In theory, I hate buying new things. I hate the idea of handing over my credit card and knowing that eventually I’ll have to pay that bill. Sometimes it’s something I need—like food. Other times, it’s things I don’t really need, but might want—like new shoes.

I cringe every time I get the bill and I see how much money I spent. That girls weekend out couldn’t possibly have been that much, could it?!

And yet, I continue to spend.

I consider myself to be a pretty thrifty person. I have no issue with buying used items, especially if they are in good condition. In fact, you’ll often hear me saying that I have no reason for the newest items because what I already have works perfectly.

Then why is it that every year, when a new iPhone comes on the market, I find myself constantly checking the new features, checking to see when my phone update is available, whether I secretly switch my dad’s update with my own?

Because as much as we hate it, we love consumerism.

It isn’t a joke when people say that American’s are the biggest consumers in the world. In fact, our generation is likely the worst in terms of technology. We like to have the newest and brightest toys.

And we love to hate the fact that we do it. We complain about how much money we spend in comparison to how much we have, and then complain about not spending money. It’s an endless cycle. You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t.

It’s okay to every once in a while splurge in an item that you’ve been particularly angsting for.

In the words of my favorite show,

Treat. Yo. Self.

But also learn how to Contain. Yo. Self.

Spending on things you don’t need occasionally is okay and fun! But if you are constantly giving into temptation then you are creating some bad habits that are likely to follow you in the “real world” so to speak. You don’t want to teach your brain that instant reward is something that is worth while when in the same breath you won’t be able to buy groceries, or pay rent, or feed your dog. (Always feed your dog people).

It’s time that we took a giant step back from the consumers market and take a look at what we really, truly want. You don’t need to buy every new gadget or clothing item. Splurge, but think about what you’ll truly use.

You’re wallet will thank you.