Most people, when you ask them what brings them the most joy in life, will say that relationships with family and friends top their list. They may include other ideals. But one author, James A. Roberts, professor of marketing and consumer behavior at Baylor University, believes that our actions and behaviors as a society tell a different story. Roberts proposes that we are not who we think we are.
Roberts’ book, “Shiny Objects: Why We Spend Money We Don’t Have in Search of Happiness We Can’t Buy,” paints a disturbing picture of how our materialistic pursuits undermine our overall well-being. He reports that our savings has declined, our personal income has declined, and that seventy percent of us live from paycheck to paycheck. In addition, credit card debt has escalated and retirement savings dwindled. What happened to the American Dream? Check out Roberts’ book to learn what he thinks.
Admitting that we suffer from “affluenza,” which Wikipedia defines as “a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more” is sobering.
“Shiny Objects” Why We Spend Money We Don’t Have in Search of Happiness We Can’t Buy” does provide great information about financial literacy and solvency. It includes useful self-help tips.
Here is a link to a Dr. James A. Robert’s blog and how to order his book.