While our parents and grandparents may have tried to instill this value into all of us growing up we were raised in a very prosperous time, especially here in the United States.

This is a highly consumeristic and materialistic society. We have become complacent and wasteful in our spending and our habits. We know we have whatever we need right at our fingertips. This is more literal than ever before with the onset of online shopping and same-day delivery.

In 2022 you could live your entire life and never leave the house if you so choose to! Food, clothing, medical needs, virtual doctor visits, as long as you worked from home – you could potentially never go out again. That is a really dangerous way to live. It would be easy to become antisocial and dependent on others to bring you everything you need to survive and live.

Prices are rising – from gas to food, to other random goods. The words “out of stock” are becoming more common.

What if suddenly you couldn’t get what you needed or wanted?
It is a distinct possibility looming here in the near future.

This is the time to be proactive. We all need to buckle down and save money as well as stock up on necessities.

What’s not being mentioned is the old adage of “waste not – want not.” This means appreciating what you already have. Use items to their full life potential. If you buy something, use it – even if it ends up not being the best version or your favorite. Use it. Get your money’s worth out of it until it’s gone, only then buy its replacement.

The more we go back to this way of viewing things – appreciating that we have them in the first place the less need there is for more or newer “stuff”. If a piece of clothing rips? Mend it. Don’t know how? Learn. If something breaks – can it be fixed? And most importantly – ask yourself “Do I really need it?” much of what we buy it’s a desire, not a need. Learn the difference.

This mentality will not only save you money it will actually bring you more prosperity!

When you are satisfied with what you have you are in gratitude. Gratitude brings in more prosperity. It also equates to greater happiness and satisfaction with life.

Go forth and waste not – want not. 😉