Is Spending Money on Too Many “Things” a Problem?

I like stuff. Sue me.

I like to treat myself to expensive products four or five times a year. Last year, I bought an iPhone 8, an Apple Pencil, and a laptop. (Plus, one more item I’ll talk about later.)

Some people would look at me and say, “Do you really need all of those things?”

No. I don’t need them.

But I wanted them.

I don’t want “stuff” because I believe they’ll bring me joy. I don’t think they’ll solve my problems and compel me to take action I’ve been too afraid to take.

I wanted the Apple merchandise, yes, but I also believed they would help me.

I bought a phone in January of last year because I hadn’t owned a phone in two years. Having a phone helps calm dads who like to know you’re, you know, alive when you’re out with friends.

I bought a laptop because it made working with UpWork clients easier. This was before iPads got a much-needed update.

The Apple Pencil was — okay, that was an unnecessary splurge. (What can I say? I fuck up now and then.)

The point is: I like buying what the world considers “unnecessary things.” For a long time, I wondered if that was an issue.