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Responsible consumption
Are you among those who ask themselves where their hard-earned money goes? Do you have a hard time making ends meet despite making a decent salary? Are you in debt up to your ears but still use your credit cards on a regular basis?
People in wealthy countries often spend more than they earn. They think they need to have material possessions and money in order to be happy. But people who have spent even a short amount of time in a developing country are amazed at how happy the inhabitants are, despite their material "poverty". Forcing us to ask ourselves, does money really bring happiness? What is the true basis of happiness?
Whether your goal is to get out of debt, stop making impulse purchases or simply learn what an hour of work is truly worth, this section will help you build awareness of the subject.
What exactly is responsible consumption?
When it comes to being aware of our own actions and changing our habits, the road can be long, even very long. But as the saying goes, slow and steady wins the race. In other words, what's important is to get the process started, let it develop over the long term, and not stray from our decisions and convictions.
Here, in a few steps, is what you should be thinking about if you really want spend more intelligently.
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You've gotten into the habit of spending regularly on something you think you can't live without? Reconsider. |
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You earn $10 an hour and think buying a $20 CD is the equivalent of 2 hours of work? Not so! |
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To buy or not to buy? Answer these few questions before you make your final decision regarding the item you're considering buying. |
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As a consumer, you owe it to yourself to know your rights. |
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Intelligent spending also comes as a result of seeing life and happiness differently. |
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Did you know?
Responsible consumption can mean becoming aware of your own spending habits and changing them, but it can also mean choosing to make more socially and environmentally ethical purchases. To learn more about this type of responsible consumption, see our responsible consumption articles.
Money question
Would you like to learn how to live more simply?
A few statistics
According to an August 2008 Léger Marketing poll on behalf of the Journal de Montréal, 75% of families said they had almost nothing left over at the end of the month.