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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Culture & Society

Tired of FOMO Shopping? Try Mindful Spending to Avoid Financial Pitfalls

From Tempo · (6m ago) Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Mindful spending, a practice of conscious purchasing, is gaining traction as a way to manage finances amid global economic uncertainty.
  • Financial planner Mieke Rini emphasizes that mindful spending involves understanding the purpose behind each purchase and differentiating between needs and wants.
  • Kino Indonesia, a company with a diverse product portfolio, supports the concept of "meaningful living" by encouraging consumers to make more aware and valuable choices.

In today's uncertain global economic climate, the practice of "mindful spending" is emerging as a crucial financial strategy for Indonesian consumers. This approach encourages individuals to be more deliberate and conscious about their purchasing decisions, moving beyond impulse buys and trend-driven consumption. As financial planner Mieke Rini explains, the core of mindful spending lies in intentionality โ€“ understanding the 'why' behind every transaction and clearly distinguishing between genuine needs and fleeting desires.

Mindful spending means we buy with a purpose. To reach that point, there is a process of sorting towards the goal. That is when we differentiate between needs and wants, our capabilities, and their functions.

โ€” Mieke RiniExplaining the core principles of mindful spending.

Rini elaborates that mindful spending acts as a mental check before making a purchase. It's not about abstaining from buying altogether, but rather about aligning expenditures with personal capabilities and the actual function of the item. For instance, when considering buying clothes, a mindful consumer would prioritize the basic function and their budget, perhaps opting for a reliable brand like 'A' that fits their financial capacity, rather than succumbing to the allure of a trendier brand 'B' solely for social validation. This distinction between emotional and mindful spending highlights the importance of self-awareness and financial discipline.

For example, we are content with brand A which suits our capabilities. But because we are following others, we choose brand B because we need validation. That's the difference, emotional and mindful spending. Both are clothes. The key is, our capabilities and function.

โ€” Mieke RiniIllustrating the difference between emotional and mindful spending with a clothing purchase example.

This philosophy resonates with Indonesian companies like Kino Indonesia, which offers a wide array of products from personal care to food and wellness. Head of PR Arviane D.B. highlights that "meaningful living" is becoming increasingly relevant for modern Indonesian families. Kino Indonesia positions itself not just as a provider of daily necessities but as a partner in fostering a more holistic lifestyle. By emphasizing conscious choices and financial literacy, Kino Indonesia aims to support consumers in navigating their needs and desires more effectively, demonstrating a corporate commitment to promoting responsible consumption patterns within the Indonesian market.

Meaningful living is no longer about how much we buy, but how we choose more consciously and with value. Kino Indonesia is present with a dual role, as a provider of daily needs and as a company that grows with Indonesian families.

โ€” Arviane D.B.Describing Kino Indonesia's approach to meaningful living and consumer engagement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.