Avoid Accumulation and Materialism

Do you have too much stuff?

Materialism can sneak up on us. It’s easy to purchase things we don’t need simply because we can. A friend cleaned out her deceased mother’s closet and found 30 pairs of black pants. Some still had price tags. She had enough for each day of the month! Why would someone need that many? We can ask ourselves the same questions about stuff in our homes. Do I need five hammers or eight brown belts? We accumulate stuff for different reasons. We forget we have them, where we put them, or keep them around “just in case.” Maybe they’re costly or have sentimental value. Many go shopping to fill a void in their lives. Retail therapy is a problem because the satisfaction with things is very temporal at best.

We can limit possessions by getting organized – then donating or selling what we don’t need. When tempted to buy something, stop and ask yourself some questions: Can I live without it today? Can I borrow it? Have I asked God to provide it for me? Try keeping a list of things you think you need. The desire may fade or you might get it in some unique way. If you know you buy too much, develop new habits. The “one in/one out” rule works for some. Whenever you purchase something besides food, give something away. Limit time spent shopping – in stores or on your computer. That will help as well. Ask someone to hold you accountable. These tips can help you focus on what’s really important, and that’s a key step in good stewardship.

Find more compassionate help on becoming a good steward with what you already have through Crown’s budget coaching program. It can put you on the road to financial freedom. Go to crown.org. Click the “Get Help Now” tab. You can start today at crown.org.