Today's modern lifestyle is often assumed to be a consumptive lifestyle that only wastes money. Is this really what happened? Changes in the times that are increasingly advanced and modern have certainly affected people's lifestyles. The modern lifestyle is the latest habit or pattern of human daily behavior by the demands of the times. Like living with more respect for time, open to technological developments and changes, to learning new things. Indeed, not a few of these modern lifestyles are also characterized by a consumptive, luxurious, individualistic, or instantaneous lifestyle.
A consumptive lifestyle is closely related to hedonism. Someone is categorized as a hedonist when doing an activity that leads to modernization and of course spending a lot of money and time. For some people, a consumptive lifestyle can provide happiness, satisfaction, and enjoyment in itself which is only temporary. But without realizing it and doing it continuously, this lifestyle can make your financial and mental health less well.
What are the characteristics of people who have a consumptive lifestyle?
Have high prestige
This trait is often the main driving force for someone to be consumptive in fulfilling their life's needs, so that they appear capable in the eyes of others, especially from a financial perspective.Always follow the latest trends
Sometimes for some people, always following the development trend around is certainly a positive thing, but if you follow the trend excessively and forcefully, then this will be a negative thing. This habit is also closely related to FOMO or Fear of Missing Out.Living in luxury
The habit of a consumptive person can be caused by the desire to live more luxuriously with many items and facilities.Likes to be admired by others
Many people have a consumptive lifestyle whose goal is to get praise, so they feel that their condition is validated by others.
A person's consumptive lifestyle can of course be prevented and changed so that they return to a "healthy" lifestyle from a financial and mental perspective. There are several things you can do so that you can control yourself more and avoid a consumptive lifestyle:
Make needs priority
The first step to staying away from the hedon lifestyle is to compile a list of priority needs. Make a list of priorities then keep in mind that you have to prioritize these things more than others. So when the desire to buy something outside of your needs arises, you can think more about whether the item is on the priority list of needs or just a wish.Saving and investing
For people who have a consumptive lifestyle, it is usually very difficult to save or invest because most of their income is allocated to meet their lifestyle. Saving and investing are very important to meet short-term and long-term needs, such as the cost of educating children, paying a home DP, or preparing a pension fund. Saving doesn't have to be a large amount, you can set aside 10-30% of your income per month for this financial post.Minimize the use of credit cards
The important thing that you have to remember is that a credit card is a means of payment, not a means of debt. Use credit cards wisely and take advantage of promos or discounts provided by credit card providers so that your expenses can be more economical. Don't even be tempted to buy nonessential items with a credit card. Keep in mind, in financial planning, the maximum ideal proportion for debt is a maximum of 30% of income each month. If more than that, your financial situation can be shaky and have the potential to experience financial problems.Reduce eye washing offline or online
Going out or washing your eyes can now not only be done at the mall. Since this pandemic, the temptation to shop online is much bigger because it doesn't take much effort when shopping. But precisely this can trigger a hedon lifestyle, the initial intention was just a virtual eyewash, you know, many end up with a grocery checkout. It's okay to shop online, as long as the item is a necessity not just for fun to buy because it's funny or a discount.Charity
This one method does look religious, but it is no less effective for changing consumptive behavior. By giving charity and charity means that you have shared with other people who are in need. From a mental perspective, sharing with others will give you a feeling of happiness and comfort so you can better control your desire to live a hedonistic life.
Especially in this uncertain economic situation, it's a good idea to start getting used to living frugally and managing finances wisely. Do not have consumptive debt only for the needs of the ego. To get out of a consumptive lifestyle is not easy, it takes commitment and a strong will to leave it.