Everyone likes nice things, but there’s a difference between enjoying a bit of luxury from time to time and placing too much value on price tags.
No one can or should tell you how to spend your money, and if you’ve got plenty of it, you probably think nothing of flashing the cash and paying over the odds for fancy brand names. That’s fair enough, but not everyone is in that position, and at the end of the day, how much your possessions cost means very little in life, especially compared to the type of person you are and how you treat other people. Sadly, if you find yourself saying these things on a regular basis, you might be too materialistic.
1. “I can’t be seen driving that.”
This one doesn’t just hint at materialism, it shouts it. Refusing to drive a certain car because it doesn’t match your desired image shows a preoccupation with how other people see you. It’s less about the car’s function and more about what it symbolises, like success or sophistication. You’re worried about the story it tells to the outside world. Unfortunately, thinking can leave you trapped in a cycle of spending for appearances. Instead of focusing on how a car serves you — getting from A to B — you’re caught up in its status. Over time, it can cause a lot of unnecessary financial stress, especially when the drive to impress overshadows practicality and personal comfort.
2. “I need the latest version.”
Whether it’s a phone, a smartwatch, or the latest tech, this reveals an obsession with staying ahead in the race for the newest and shiniest. It’s not about whether your current gadget works perfectly fine — it’s about being able to say, “Look, I’ve got the best of the best.” The danger here is tying your sense of worth to things that are constantly being replaced or upgraded. It’s a never-ending chase that can leave you feeling dissatisfied as soon as the next model drops. It’s worth asking yourself: does the latest version really add value to your life, or is it just filling a need to stay ahead?
3. “I can’t wear the same thing twice.”
Source: Unsplash If you avoid repeating outfits because you’re worried about being judged, this might sound all too familiar. It reveals a fear of looking less-than or ordinary, as if people are keeping a tally of your wardrobe choices. The focus shifts from enjoying your clothes to keeping up appearances. Living by this rule can make you a slave to trends and constant shopping, which doesn’t just drain your wallet — it often leaves you feeling unsatisfied with what you already own. Learning to embrace outfit repeats can be liberating, showing that style isn’t about how much you have, but how you carry it.
4. “I’ve had my eye on this for ages.”
While there’s nothing wrong with saving up for something you love, the underlying tone of this one can sometimes hint at how much space possessions occupy in your mind. If you’re constantly fixated on acquiring the next thing, it might be worth reflecting on why it feels so important. Often, we tie our happiness or identity to the idea of owning that “perfect” item, only to find the thrill fades quickly once it’s ours. Redirecting that energy toward experiences or connections can create more lasting fulfilment than ticking off items on a wishlist ever could.
5. “I deserve this after the week I’ve had.”
Using retail therapy as a reward for stress or hard work is a habit many of us fall into. While treating yourself occasionally is fine, this can reveal a pattern of relying on purchases to feel better. The idea that possessions can fix emotional lows might be a sign of deeper materialistic tendencies. The downside of thinking like this is that the relief it brings is often short-lived, leaving you chasing the next purchase to feel better again. It’s worth exploring other ways to celebrate or decompress—ones that don’t involve swiping your card or filling up your cart.
6. “That’s not my brand.”
Brand loyalty can sometimes disguise itself as a harmless preference, but it often points to an attachment to labels as a marker of quality, status, or belonging. Refusing to consider alternatives just because they don’t carry the “right” name can limit your options and inflate your spending unnecessarily. This attitude often comes from a desire to align with a particular lifestyle or identity, but it can also make you overly dependent on external validation. Recognising that worth isn’t tied to a logo can help you find value in things that serve you well, regardless of the name attached.
7. “It’s an investment.”
This is often used to justify splurges on expensive items, from designer handbags to flashy jewellery. While some purchases can genuinely hold or grow in value, the word “investment” is often a smokescreen for buying something purely because it’s high-end or exclusive. The issue here is the emotional justification behind the purchase. If it’s truly an investment, it should hold value outside of personal enjoyment or status. But if the real motivation is to feel or appear a certain way, it’s worth asking whether the cost is really worth it in the long run.
