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Neighborhood Spendonomics

By Tara Gentile Friday July 09, 2010
This post is about green, spending

Tara Gentile is the blogger behind ScoutieGirl and the founder of a boutique web design company.

Minding your money
It pays to consider where our money goes once it has left our wallets. What are we really buying?

Mindful spending is not about getting by with less, but about thinking about where your money goes when you purchase something.

Consider this next time you break out the bucks:


red-wing-shoesWho am I supporting with this money?
The cash you spend goes back into the system created that item or service: the overhead, the equipment, the marketing. At the Red Wing Shoe (http://redwingshoes.com) factory in Minnesota, you can see money spent on boots and sneakers hard at work stitching seams, operating machinery, and providing local jobs.

food-routes-orgWill my money benefit my community?
Buying from a local business means that you're partly funding the payroll, sales and property taxes that then enrich your community's schools, libraries, and roads. Buy from local farms and you support the new and thriving alternative food economy, according to FoodRoutes (www.foodroutes.org).

scoutie-girl-blogWhat am I getting out of this purchase?
Sometimes we consume simply because we think we should, without considering the true satisfaction quotient of what we're buying. Higher quality goods may cost more but they have often greater benefits. Repeated studies have shown that money spent on living life, not having stuff, is what makes us happiest.

Tell us about satisfying ways that you spend.

Tara Gentile is the blogger behind ScoutieGirl and the founder of a boutique web design company.
Comments (22)add
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Written by angela, July 09, 2010
I support a lot of local businesses and prefer to avoid restaurant and store chains. The exception is Target, because they give 5% back to communities and when I use my Target card 1% of my purchases is contributed to my children's school.
Written by sara, July 09, 2010
I stick to my YMCA gym membership. I feel better about supporting a gym that gives back to the community, supports/sponsors community events, and offers financial assistance to those who can't afford the full membership rates.
Written by Louise Grindrod, July 09, 2010
One of us is psychic. Driving to work this morning I was mentally constructing a message to you about the good that buying local does for your community, and about buying quality over quantity. Thank you for a great post.

Buying local food at the farmers market, supporting local crafters and artists, going to local restaurants and our little home-grown movie theater--all these things make me feel like I am doing ‘good’ (even when I sometimes spend a bit more money).

Written by Wintersewer, July 09, 2010
Since I was a small child I wanted to own a horse. Finally, when I was 45 I was able to get one, and my husband got one shortly after. Through hard financial times and good and through good and bad health we have been able to keep at least two riding horses. We ride several times a week, except in the deep of winter. Some might consider this an extravagance, but to me it is the fulfillment of a long held dream. Riding and camping with the horses is what we do together, of course, as well as taking care of them. Last fall (2009) we got two ponies and learned to drive the...another long held desire. Sometimes you must spend to achieve your dream....I say: "GO FOR IT!!!!" You only live once!

Of course we have always been able to pay our bills and meet our commitments.
Written by Beth, July 09, 2010
I enjoy going to my local food farmer's market to buy produce however not all the vendors sell locally grown food. After doing some inquiries I found out that some of the vendors were selling imported produce. Nonetheless, they are local people and usually their entire families assist in running the business so at least I am supporting the local economy.
Additionally, I derive a lot of satisfaction from buying things for my loved ones, maybe to the exclusion of buying things for myself! That is one area where I have to find balance !
Written by Xmittens, July 09, 2010
Yes, yes, yes. Thanks, Tara, for putting this smart fundamental financial value into a succinct post.
Written by Janice Cackowski, July 09, 2010
My family eats food mainly from local sources. Spring, summer & fall we purchase fruits & veges, cheeses and some of our meats from local farmers markets ... and all year through, we purchase our other food needs from local grocers. We also attempt to eat out at local restaurants and I work to have business lunches at places that commit to purchasing their ingredients from local farmers.

This decision makes us eat healthier, cut down on fossil fuels getting our food to our mouths, helps support local businesses and farmers ... all healthy decisions!
Written by SanLeandro, July 09, 2010
* Living life to its fullest (family, pets, concerts, movies, travel)
* Supporting the greater good (local business, charities)
Written by chris, July 09, 2010
I shop at Discount food stores. We have a great store called BB's. You need to watch for expiration dates (they do state they never intentially sell expired products)but I have seen them on the regular shelves. I have found some items at 1/3 the price they are in the stores! Everything is difinatley cheaper. The products they have vary so you can't always find the same thing every time you go in but you do save money.
Written by Steph, July 09, 2010
@angela - I shop at Target as well, and for the exact same reason! But overall I try to avoid large chain stores. I buy as much food as I can from my local farmers market when it's open (May - October), and only buy from the grocery store the things I can't find at the farmers market. And I recently started buying eggs exclusively from a local farm. And I hardly ever eat at chain restaurants, with the exception of occasionally grabbing fast food if I'm really in a bind.

And when it comes to the fun stuff, like clothes, home decor, etc., I recently started making a conscious effort to support small business, local or not. I started my own little jewelry business last year, and after reading this article on craftmba.com (http://www.craftmba.com/2010/06/08/more-profit-more-to-give/) I decided to commit to the idea of "creative tithing" - using at least 10% of the profits from my business to support other indie businesses. Everyone wins - I get unique, high-quality goods that will enrich my life, and I get to support another small business owner like myself! :-)
Written by Elizabeth, July 09, 2010
This is a really challenging topic, primarily because we are taught that spending is part of being a "good American". I don't shop at Wal-Mart, but I feel strongly that Wal-Mart's success is a classic American story. So, do we demonized people once they have become successful, no matter what good they do?

