“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” -Epictetus
As a young college student who worked part-time, I initially embraced consumer trends, believing that financial independence meant unrestricted spending. However, frequent relocations and travel made it clear that accumulating possessions led to a sense of emptiness and increased stress. Retail therapy is the habit of shopping mindlessly and often serves as a coping mechanism for boredom, stress, or sadness. While it offers a temporary boost, it commonly results in regret or disinterest soon after the purchase. Rosie Cima notes that “15% of Americans frequently spend money on things they end up regretting. 41% of Americans say shopping, such as for luxuries or excessive clothing, contributed to their credit card debt” (Cima, 2025). In response, I chose to minimize my belongings and prioritize financial literacy and purposeful living. Excessive acquisition of items contributes to clutter, guilt, anxiety, and hinders financial stability.
Excessive Clothing, Shoes, and Jewelry:
New clothing is frequently encountered online through email promotions or during visits to shopping centers. Sales often create a fear of missing out, leading consumers to make impulsive purchases. To mitigate post-purchase regret, individuals may subsequently avoid using or wearing these items, leading to the accumulation of clutter.
There is nothing inherently problematic about shopping during sales; however, mindful consideration before making purchases is essential. Shoppers should reflect on the value, necessity, and longevity of each item. My capsule wardrobe comprises of solid-colored linen Oxford shirts in neutral tones, slacks, crew-neck cotton shirts, and jeans, ensuring year-round suitability. For jewelry, I selected pieces featuring my birthstone alongside classic designs in gold and silver tones that complemented my style. My footwear emphasized comfort and practicality, given my activity level, resulting in investments in supportive and durable options.
To maintain discipline, I committed to refraining from additional clothing or accessory purchases until existing items require replacement. This strategy has proven effective over multiple years. Practicing daily gratitude encourages reflection on whether potential acquisitions are needed or if financial resources could be better allocated elsewhere. This method streamlines decision-making and supports long-term financial well-being.
School/Office Supplies:
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, digitization has become prevalent across various domains, including lecture notes, tax documents, and hospital records. This shift has significantly reduced paper clutter and optimized space utilization. Personally, I have found that traditional school/ office supplies are becoming largely unnecessary; heavy notebooks are no longer required.
Instead, I rely on the Reminders app and iCalendar, which are synchronized across all my devices for efficient task management. I have incorporated calendar and Reminders app widgets on my iPhone and MacBook home screens to enhance productivity and organization. As a result, it may be prudent to retire items such as extra markers, pens, pencils, erasers, and binders. We may retain only essential supplies— one notebook, a few pens, and several folders—while donating surplus stationery to charities. We might see deals and buy pens in bulk, or buy extras to stock up in case we run out.
Unused supplies take up space, collect dust, and require valuable time to organize. This approach minimizes clutter, reduces time spent on organization, and offers the satisfaction of supporting others with our extra items. Ultimately, school/office supply needs vary for each profession.
Entertainment Apps and Subscriptions:
I am an enthusiastic reader and do not typically prefer watching television. During college, many students frequently discussed new shows available on streaming platforms, and I felt it would be beneficial to participate in these conversations to connect with peers. Consequently, I subscribed to Netflix, while Hulu was provided through the college.
Over time, I realized that watching television did not enhance my well-being or productivity. After reviewing my finances, I determined that switching to ad-supported YouTube was a more practical choice. I cancelled my subscriptions. I recognize that preferences vary by individual; for example, my primary interests are reading and embroidery. This decision helped me manage unnecessary expenses from my checking account. While some people may find happiness in their subscriptions, it is important to assess which applications provide the most benefit. Personally, I use YouTube primarily for music and for leisure reading. Furthermore, I utilize a free app called Libby—offered by my local library—to access books on my Kindle device.
Toiletries:
I am not particularly interested in makeup and have limited knowledge in this area. There is nothing wrong with appreciating cosmetics, I do not possess expertise in their application; I rely on friends to help me apply eyeliner for occasions. My personal essentials are deodorant, lipstick, and perfume.
On my dresser, I have a hairbrush, a hairdryer, and two perfumes. I use a body splash and prepare a custom blend of rosewater and alum to maintain hygiene and prevent perspiration. It is worth noting that fragrances interact uniquely with everyone’s skin type, diet, and pH, resulting in distinctive scents. By limiting my collection to these essentials, I can keep my dresser organized and clutter-free, purchasing new products when needed.
Board Games:
Board games can foster new friendships, particularly when relocating to a new environment or during family gatherings. However, the variety of board game versions available at retail stores can often feel overwhelming. When I left for college, I brought my sister’s Monopoly set and coordinated with my roommates, who bought other games. While frequent board game sessions may justify purchasing multiple options, I have observed that differing schedules throughout the semester can make it challenging to organize group activities. Additionally, many individuals prefer alternative forms of entertainment, such as dining out or going to the movies. It is better to get those games which are your favorite, rather than following social media trends.
Decorations:
My mother adopts a simple and inviting approach to home design and decoration. Upon entering our house, there is an immediate sense of tranquility. Decorative elements are limited to souvenir magnets on the refrigerator, collected from our travels and are regularly maintained. Aside from these, our home remains organized and unadorned.
When I attended college, I brought a family photograph which was the most important to me. Other than that, I did not incorporate additional decorations. In contrast, one roommate filled the space with numerous plants suspended from the ceiling, most of them did not survive. Another friend added various desk items such as cups and jewelry organizers, which I found cumbersome to maintain. It is advisable to be deliberate in choosing possessions; each item should serve a practical purpose or provide genuine comfort.
Gadgets:
In the last three years, I replaced two pairs of earbuds and decided to switch to headphones for better durability. Although less portable, they last longer; buying them during sales like Black Friday helps offset the higher initial cost. Researching which audio device best fits your needs is essential. After realizing my smartphone served all the functions I needed, I sold my DSLR camera. A laptop combined with a phone is sufficient—it is important to consider necessity versus trends before making purchasing. To curb impulse buys, I wait two weeks before buying any new device. If I still want it afterward, I move forward; otherwise, I review the written pros and cons. This process recently led me to skip buying a smart watch, as its drawbacks outweighed its benefits, particularly for me.
Books:
Books may be purchased for academic, professional, or leisure purposes, and sometimes as an unplanned acquisition during a sale at a thrift store or local library. Such purchases can feel intellectually rewarding and may provide lasting value if referenced frequently. I have transitioned away from buying physical books to minimize time spent on maintenance and to streamline access to academic materials by renting them for a semester or reading via digital devices, such as my Kindle. The portability and extended battery life of my Kindle make it a practical choice, enabling convenient reading without the burden of carrying heavy books or maintaining shelves. However, I acknowledge that many individuals prefer physical copies. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase books you intend to read or reference. Libraries offer cost-effective alternatives, and digital copies contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.
Every unused item contributes to both mental and physical burdens in our lives. Clutter can increase indecisiveness and create visual stress that may become overwhelming. Retail therapy serves as a means of avoiding underlying issues such as boredom or stress. Upon recognizing this pattern, it becomes necessary to break the cycle and implement strategies to prevent its recurrence. To address retail therapy, individuals should consider whether a potential purchase is needed or rather to fill an emotional void. Reflecting on this key question can lead to meaningful change.
Works Cited:
Cima, R. (2025, April 20). Data: Retail therapy is common — how to curb it. The Detroit News; Tribune Content Agency. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/2025/04/20/data-retail-therapy-is-common-how-to-curb-it/83155112007/