Self Indulgence, Choose Well

March 6, 2014 — 4 Comments

Most luxury goods from ice cream to cars are marketed as being self-indulgent.  The idea that we deserve some luxury is a tried and true method used to sell overpriced goods.  Obviously luxury has to mean different things to each one of us, and our fortunes limit what we include in our worldly possessions.  We do have to choose and over time our choices change.  We move into a new phase or environment or hobby and find that what was a big treat in the past is not even interesting now.  We may own something we thought we needed and wanted that now we no longer like.  This is natural.

I am in favor of self-indulgence if it is done in a true spirit of enhancing  the self.  Self care and self-awareness  are valid and necessary for a healthy balanced personality.  To make good long-term investments in self ask yourself:

• Are there unhealthy consequences I am ignoring?
• Will this be likely to make me as happy next week as it does now?
• Do I have sufficient extra money for this indulgence at this time?
• Is there a way to try, rent, or take lessons before committing to buy?
• Am I responding to peer pressure or marketing?
• Might I enjoy this indulgence more if I saved for it or split the expense with others?
• Is there a possibility this indulgence may appreciate in value?
• How great is the possibility of buyer’s remorse?

There may be another element to consider when finding a reward for yourself that will reap future dividends.  Would I enjoy this time/money/thing more if I gave it away or shared it with others in some other way?  I personally can think of at least a million things I would rather own than the yacht A, and a million people who could make good use of a more reasonable boat.  Everything is relative.  To each her own.  Choose wisely, gentle reader.