Satanic money and charity
Despite the old phrase, in no way do I think money is the root of all evil. Twitter is, but that’s another story.
I have no compunction with spending money, or making it. I’m happy to make as much money as possible and feel no shame over it.
If I’m honest, UPS delivers an Amazon package on an almost daily basis. I’m sure the drivers and people in the warehouse know me by name. “What’s he got planned for this weekend?”
If there is something I want, and it causes minimal financial impact, I get it. If there is an impact, I begin my savings plan. As of right now, I have my eye set, and my plan in place, for a very high replacement for this computer. I have patience for sure, but denial is not a virtue.
I’ve done reasonably well for myself, and I reward that throughout the year. I don’t wait for a special occasion, holiday, or birthday to get something. To me, every day is a special occasion.
However, I don’t buy junk and trinkets just to have them. I’ve made plenty of bad impulse purchases. It seemed like a great idea, but 6 months later it’s covered in dust, or at the bottom of a closet. When I find it, off it goes to someone else.
We learn from our mistakes. Now I take time to consider and get things that are meaningful and useful. I’m not interested in status symbols or buying items to impress other people – that would involve social interaction.
Equally, I’m not interested in having things to be part of a group or jump on a bandwagon – I have neither Xbox nor Playstation. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a “gotta have” item. If I have, it’s been years after people got rid of their and I picked them up for nothing. eBay is full of regret listings…
That doesn’t mean I don’t own name brand products. I have plenty of things from Apple, Logitech, Husqvarna, and Samsung because they were the best quality and value. But, I have plenty of no name brands because they get the job done. Plus, there is something to be said for buying an off-brand to help out a small company.
Case in point, when I needed a tablet to help with a development project, I bought a refurbished model off Woot rather than wait for the company to buy me one. Name brand, but refurbished to save money.
Another story, at my previous company, I bought my own computer and took it into the office because it was better than what they offered me. It wasn’t junk, I simply wanted more, a First World problem. I didn’t feel like waiting for the hardware refresh and bought my own. I “hid” it under my desk and acted like nothing happened. It was easier for me to fix the “problem.”
Because of my ridiculously overpowered machine, I was capable of doing work far beyond what their laptop could handle. That earned me a raise and bonus within a year. Money well spent.
Conversely, I don’t own flashy cars or a big house. Neither would benefit me.
Lamborghini’s are awesome to look at, but I’d never own one, even if I had crates of money to burn.
I know plenty of people who’ve bought cars to show off, and act as a status symbol. I’m sure it works, and yes they are nice cars, but after that first impression, it doesn’t have much meaning. The thrill of being stuck in morning traffic is the same whether you’re in an Audi or a KIA.
I don’t want to be in debt to my eyeballs to have a house with rooms full of crap I never see.
My simple house and my simple cars suit me just fine.
Make no mistake, I’ve collected a lot of trinkets. I’ve got all sorts of fun swag, more than I should, but I have them because I like them. I value them for what they mean to me. I really do use multiple computers and iPads. I get a lot of value out of my Apple Watch. That Logitech gaming mouse was worth it even though I’m not playing games.
And yes, I spend more at Halloween than any other time of year.
By contrast, I’m sure it’s the general consensus that Satanists are selfish, uncaring, and refuse to help others. They wouldn’t piss on someone if they were on fire. That’s not the case at all.
Like others, I’m not a fan of “charitable organizations” because they always want something in return. We’ll give you this food if you convert to our way of thinking. We’ll help you get clean water if you denounce your ways and accept ours. That’s not charity, that’s extortion.
There is also no tithing or any support for “mission” work, both are oppression.
Instead, I prefer to have my purchases rounded up to the full dollar. Equally, when buying groceries, I buy dinner boxes, usually a couple, what’s another $10? That’s the cost of some soda.
Even during Halloween, when Satanists are supposed to be running mad making nefarious pacts with sinister types, I walk away with a dozen wrist bands from Spirit Halloween. I buy one of each color each time I visit, and I visit each weekend they’re open. Well, I used to, Covid has ruined that for the time being.
It’s not as prevalent due to Covid and working remotely, but I also have no issue with company pledge drives, where they double the collected amount. This includes toy drives, collecting warm clothes, blankets, etc. Those are good events.
Aside from that, my old clothes that have any value go to Goodwill. If they don’t have value on their own, they still get used. I know plenty of people who take old clothes, cut out the good parts, and turn them into quilts. These are either donated, or sold, with the money going to charity.
Unfortunately, I’m not one to head into soup kitchens simply because that would cause a huge amount of social anxiety for me. More than two people is a crowd, so such an environment would be a triggering event.
Not quite charity, but I donate to several software projects. I fully support Wikipedia, LibreOffice, and several other “open source” initiatives. I use them on a daily basis and want to help keep them running for the future.
While we’re at it, I’m not a big fan of the word “charity.” We all need a helping hand from time to time, whether it be physical, emotional, or financial. One person’s junk is another’s treasure. I prefer to think of it as a small gift of appreciation, or a simple contribution. Charity has a low connotation to me.
Unlike plenty of others who donate so they can claim something on their taxes, I never list my donations. It’s not about getting a tax break. I’m in a position to give something back, so I do. It’s not much, I’m not throwing out hundreds, but small amounts of time add up.
The season of charitable giving is upon, and that’s fine. There is nothing wrong with playing along if it makes you happy and comfortable. And if it doesn’t, or you’re not in a position to play along, that’s fine too. Take care of you, that’s just as important.