I have been observing a new trend from information I have gathered from web articles, blogs, and even television commercials. It is more obvious among 25-40 year olds in the middle to upper income class. The trend is that they are not spending money. They have made a committment that they will purchase only necessity items until the end of the year. Realizing that they don't "need" even half of what they have, they are seeking happiness, peace, and enjoyment in life from the more simple things. They are forcing themselves to be more resourceful, and learn to live without so much "stuff".
Looking at the glass half full, I see people learning new values in life. I see people learning that you can't find happiness in "things" and that we have been "dupped" into believing that new cars, furniture, big houses, diamonds, and designer clothes make us who we are.
Looking at the glass half empty, I wonder what the effect of this new trend will be on the economy as a whole. Retailers must be shaking in their shoes at the thought of this trend taking a real foothold, and spreading like a wildfire.
On a personal note: Not too long ago, I had to move. You know, you just don't realize how much you have until you start packing it into boxes! After a few hours of packing, I decided it was just too much. I had a huge yard sale, and got rid of about half of what I owned. It's been about 6 months, and to my surprise I haven't missed ONE single thing that I got rid of! Furthermore, I have made a committment to join the movement. No un-necessary purchases until the end of the year. I haven't been in a mall all year!
From a real estate agents point of view, I hope that the trend continues. I believe that learning new values when it comes to money will generate new interest in buying a house. I think the trend will encourage home sales because one of the smartest and most logical investments is purchasing your own home, and not wasting money paying rent.
contact Kimberly Wilson, Your Dawsonville Real Estate Specialist!
