In last month’s O Magazine, Martha Beck (my absolute favorite writer) wrote an article called “The Joy Dividend.” In it, she broke down shopping and money into
- I need it and I LOVE it
- I don’t need it, but I LOVE it
- I need it, but I don’t love it
- I don’t need it and I don’t love it
Martha’s theory is that you should spend your “budgeted” money on things you both need and LOVE (and yes, LOVE in capital letters is important. You really have to LOVE it.) Then, spend the next tier of your “budgeted” money on things you need, but don’t love. I mean, really, can you LOVE your toothpaste. And finally, when you have money leftover – fun money – spend it only on things you LOVE, but not necessarily need. That fabulous dress, a great pair of shoes, a bag, etc.
For me, this was great financial advice. But it’s also great advice when it comes to downsizing and clutter. In the anticipation of the fact that Twitter Guy and I will have to downsize very soon, I’m beginning to look at my home in a very different way. As I’m deciding whether to donate, sell, toss, I’m asking myself these questions over and over again. Do I need this? Maybe. Maybe not. Do I LOVE this? That answers the question.
Case in point:
My husband and I generally agree on “chotchkies” – we don’t like unnecessary crap hanging around our counters. But every now and again, I LOVE something that could fit in the “chotchky” department. My mother bought me a decorative plate years ago that says “nibble.” And while I understand it’s a chotchky, I absolutely love it. It’s me, it’s cute, and it sits on my china hutch. It’s adorable. I don’t need it, but damnit, I LOVE it.
So I’m going to keep moving on my downsizing notion – I have to need it, and I have to LOVE it.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
Comment with Facebook