The Overspent American: Upscaling, Downshifting, and The New

[houseelf]

This book has served as a wake up call for me. Essentially, Juliet Schor indicts our society's steadily increasing compulsion to spend, spend, spend because 1) we deserve it; 2) our peers have it; 3) it will help define who we are;or 4) we wrongfully believe that it will add value to our life.

I wish that I could say that I am not a participant in this blatantly hollow consumerism, and in some aspects I have opted out of this ratt race. And yet somehow, Caribou coffee has seemingly created a "need" for me to drink a $2.50 coffee every mornign. But I digress. This book is a serious eye opener for anyone who wonders where the hell their money goes, why they have little savings, and why it feels like we are getting behind.

Go to the library and get this book. It is especially poignant during this time of year when marketers urge us to "spend", "spend", "spend" so that others will know that we care. For those of you have known me for several years now, you all know how I get grumpy this time of year because of these pressures. Anyway, read this book!

Kelly

How did I miss this post?

This sounds like an interesting book. I have to level with myself, though, and realize I can't take on any more books right now. I've wondered about this topic and pondered if it was in fact happening (consumerism and the causes you listed) or if it was just my inner curmudgeon.

Re: The Overspent American: Upscaling, Downshifting, and The

And yet somehow, Caribou coffee has seemingly created a "need" for me to drink a $2.50 coffee every mornign.

Kelly

:coffee

I am convinced the expensive coffees have something "extra" in it that is more addictive than caffeine. I wish I had 1 starbucks stock for every latte I have had in the last 4 years!!!

bump

[DCJenn]

thanks Nellie-
I knew it was there somewhere.

Jenn