TtB-4. Examining Needs

I'm guessing you already know the answer to that question. Yes, we've been conditioned to solve problems by shooting them with money. Sometimes this does solve the problem, but it uses a lot of money.

Since we are focusing on tightening the belt, finding ways to reduce outgo is of huge importance. Instead of reacting to any perceived need by throwing money at it, first take a step back and examine the situation.

These six questions can dramatically help to choke off the freeflowing outgo of your hard earned income.

Sometimes the solution to a perceived need can cause far more stress or expense than leaving that "need" unmet. Take time to think it through before you commit.

Here's an example from when we were living in grad housing. Our children, ages eight and five, longed for a pet. We were putting it off because pet ownership in a temporary phase of life didn't seem like the best plan. But then a free budgie landed on our heads, literally. We couldn't find the owner and winter was coming, so we had our pet. It happened, but that free bird was not at all free by the time we had supplied it with a cage, a mirror, gravel, feed, a cuttlebone, and toys. On a student budget, that was a strain we could have done without.

"Meeting any need is bound to create at least three more needs." ~ Charles Long

Rather than asking "what do we need?" think instead about "what needs to be accomplished?" The immediate question is not what should we buy. but what could solve the problem we're facing?

We say we need a second car, but what is the actual situation? Is it that we need transportation?

What are possible alternatives that could give us transportation without the major costs involved in buying and owning a second car? For example, could public transit meet the need? Is it possible to car pool? How about using ride-share, Uber or delivery service? Even renting a car occasionally might be less expensive than buying one outright.

Assess each alternative in terms of costs, as well as other factors.

Assess the cost of the initial idea of buying the second car - payments, insurance, gas, maintenance, parking fees.

What meets the actual need for the least amount of outgo?

How long will this be a need? Does the need honestly justify the spending involved?

As a case in point, think about the marketing for baby products, targeting new parents or grandparents at their weakest moment. The thing is, babies pass through the phases of their tiny lives with lightening speed. They outgrow so many purchases in mere months.

Whenever a new need appears on the horizon, procrastinate. Yes, procrastinate. Write down the need, post it on your mirror, your bulletin board, or your fridge. Consider it. For months. It's surprising how the need can fade into the distance if you just give it a little time.

Also keep a needs list. Any need that you have examined and found legitimate must take its place in the list. There's only so much money available so prioritizing is essential.

So many times, we can avoid an expenditure with a little creative thinking about what we already have. Kitchen appliances are a great example:

• • do I already own something that grates, slices or spirilizes?
  • how can I cook rice without a rice cooker?  (in a pot, like in the olden days).
  • if I own a blender, do I also need a personal smoothie maker?
  • how many different types of coffee makers do I really need to enjoy a good cup of coffee?
  • do I need to buy a toaster oven or an air fryer when I have a stove?

Similarly, do you need that specialized workshop tool, or do you already have something that will work? Do you really need new a new outfit, or could you get creative with new combinations of the clothes already in your closet? As a bonus, you can save space as well as money when you analyze potential purchases in this way.

Before you part with your cash, give some serious thought to whether you are being manipulated by the consumerism machine into spending on what you don't actually need.

This may seem like a step backwards, but remember, if you own it, you have to house it, clean it maintain it, protect it and insure it. Anything you don't use very often might be better borrowed or rented than owned.

A group of moms could loan age-specific toys to each other. Men could bond over woodworking or mechanic tools. Check your local community to see if groups exist for short term equipment needs – a canning kitchen for example.

The public library can be an overlooked resource. You can borrow rather than own books, magazines and audiobooks, reserve and borrow dvds rather than buy movie tickets. You can use your branch's WIFi and computers. But that is only the tip of the iceberg. Modern libraries also loan things – tools like stud finders and drills, board games, toys, baking pans, birdwatching kits. science apparatus, musical instruments, even 3-D printing services.

Again, creative thinking is the key. Ask the question, see what you come up with.

If your hobby is golf but the green fees or club memberships are no longer in the budget, could you get interested in hiking or bird watching instead?

Could you avoid buying a car if you find a home that is in an urban area close to your job and services?

Could you avoid owning a lawnmower if you convert the lawn to growing some of your own food?

Time to Think It Over