"Trop de gens dépensent de l'argent qu'ils n'ont pas gagné, pour acheter des choses dont ils ne veulent pas, pour impressionner des personnes qu'ils n'aiment pas."

Ever thought about how much of what we buy is actually for ourselves? The essence of this quote is all about the foolishness of spending money we don’t have on things we don’t really need, just to try to make an impression on others we might not even care about. It’s a cycle that many of us fall into, often without realizing it.

This idea isn't new. It’s been around for ages, probably because it’s so true for so many people. Take the 20th century, for instance. After World War II, consumer culture boomed. People were buying more than ever before, partly because they could and partly because they were told it was the way to show success. Fast forward to now, and we still see the same patterns, maybe even worse with social media showing off curated lives. The pressure to look like we’re living our best life is real, and it can lead to some pretty poor financial decisions.

Think about a friend, let’s call her Jane. Jane works hard but is always broke. Why? Because she buys the latest phone, the most stylish clothes, and eats out at fancy places. Jane’s credit card debt is stacked high, yet her Instagram is perfect. She’s caught in the trap of wanting to appear a certain way to others, even if those others are just acquaintances or people she doesn’t care much about. Jane’s spending habits aren’t making her happy—they’re stressing her out.

So, how do we break free from this cycle? Start by being honest with yourself. Take a good look at your spending. Are you buying things because you need them or because you want to impress someone? It’s about making mindful choices. Next time you’re about to make a purchase, ask yourself: "Do I really need this?" If the answer is no, think twice before swiping that card. It’s also helpful to set clear financial goals. Save for something that genuinely matters to you, not for something that you think will make you look good to others.

Imagine you’re at a party where everyone’s talking about their latest purchases. You feel the urge to jump in and mention your new gadget, even though it’s put a dent in your savings. But what if, instead, you talked about an amazing trip you’re saving for, or a new skill you’re learning? These are the things that make life richer and more fulfilling. It’s not about the stuff; it’s about the experiences and growth.

In the end, spending wisely isn’t just about saving money—it’s about valuing your own happiness and peace of mind over the fleeting approval of others. It’s about living authentically and not getting caught up in the endless race of trying to impress people who, at the end of the day, don’t play a significant role in your life. So next time you’re tempted to buy that shiny new thing, remember Jane and ask yourself if it’s really worth it. Think about what truly makes you happy, and invest in that. You’ll find that life is a lot more satisfying when you’re living it for you, not for the ‘likes’.