgiving rolls around, and suddenly, it’s Black Friday sales—or “sales” that aren’t even real discounts. It’s exhausting. Why are we pressured to chase every trend when most of us already have more than enough at home? We don’t need the latest gadgets; my phone works perfectly fine, and I’m typing this on my laptop that’s 10 years old and still running smoothly. I get it—corporations want to profit, but when does it become harmful to the consumer, the economy, and the world?
How to Combat Overconsumption
If you’re like me and need a reminder to pause before spending frivolously, here’s something that helps me refocus: I make a list of high-ticket items I’m saving for over the next six months. Here are a few that I’m personally working on:
- Two friend’s trips – These are annual trips, so I always know I need to save for them.
- A house – I’ve been saving up for a house for a while, but I haven’t officially started the process of looking yet. It’s one of my 2025 goals.
- Two international trips– one to visit family and one to explore a different country.
Another thing that helps with not overconsuming and over-purchasing is having a rule of one in and one out. Personally, It helps keep my closet from getting taken over by the latest trends and instead, I focus on replacing my basics and only buying items that I know will last me years to come. Sometimes it’s better to buy that pricy but good quality item that will last you decades than the cheap but trendy item that will last you two wears.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t buy something trendy once in a while, but being mindful of how much you are spending is key to not going overboard. I think we overestimate how much wear we will get out of an item if it’s not something we typically wear. Do I love the color pink? Yes. Do I think I need fifteen different blouses in pink? No.
With the year coming to an end and Christmas just two weeks away, it’s easy to feel the pressure from social media telling us what we need to buy, decorate, or do. But before you get caught up in it all, take a moment to reflect on what you already have. Trust me—you probably already have it, or you don’t need it to begin with. Less clutter means more time for what really matters, instead of spending every waking hour cleaning and organizing.
If you’re gifting this season (or any season), consider these ideas: experiences, consumables (like food, drinks, or candies), and time. These gifts often mean the most because they create lasting memories, bring joy without adding clutter, and show true thoughtfulness. A shared meal, a heartfelt conversation, or even a homemade treat can be far more impactful than anything wrapped in a box.
Let’s bring the focus back to connection and simplicity. What gifts or traditions are you embracing this year?