Many Americans think peer pressure only affects children but it affects
adults too. Child peer pressure is more obvious but adult peer pressure can be
subtle. Many adults may not even realize they have been victims of peer
pressure. Many adults find themselves pressured into a lifestyle that requires them
to give their family more and buy things they can’t really afford. This behavior
results in financial disaster.
Many adults have succumbed to financial peer pressure from family,
co-workers, friends and their children especially during the holidays that can wreak
havoc on their lives and cause them to ruin their credit, go into debt, spend
more than they earn and even result in filing for bankruptcy.
Statistics
show that 70% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and 96% of Americans
retire or die broke. Avoid trying to keep up with everyone else, stop trying to
compete with others and don’t be jealous or envious of someone else’s success
or financial prosperity.
The saying birds of a feather flock together is true. The people you
surround yourself with are a reflection of you. When you surround yourself with
people who succumb to peer pressure, live a materialistic lifestyle, seek
acceptance or approval and lack self-esteem you are acting in a weak state of
mind. This type of behavior is toxic and leads to unhappiness, anxiety, depression,
health issues and negative financial habits. Here are 15 ways to deal with
adult peer pressure regarding shopping during the holiday season.
Say No
Learn
how to say no. Don’t buy gifts if you can’t afford it. Explain that buying gifts
is not in your budget right now.
Examine
Look
at the character of the person who is pressuring you and notice if their
finances are out of whack, or if they are unhappy with their life – misery
loves company.
Recognize
Recognize the peer pressure
in your family, co-workers and social circles.
Firm. Be firm in your
decisions about not buying gifts or set a spending limit and stick to it.
Defend.
Don’t feel like you have to explain, justify or defend your position regarding
buying gifts, you don’t.
Pressure
Tell
those pressuring you to buy gifts that you would appreciate it if they could be
supportive and accept the decisions you make in your life.
Give the gift of time
Offer
to walk a friend, neighbor or relative’s dog; watch their dog when they are on
vacation, pick up their mail or perform errands. You can also do volunteer work
and take your family or friends.
Give a Service
Offer
to fix something in someone’s home or if you are good at putting things
together, put together a stand or computer.
If you know how to repair a car offer to give a free oil change, put air
in tires or change brakes. You can also offer to babysit, clean their garage or
home.
Decorations
Make your own
decorations or shop online to find inexpensive decorations. Buy plastic flowers
instead of fresh flowers that can be reused. Pack and store decorations
carefully to reuse next year. Reuse decorations from the previous year.
Sew
If
you sew you can make clothes and give as gifts. If you know how to quilt or
crochet you can make pillows, quilts, blankets, sweaters, socks and more and
give as gifts.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
If
you know how to make jewelry you can away give as gifts. Make your own. You can
make lots of stuff such as: gloves, pottery, candles, candle holders and give
as gifts.
BUYING GIFTS
Visit the dollar store to look for children's
gifts. If you have to buy gifts for several family members suggest a
"Secret Santa" so only one person has to buy a gift for one person
and set a limit on the amount spent.
