You will buy and sell many things in this world. In fact, financial transactions will be one of your most common everyday experiences. I recommend that you buy what you need, not what you can; and use the items that you buy. Avoid buying things, either big or small, that you will not use. I have made this mistake many, many times, and used to own a garage full of crap to prove it. Many of us do because it is easy to convince yourself that you will use the stuff you buy. We are great at justifying purchases. The cheaper the item, the easier it is to justify.
It is easy to buy a lot of stuff
Modern American culture leads us to believe that more is always better. Look at stores like Costco that sell huge quantities of stuff. Do any of us really need that huge jar of salsa? Wal-mart has built its billion-dollar business on cheap purchases. This problem does not end there. Visit an average American restaurant, and order a meal. Normally they serve huge portions. You have already heard me say for many years – don’t order food that you cannot eat. Leftovers are almost never as good. Don’t supersize every meal, just because you can. I have an extra ten pounds on my body that is most likely due to French Fries alone.
Buy what you need, and use what you have
I am not saying that you should live a pious monk-like lifestyle. Rather, be smart about how you invest your money and don’t ever hoard useless stuff. It is a condition you can avoid. Finally – if you do end up with a bunch of stuff you don’t need, then give it away. America has plenty of great charities willing to take donations.
People curse the one who hoards grain, but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.
Proverbs 11:26
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.
So what you are telling me is all that emergency beer I have isn’t a good idea? But great message.
I have a feeling all that beer will get used one day. Thanks for the feedback.