Headline: Materialism could be ruining your life

Deck: It can be a one-way street that ends with losing the value of everything

Byline: Natalie Baghdanian, Managing Editor & News Editor

Money can’t buy happiness. 

The best things in life are free. 

You can’t take it with you. 

More is not always better. 

People frequently use these sayings in their everyday lives without truly understanding what it is warning against. Materialism has become so widely culturally accepted and integrated into society today that people forget it is an unhealthy practice and needs to be abolished. 

Materialism is the prioritization of money and physical possessions above all else. To place so much importance on “stuff” is toxic, leading to the unnecessary accumulation of more and more “stuff” through tendencies like compulsive buying or hoarding. If taken to the extreme, this could result in financial stress through poor money management and even add to environmental concerns such as resource depletion. And, it only gets worse the deeper you dive in. 

Comparing one’s possessions to another and attaching that to one’s self-worth or personal identity can make one feel inferior. A person’s value should not be dictated by or equated to how many fancy items they own. 

Materialism can also mean neglecting the people you love, which tampers with relationships. Forming real, meaningful connections with others is arguably the most important aspect of life. By giving in to money, consumerism and must-have items, people may fail to see true value and lose out on essential life moments. 

It is critical not to get caught up in the idea of giving expensive gifts, as it is always the thought behind it that matters the most. From spending time together to physical touch to words of affirmation, there are so many ways to show that you care for another person instead of being preoccupied with what might be the right item to give them. Not to mention, it is much easier to lose material goods than it is to lose memories. 

It is okay to indulge in buying something fancy for yourself every once in a while, but materialism is not that. By definition, materialism is at its core the obsession with physical matter. Materialism will only ever produce negative effects and degrade everything around you. As a society, we need to be moving away from materialism and more towards living in the moment. 

Headline: The importance of investing in others

Deck: How to affordably fostering strong bonds

Byline: Saanvi Dasari, Features Editor

Clothes. Shoes. Video Games. Activities we do in leisure or to reward ourselves, like shopping for a new outfit or buying a nice meal, are undeniably important. Whether they act as motivating forces, part of a reward system or simply as a way to spend time with others, investing in material goods isn’t all negative. Beyond that, buying things for yourself is a form of self care, which all people should be investing in. 

Material goods are one of the most effective ways to show appreciation for the people in your life. Gift-giving can express gratitude and compassion for another, strengthening bonds and relationships. Thinking of another person and going out of your way to spend money and time on them is one of the strongest acts of love. By investing in a relationship, you can do more activities that allow you to get to know the person. That could include going to an amusement park, shopping with them or buying materials for an arts and crafts activity.

This being said, a common issue many face is not being able to afford sky-high prices while still feeling pressure to buy nice things. However, there are also ways to stay affordable and still indulge in our favorite material goods. For example, a local Goodwill, vintage store or a flea market are all great places for people to improve their style even under a budget. For people interested in fashion or who want to revamp their closets, investing in new clothes is crucial. 

Shopping for affordable outfits can also act as an activity with a friend. However, these stores aren’t only good for clothes. They are versatile, providing people with home decor like paintings and lamps, as well as toys and books. 

Materialism gives people a strong sense of independence and the goods they buy can hold sentimental value. It can motivate individuals to work hard and be successful so they can afford nicer things for themselves and their families. It can result in a positive cycle that creates the best versions of people. 

Ultimately, it’s important to find moderation with your spending, and when that balance is achieved, it can become an amazing way to enhance your day by giving you something to look forward to.