Over the past few months, you’ve probably become familiar with Japanese tidying expert extraordinaire Marie Kondo. Kondo has helped lots of families organize their homes on her Netflix show, ‘Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.’ Her signature decluttering technique is called the “KonMari Method.” This involves going through household items and asking if it “sparks joy.” If the answer is no, then the item gets discarded. It’s as simple as it sounds, but it is often easier said than done, especially when you’re used to a materialistic lifestyle. The technique aims to surround you with only the things that make you happy so you can live in a more positive environment. The KonMari method can teach us valuable financial lessons as well:
Use your losses for gains
While getting rid of clutter is a huge part of KonMari, it doesn’t end there. After you’ve cleared up your junk, you can then decide what to do with everything. But instead of just chucking them in the trash, consider selling them again to make more money. If you’re looking for a place to start, The Balance lifestyle writer Leslie Truex recommends websites like eBay, ThreadUp, Decluttr, and more. As the old adage goes: one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Don’t be afraid to seek help
It’s common to feel overwhelmed in dealing with your finances. This is especially true if you lack financial literacy. The KonMari method is all about seeking a new approach to how you live. For personal finance, that new approach could be using a financial expert’s recommended strategy. Just like more people are turning to Marie Kondo for help, millions of Americans are also turning to financial planners to help them safeguard their future. In fact, Maryville University states that the demand for financial planners is expected to increase by 30% in the near future.
While it may seem like a costly investment short-term, seeking financial assistance will have many long-term benefits. Financial planners will be able to guide you through a completely new way of thinking about your finances, much in the same way that Marie Kondo does with cleaning other people’s homes.
Spend money on what you value – what sparks joy?
Some people believe that buying physical objects makes them happier than spending on experiences since physical things last longer. However, researchers from San Francisco State University reveal that the happiness objects cause is far more fleeting. The KonMari principle teaches us to focus on things that provide something memorable. So if you’ve got a special occasion coming up, why not take those clothes shopping money and use it to go to your dream concert instead? Unlike a shiny toy, it won’t gather dust on your shelf eventually.
The bottom line is: don’t buy things that you don’t need. KonMari isn’t just a method – it’s a lifestyle. This simple shift in mindset can influence your daily habits, change the way you live your life, and determine how you spend your money in the future. Just remember that if whatever you’re planning on buying doesn’t “spark joy” – don’t get it.
Article contributed by Violet Jones.
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