I live in Schleswig-Holstein and work in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (two neighboring federal states in northern Germany).
On my daily commute, I enjoy the landscapes of both federal states – vast fields, forests, lakes. It’s a kind of short escape before everyday life begins.
But while driving, I often think about my life. About the decisions I’ve made. The mistakes. And the transformation I’ve gone through in recent years.
Back then, I probably would’ve used this moment to think about the latest gadget I wanted to buy. A new smartphone, a better sound system, some kind of tech toy that didn’t really improve my life – just emptied my wallet.
I was caught in the consumer frenzy – always chasing the newest stuff, always with the urge to spend money.
Spending money just to get rid of it
I still remember it clearly:
As soon as the salary hit my account, it had to go. I was excited about new tech gadgets, got carried away by marketing and hype. It wasn’t rational – but it felt good. For a moment. Until the next craving came.
The problem?
None of it gave me lasting satisfaction.
The things lost their charm quickly, got replaced, sat around unused or lost their value in no time.
But my bank account? Always empty.
I never had money set aside. I didn’t care about the future.
Retirement planning? That’s ages away.
I lived paycheck to paycheck – no savings, no plan.
The moment of realization
At some point, I realized this lifestyle was going nowhere.
I saw people who earned less than me but had built up financial buffers.
I heard of folks who made their money work for them through smart investments instead of wasting it.
And then came the big insight:
I can keep satisfying my urge to buy – but in a way that actually makes me richer over time.
Instead of buying the newest TV, I could buy shares of companies that sell TVs.
Instead of chasing the latest smartphone, I could invest in firms that manufacture them.
In short: I no longer buy the products – I buy the companies behind them.
Investing as smarter consumption
This mindset changed everything.
Today, I regularly invest in stocks – especially in companies that make the products I used to buy without thinking.
The difference?
Now they make me money – instead of taking it from me.
The dividends I get are like little “rewards” for choosing the smarter path.
And with every new share I buy, my wealth grows – automatically.
Instead of spending money impulsively, I invest it purposefully.
Instead of being seduced by ads, I think long-term.
And you know what?
I still enjoy it.
Because I still feel like I’m “buying” something – but this time, it brings real value.
Conclusion: Hitting two birds with one stone
I didn’t completely let go of my consumer habits – I just redirected them.
Instead of short-term joy from new gadgets, I now enjoy long-term financial security.
I still satisfy my desire to “buy” – by acquiring shares in companies that will secure my future income.
And the best part? The more I invest, the more freedom I gain.
So if you’re someone who loves spending money – but always ends up with nothing left – maybe this is the trick you need.
Don’t just consume. Invest.
That way, you satisfy your shopping desire – while building financial independence at the same time.