Perhaps one of the biggest conveniences and advances in our society has centred around advances in technology that makes things happen in an instant. We can now microwave food in minutes, have fast food almost anything, pay our bills with a few clicks of a mouse, buy clothes, accessories and food on every street corner, heck our pizza is even free if it doesn’t arrive within 30 minutes…but at what cost?
Before I started on my downshifting journey, I liked fast. When I left my two year stint in North America, I missed drive through banks and drive through coffee shops, back in England I groaned about the slower pace and I notice my favourite places became places I could be served fast. I’ve started to think about why this is such a dangerous precedent for my finances.
Firstly, fast allows you to make split second decisions – driving in your car, you see a drive through coffee shop, in a matter of a couple of minutes you can be back on route with a coffee and donut in hand. When you know life will be rushed, you can swing by Sainsbury’s or Tesco and pick up a ready meal that you can quickly heat up in the microwave when you get home, you tell yourself it’s OK because you don’t have the time to cook. You see a new phone or electronic toy and you buy it, not 6 months from now after you’ve saved but as you do your weekly shop because to make life easier the supermarkets now sell everything you “need” (pretty smart advertising if you ask me!) You see a new CD or film you want to see, no need to plan when you can get to the bank to withdraw money, you can simply use a bank card or credit card or transfer money online….see a patter here?
The fast life, means we spend money, a lot of money. This month I’ve seen CD’s I’ve wanted to buy, a couple of restaurants I’ve wanted to go to, a book I’m desperate to get hold of that isn’t at my local libraries….but I can’t spend. I don’t use cards now, I work full time and can’t get to the bank until August (my bank is only open Mon-Fri 9:30-5). I can’t take money out of my grocery fund because I wouldn’t have enough to feed myself. I can’t take money out of my emergency fund because that is probably the most important account I have. This week I ran out of milk, mayonnaise and olive oil, I planned to use a recipe where I’d need them, but instead of going out and buying them now, I’ll have to make alterations so that I can do without.
I’m learning to say good bye to the push a button and it’s done mentality we have in modern life, and it’s a pretty good feeling emotionally and financially.
I expect you probably know about this:
http://www.slowmovement.com/slow_food.php
No Sandie didn’t know, thank you!
What an interesting post and you’re quite right of course, the fast life is definitely designed to get us to part with more of our cash.
Resisting temptation can be hard and there are times when I’ve given in to it but on the whole I think I’m doing pretty well.
I’ve got to do some extra grocery shopping to do today so as I can make a few nice meals for my daughter and her fella (and daughter nr. 2 of course) but under ordinary circumstances I’d do like you and adjust the menu plan according to what’s available.
I’m very proud of you! Keep up the good work!
Nothing better than to slow down. Getting to a point where you can breathe in the air and relax on the grass is the ideal. Good for you!
J
http://adventuresinvoluntarysimplicity.blogspot.com/
I think you are spot on with this post. we just live in such a fast paced world and it does breed a feeling of impatience.
I like what you said about running our of things so you just adapted, one of our problems is that we live only one block from a supermarket, so it’s really easy to visit it if we run out of something which often leads to spending more than we planned.
Slower is also much healthier for you as well as better for your pocket. Great post!
Hi – Just to let you know that I am awarding you a Blog Award – have a look at my blog for further information.
I really enjoy reading this blog – it’s so focused and to the point (unlike mine which just veers off at a tangent!)
Keep up the good work.
I’ve often thought the same thing of drive throughs. I’m more likely to order the entire meal if I’m in the car with cupholders than if I have to carry it out and juggle the purse, food, beverage and keys.
That is one of the points in your money or you life. You earn more to spend more. We often don’t realize the real cost of working. We work hard to get a promotion and pay raise and because of that hard work we reward ourselves with more spending because we deserve it/too tired to cook etc.
Work spending becomes a cycle which feeds it self. New promotion new clothes. Or new promotion more hours no time to save money on shopping etc.
Thank you Sandie, I’m honored, will look later today!
Thank you for all the encouragement!
Hi
Just to let you know that my main blog is down but have put up a temporary one here:
http://dancing-on-a-blade-of-grass.blogspot.com/
I am all about slow food! I’m struggling with the learning to wait. I’m just so impatient!