I highly recommend the book "Little Heathens" by Millie Kalish, as useful reading about living on less. It is about growing up on a farm in Iowa during the Depression. The author is amazing (still alive, living in California) and it gives amazing perspective on what we need, versus what we desire or are convince by society to buy. I also recommend reading the great article "You Are What You Buy" featuring adveristing guru James Twitchell. http://epicpolicy.org/files/twitchwell.pdf
Written by Kim, July 09, 2010
I love spending money on experiences more than stuff. I can get by without the "latest and greatest" toys or even furniture, but spending money on kayaking with my hubby, hiking with friends (for the Nat'l Forest Pass) and going out to dinner (local restaurants; not chains).
Written by Lisa, July 09, 2010
I gain satisfaction from spending money on organic and healthy foods. It is a bit more expensive but is better for our health and environment..:) I try to spend based off of my values. I read that what people spend money on is a direct reflection of their values and what they thinks is important.
Written by Fiona , July 09, 2010
I am an artist, but I do not have any of my own artwork hanging in my home. Instead I purchase original artwork & fine craft from other artists (most of whom I know personally). I get a beautiful handmade creation, my purchase helps another artist (or craftsperson) pay their bills and finance their business which allows them to continue to create more beautiful creations. A win-win proposition for both of us. Support an artist, I highly recommend it - there is original art & fine crafts out there for every budget!
Written by Patti, July 09, 2010
I try really hard to patronize our local businesses. We have some really good ones. That said, we also have some businesses run by some people with no business sense. Strapped for time and short on patience, I sometimes end up at the dreaded big box. That is a really good point about Target supporting communities and schools.

Here's something I wrote a while back that got a lot of people mad at me...

http://tinyurl.com/24655lh

Written by Maria, July 09, 2010
I've been doing alot of my cloth shopping at local thrift stores, all though it's not like the rest of the posters, supporting local merchants, it's atleast something like recycling. I purchase quality clothing without paying high name brand prices.
Written by Camillia, July 10, 2010
Thank you so much for this perspective. I agree that quality of life is everything. Considering not just what something costs, but what I am supporting in making a purchase is a priority. For example, I spend $500 every 3 months for a weekly box of fresh produce, eggs, cheese and bread. I am not only supporting my family to eat fresh, local, organic food, but also to create cleaner air and water and a tighter community, as well as direct knowledge of where real food comes from. That's a lot more than just filling bellies! I consider it a very worthwhile investment, even if it means shopping consignment or keeping the heat down in the winter, it's worth it!
Written by Wildbillnum1, July 11, 2010
What makes me feel good is buying something on sale, with a coupon and getting a full refund, so the coupon is profit to me; you can't get any more local than yourself. I buy on price, as I can't tell quality, but recently,after buying a radio that didn't work right out of the box, I tried to move up some. I bought a radio and a cordless phone on eBay. The radio was not digitally tuned, as advertised; the (used) phone didn't come with an instruction book as promised AND alo lacked a power supply -- just a high tech paperweight! The radio seller has agreed to cancel the sale; haven't heard from the other seller yet.
Written by Wildbillnum1, July 11, 2010
I don't get much from the produce store, as they bag most produce in quantities too large for this family-of-one. Food Basics has the best sale prices on produce, but they close at 10, often too early for this night-person.
Written by Sunny, July 11, 2010
I shop at locally-owned stores as often as possible, and I work with many small business owners. I have joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and when we're not CSA members, I shop at the Farmers Market for local food, eggs, honey... I'm getting ready to buy a deep freeze so that I can buy locally-sourced, grass-fed beef and natural pork. Shopping locally often saves you money while infusing your local economy. We recently had a one-day etsy-esque shopping event, where dozens of local artisans came together to sell their goods - awesome!
Written by Simone, July 16, 2010
Great post! I also try to buy locally whenever possible. My greatest joy is purchasing produce at the local farmers markets here in NYC. It feels great knowing that my purchase helps a family farm stay in business. I only go to the grocery store to purchase items that I cannot find at the farmers market.
Written by Ann O'Reilly, July 21, 2010
Euro RSCG conducted a global study on what we call the "New Consumer" and the shift toward mindful spending. One of the really interesting findings was how much the Buy Local movement is about supporting others rather than being based on self-interest. For example, 7 in 10 Americans said it makes them feel good to support local producers/artisans, 2/3 think buying locally helps improve the local economy, and around 6 in 10 thinks it helps the environment. In contrast, less than 1/3 think local goods are any safer or of better quality than other goods, which surprised me (I tend to think of local as being better made). It really goes to show how much more outer directed people are becoming. There's definitely a shift away from "me, me, me" consumerism to a form of consumption that places more value on how one's choices are affecting other people and the planet. We're also seeing people paying a lot more attention to the values of companies with which they do business. Good news for the Patagonias and TOM's Shoes of the world:-) If you're interested in learning more about the study and the move toward mindfulness, you can get info at www.thenewconsumer.com. We'd love to hear your POV on any of our insights.
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