8. “Everyone has one—how could I not?”
When you feel pressured to buy something just because it’s trendy or everyone else seems to have it, it often reflects a fear of being left out or not fitting in. This shows how materialism can sometimes be driven by the need for social validation or a desire to keep up with the people around you. Sadly, approaching life this way prioritises external perceptions over personal satisfaction. Trends are fleeting, and the “must-have” item of today quickly becomes outdated. By focusing on what truly resonates with you rather than what’s popular, you’ll find more value in the things you choose to own.
9. “I can’t live without it.”
Source: Unsplash We’ve all exaggerated how much we love something, but claiming you “can’t live without” an object can reveal a deeper attachment to material things. This suggests that possessions play a bigger role in your happiness or sense of identity than they probably should. Relying on items to feel whole or complete can create anxiety about losing them or not having access to similar things. Changing your perspective to see possessions as enhancements rather than necessities can help reduce that dependency and make room for more meaningful connections in life.
10. “How could anyone settle for that?”
Source: Brooke Cagle/Unsplash Whether it’s about a car, a home, or even a meal, this often comes from a place of comparison. It highlights how materialism can influence how we judge other people’s choices, equating quality of life with the value of possessions. It’s less about what you need and more about maintaining a specific standard. That can make it hard to appreciate simplicity or recognise the value of things that don’t meet a particular benchmark. Taking a step back and appreciating different perspectives can help you see that not everything needs to meet a high material standard to have worth.
11. “I wouldn’t be caught dead in that.”
This one is usually about maintaining an image and avoiding anything that might be seen as “below” a certain standard. It reflects a preoccupation with how possessions or appearances affect your social standing. It’s often less about personal preference and more about the fear of being judged. Focusing too much on avoiding things that don’t align with a specific image can limit your ability to express your true self. Letting go of these concerns can help you embrace what genuinely brings you joy, regardless of how everyone else sees it.
12. “It’s not expensive enough to be good.”
Sometimes, people dismiss things purely because they don’t come with a high price tag, assuming cost equals quality. This reveals a tendency to equate worth with numbers, which can make you overlook the true value of an item based on its utility or charm. Believing that only expensive items are worthwhile can create unnecessary financial pressure and prevent you from appreciating simple joys. By challenging this way of thinking, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities that don’t depend on cost to bring satisfaction or meaning.
13. “I worked hard for this lifestyle.”
On the surface, this might sound like a celebration of success, but it often ties self-worth to material accomplishments. The implication is that possessions or a particular way of living are the ultimate markers of effort and achievement, overshadowing other measures of fulfilment. In the end, it can lead to constant striving for more, as the goalposts for “success” keep shifting. Reflecting on how your hard work contributes to personal growth, relationships, or experiences can help you find a more balanced perspective on what truly matters.
14. “I’d never shop there.”
Refusing to shop at certain places because they don’t align with your desired image often reflects a need to uphold a specific identity. This suggests that where you buy something is just as important, if not more so, than the item itself, which can limit your perspective. That kind of thinking can stop you from enjoying things that might be great simply because of their source. By focusing less on the “where” and more on the value or joy something brings, you can move past the superficial and appreciate things for what they are.
15. “What’s the point if it’s not designer?”
This one is a clear indicator of valuing a label over the functionality or appeal of an item. It means you clearly think that a brand name is synonymous with worth, often at the expense of personal taste or practicality. It’s about chasing exclusivity rather than what truly fits your needs. While designer goods can be beautiful, hinging your happiness or identity on owning them can lead to dissatisfaction. Exploring options outside of big-name brands can help you discover items that align with your personality and needs without the added pressure of keeping up appearances.
16. “I couldn’t live in a place like that.”
Judging where someone lives based on its appearance, size, or location often reflects a belief that material surroundings determine value or success. This reveals how much weight is placed on external markers of status rather than the comfort or happiness a home provides. Focusing too much on appearances can make it hard to appreciate the aspects of a home that really matter, like the memories created there or the people who share it with you. Changing your perspective to what makes a place feel meaningful can help break free from superficial judgements.
