Personal confession: I love reading fashion magazines. I like to see what trends are out there, to know what the best beauty tricks and products are etc. Unfortunately, part of that world is the celebrity. Magazines put them on their covers, they include their opinions on everything from decorating to politics (yes, because acting in action movies with big budgets qualifies you more than the average person to decide what’s wrong with this country) and they make them larger than life. Now, as much as I love looking at the pictures and reading the articles, I can’t stand the obsession with Hollywood and being famous.
What do I do with my fashion knowledge?? I use it to shop for bargains at retail stores that aren’t going to break the bank. Some people, however, think that they have to have what’s in the magazine, and what the stars are wearing, and they blow through their credit card limits barely noticing as they chase the current trends. These poor people would rather be in debt than off trend or insignificant. They chase celebrity status and think they are entitled to the best things in life. I feel very bad for these people, because they don’t understand the damage that they’re doing to their lives, all in the pursuit of fame and appearances. Do a google search for how to become famous, get 80 million results…search for how many people become famous, and get no relevant or accurate results. For many people, this is an obsession, and it will cause them a lot of heartache throughout the years if they don’t change.
So, what are a couple of ways to turn the negatives of obsessing over fame and status into a positive? Well, deciding to become the best at what you do, even if it means you’re not famous or on TV, is a good start. That way, you’re pouring your energy and ambition into something that is likely to help you secure a decent lifestyle and a comfortable retirement in the future, and you’re not distracted by what is not likely to happen. Also, challenge yourself to either save everything you were spending on those expensive lifestyle goods, or challenge yourself to find the absolute best price on them. You’d be surprised at how much money you can save, if you just stop paying attention to the designer label!
Remember, being an adult isn’t about age…it’s about character, attitude and actions…don’t let your actions reveal you to be a child, only out to get attention and the latest, coolest toys.
Tags: accountability, Credit Cards, Debt, Frugality, Personal responsibility, Shopping
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