How should I decide what to buy?  How do I know if I can afford it?  Should I buy it even if I can afford it?

It’s been a while. I’m working on a project to (hopefully) begin addressing the growing income gap and it’s kept me nice and busy. Anyway.

Time for more budgeting fun. So far we’ve talked about how to build a budget but not what to buy. If I can afford something I want should I get one? What about going on an annual vacation or buying a vacation home? Answering these questions all start with a discussion on value and balance. There’s nothing “wrong” with luxury, it is just – by definition – not worth the price. While I do believe there is a line where something goes from luxury to true excess, any discussion on it from the simple perspective of cost – and should’s and should not’s – would delve into the realm of legalism. The underlying problem is that of self-worth. Spending lots on yourself is a sign of self-centeredness (at worst) and ignorance (at best).

Telling someone it’s wrong to buy a Mercedes S-class is legalistic and pointless because if you get what I’m on about you would never seriously consider buying a $100,000 car in the first place. Why? Because as followers of Jesus we have this kooky belief that we are NOT more important than other people – not only are we to “do as we would be done by” but we are to “love our neighbor as ourself.” That’s awfully hard to do while blowing money left and right on stuff that one doesn’t need, especially in light of the fact that any income one receives came at someone else’s expense (literally; earning a lot means charging customers more than one could have or not paying one’s employees as much as could be afforded). Once someone realizes their “blessing” is at the expense of those around them, it’s hard to continue living extravagantly.

Where does that leave us? Limiting your budget is proof enough against excess. Focus on loving your neighbor and don’t sweat the details.