Overconsumption is a major problem in our society, and its effects are especially evident among the students and staff at HHS. Many individuals, including myself, have experienced the impact of overconsumption. It’s hard not to be swayed by advertisements, and people often try to fit in and follow trends, contributing to this problem. I interviewed school staff as well as students to see how this affects them in many ways.
First, I interviewed Mr. Self, a substitute teacher at HHS. Despite considering himself a saver rather than a consumer, he advises that, “As long as you save and invest 25% of your income, it’s okay to be a consumer.” He says that the majority of the things he buys are either for his wife or his dog, as his children no longer live with him. In fact, he says the only reason he bought a phone is for this job, and if he had not received it, he wouldn’t have one. He describes his mindset as follows: “When you are young, invest in yourself and in your education.” When asked why he thinks that overconsumption has gotten so bad, he said that people’s identities are tied to their property, and that they get ‘FOMO,’ or the fear of missing out. To decide whether or not to buy something costing over $100, he waits at least a couple of days and makes sure he talks to his wife. If he does decide to buy it, he doesn’t use credit, ensuring he can pay in cash. He says he feels guilty when he buys something for himself, getting more joy from giving money and being able to see that he is making a difference. He further reported that he has always had trouble making fun purchases, even after saving, and feels guilty after making purchases. As he has aged, he has accordingly raised his budget, trying to overcome his guilt. Mr. Self’s motto is to “Live like no one else so later you can live and give like no one else.”
Hatley Frakes, an HHS Sophomore, was then interviewed. Hatley also considers herself a saver, although not in the traditional way: instead of saving her money in a bank, she keeps it put away and hidden in her house. She remembers the first thing she ever bought: a pair of AirPods, which she purchased in middle school. Most of her money goes towards buying clothes, and her way of deciding whether to buy something is whether it’s cute enough. Frakes says, “I often feel joy when I buy things, and I never feel guilty.”
In addition, I interviewed Ms. Edwards, a math teacher and the dance team coach at HHS. She has always been a spender, believing that doing so brings her happiness. About overconsumption, she believes that its rise is due to people’s ability to compare themselves to others via social media. She budgets her spending using an app and reports that the majority of her spending is on shoes, having a little more than 30 pairs. Edwards tries to “stick in the middle” by buying nicer things for others and less expensive things for herself. She does not feel guilty after purchases. Ms. Edwards tries to live by, “Buy what makes you happy, but be generous to others as well.”
Then, I interviewed HHS Basketball’s Head Coach Schweers, who reported that over the past few years, his spending has increased, as he went from only paying for his own living to additionally paying for the living of a wife and 3 kids. He budgets his spending using apps, but reports he could be more strict with his budget, as he often spends for convenience. For example, if he forgot his lunch, he’d purchase food from Chick-fil-A, spending more than his budget allows. However, he reports that he doesn’t feel guilty after purchases, as he spends pretty smartly. About budgeting, he argues that, “We struggle as a society to be content in all things,” and that, “Daily Discipline is the best remedy for overconsumption in all areas.”
Finally, Assistant Principal Mr. Head wanted to give his opinion on this topic. He says that, while working in schools, he has definitely witnessed overconsumption, noticing that some students come in every single day with drinks from Chick-fil-A or Starbucks. As for his own monetary agenda, he struggles with advertisements’ influence over him, and currently enjoys purchasing add-ons for his truck. However, he plans his spending, calculating costs, trying to find cheaper alternatives, and making use of a checklist whenever shopping. Furthermore, he budgets, doing so by income, savings, bills, needs, and wants. The majority of his spending is on his wife and kids, a combination of clothes, food, and utilities. His happiness is not tied to his spending, although making purchases does make him happy. About spending, he advises as follows: “Don’t spend what you can’t afford.”
These varying perspectives, such as Mr. Head’s perspective about students’ consumption of drinks from Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, make clear the prevalence of overconsumption, while other perspectives, such as Ms. Edwards’ linking of it to social media, explain possible causes thereof. However, most interviewees also provided their perspectives on and approaches to spending. For high school students, many of whom may be working, investing, and spending for the first time, it is essential to establish good financial habits early, as it can be difficult to change later. These perspectives and approaches, which have stood the test of time, can be particularly valuable for high school students as they begin to establish their own financial habits.
