What Do You Really Need?
I read a book by Charles Long (A Canadian!!!), "How to Survive Without a Salary" Warwick Publishing copyright 2003.
It is an interesting read and I recommend it for some excellent (and often unique) advice on living waaaaaaay below ones means, or even giving up a regular paycheque for a simpler living.
My favourite part of this book "Examining Needs"
Mr. Long suggests that people look at their base needs ask "What will perform the function?" rather than "What should I buy?" He gives an example of purchasing a new mattress, but deciding to go with a plywood "platform" rather than pay in excess of $200 for a box spring. The function was to provide support for the mattress. He choose the less expensive solution.
He asks a series of questions:
1. What is the problem.
In the aforementioned example, the problem was needing support for the mattress.
In an example from my own life - my problem was getting across town to work. I didn't "need a new car" I settled for a bus pass and a decent pair of walking shoes. Gets me to work on time and back home again in reasonable time for reasonable price. As a bonus, I get to read on the bus and get a little exercise via walking. :)
2. Who Needs It?
Whose problem is it anyway? Do we really need it or are we filling the needs of the "Jones'" Mr Long suggests ignoring articificial needs, created by fashion and desire to emulate and suggests that these are "strawmen" created by advertisers.
3. What would Change the Need?
Mr. Long gives examples such as 'would the need for a lawnmower be changed if one planted veggies or a groundcovering instead of maintaining a lawn.
4. How Long will it Last?
Mr. Long suggests that we best look at "what" we need, as well as "when" and "how long".
He gives the example of a woman driving an older car and needing a new battery. A new battery would last longer than the car! She filled her temporary need by purchasing a used battery from a wreck. The battery would last as long as she personally needed it.
5. What are the alternatives?
This is a fun part. Mr. Long suggests brainstorming and being creative.
In my own life - I wanted to have some candlelight on my patio. I am to much have a frugal cougar to buy candles. I ended up making my own "candles" out of a hollowed out navel orange peel and Canola oil!! Filled the need, was environmentally friendly and costs nothing (I even found the orange on the ground near a school yard. And, NO, I didn't eat the oranage, that-you-for-asking :)
6. What are the costs?
A good example of this is the purchase of a car. There is the outright purchase of the car, insurance, maintenance, gas, parking. These costs add up. There is the environmental cost as well. If one lives in the city, taking the bus, biking, walking or belonging to a car co-op might be a viable and affordable alternative.
I started using this thought process when considering all my needs. This has helped me reduce costs and rethink many potential purchases. It is a logical, frugal mindset.
For other great ideas and philosophy from Charles Long - have a look at his book. It is available at the Vancouver Public Library. Reasonably priced, used copies are also available at www.amazon.ca
http://www.amazon.ca/How-survive-without-salary-conserver/dp/1895629683
http://vpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1179227038_how_to_survive_without_a_salary
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