In this episode, Roger discusses the impact of our relationship with "stuff" on our retirement journey. With the holiday season upon us, we're all about giving and receiving, but how does this accumulation affect us long-term? Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, joins the conversation and shares insights on distinguishing between gear and stuff. Michael shares insights on the psychological and societal influences driving consumption and offers practical tips for making more mindful purchasing decisions. We also address listener questions on topics like the tax implications of campaign promises and master limited partnerships. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that might just change the way you view your possessions and retirement planning.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

• [01:00] Our relationship with stuff can have second and third order consequences in retirement
• [01:50] How watching the Buy Now documentary inspired Roger to think about possessions
• [03:10] The impact of clutter on retirement

GEAR VS. STUFF CHAT WITH MICHAEL EASTER

• [05:40] How the amount of items in the average home has changed over time and why
• [07:36] Michael Easter defines gear and stuff 
• [09:39] Humans evolved to get as much information as possible
• [12:00] Managing gear vs. stuff in holiday shopping
• [12:45] How ecommerce platforms have taken features from casinos to help speed purchases
• [14:25] Strategies to reduce needless purchases
• [19:50] Roger’s plan for gifts this year

LISTENER QUESTIONS

• [23:45] David’s comment on verse and versus
• [24:55] Mary on how to ask better questions
• [26:26] Armand asks why we aren’t discussing potential elimination of income tax on Social Security
• [30:41] Todd has a question about master limited partnership stocks

SMART SPRINT

• [38:00] Be aware of your purchases this holiday season - are you buying gear or stuff?

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Michael Easter

Cal Newport

Books: The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter

Netflix documentary Buy Now

Six-Shot Saturday