Mid-20s, No Kids, No Mortgages, No Substantial Debt? Go Travel ASAP!
The smartest option for a less stressful life.
After years of traveling, I developed a bit of an aversion to things. I didn’t want anything that didn’t fit in my backpack.
However, as I was renting and furnishing my apartment, I was overcome by a small shopping spree. I researched furniture and useful items that I could use in home life, and the more I saw, the more I wanted.
I wanted to order this, that, and the other, and it should be here tomorrow. I know that most things will just overwhelm me later.
Some things made me think I couldn’t live a day without them, like perfumes, jewelry, and a hat to cover my braids. I am a man who loves to braid my hair.
In the end, I only ordered them weeks later, after I was sure that I really wanted them and that they would improve my quality of life.
The most seen things are not the best.
Even if you think you are immune, you are not. Propaganda works. It is hard to get rid of a desire that is stuck in your head. That’s how you buy things you didn’t even know you needed.
Knowing this, I unsubscribed from all email newsletters that are more advertising than valuable content.
I don’t watch commercial television, listen to the radio, read magazines, and certainly no advertising brochures.
One of the first things I did in my new apartment was to put a “no advertising” sticker on my mailbox. This has the advantage of not overloading the mailbox when I am away for a long period of time.
I never go into a store just to look.
I only go shopping if I have a concrete intention to buy. When it comes to food supplies, it works best with a shopping list, which I don’t deviate from.
I love Japanese, Brazilian, Portuguese, Turkish, and Mexican food.
I don’t buy anything just because it’s 30% off.
The same applies to online shopping, although it is even harder for me to get rid of. I plead guilty: sometimes I just click on Amazon. That can’t go well, because, with so many lists of things that are up, there is always something I might like.
If I catch myself not really needing anything, but still browsing Amazon, I quickly close the window.
“He who buys cheap, buys twice,” is a well-known saying. There is a lot of truth in it.
It’s not just that bad quality breaks down faster — maybe I don’t want to have it around that long, but rather get rid of it faster.
On the other hand, I would like to keep a product of high quality and timeless design for longer.
Instead of choosing the first product that comes along, I compare different products with each other. Depending on the value of the investment, this can take several weeks.
For smaller purchases, I usually end up with the products that are hot on Amazon, but I also choose higher-quality products.
Because of the limited space in my backpack for travel, I am conditioned to consider where to put the new item before each purchase.
Do I still have storage space for it? Does it fit well anywhere?
I really hate it when things are simply left exposed. I don’t like junk boxes either. It looks messy and takes away my composure.
This article is about investing in yourself.
It is about creating unforgettable memories with the little money you have.
If the rent is already paid, why not spend your money traveling?
This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Not all information will be accurate. Consult a financial professional before making any major financial decisions.