Buy this, buy that.
You can't be beautiful or attractive without it. Go ahead, you deserve it. Just swipe your card.
Since a young age, I have been taught in the consumer world that bigger is in fact better, and more truly means more.
However, frugality and thrift have proven time and time again this simple truth:
Less really is more.
It is beneficial to both the individual and the family to save, to avoid and eliminate debt, and to prepare for times of need that will, not may, come.
This quote from Elder L. Tom Perry sums up quite nicely the dilemma we live in today:
"The current cries we hear coming from the great and spacious building tempt us to compete for ownership in the things of this world. We think we need a larger home, with a three-car garage, a recreational vehicle parked next to it. We long for designer clothes, extra TV sets, the latest model computers, and the newest car. Often these items are purchased with borrowed money, without giving any thought to providing for our future needs. The result of all this instant gratification is overloaded bankruptcy courts and families that are far too preoccupied with their financial burdens."
Living within my means in college has taught me that the clothes, electronics, and other purchases that I so desperately want, are not what i need.
Most importantly, I've learned that these things do not bring lasting peace. While a new toy or delicious burger may be nice to have in the moment, they will not heal my heart or help me progress on to bigger and better things.
This is not to say that we should avoid purchasing anything or never allow ourselves to be treated. However, using discretion is important in deciding what to purchase and when. Making sure I have the funds to buy what I need first before satisfying my wants creates a greater sense of peace and security in my life and diminishes fears.
I have learned that the three most loving words are “I love you,” and the four most caring words for those we love are “We can’t afford it" - Robert D. Hales
