I have a big problem with materialism. Its a struggle for me. I don’t need nice clothing or shoes or fancy cars, but I really love jewelry and nice furniture! Luckily (or unluckily), I don’t have the funds to be able to afford what I want. I am the kind of person that would rather go without, than get a temporary or not so nice solution. So, my living room doesnt have a couch.
I really want to redo my kitchen, which was last done in the 1950s. Its kind of dangerous (the cabinets are falling apart) so my son is not allowed in. I don’t want to do a lower end version for $25-30,000 because I will have to redo it in 10 years. I’m waiting until I can afford to spend $50,000 and make a good, kosher kitchen. I’m really plotzing for dishwashers.
I try to work on this and its very hard. But, at least my drive for gashmius is tapered by my “cheap” gene, so ultimately it balances out.