Sure, you may think that you really "need" a huge HD TV, but would you really suffer if you got a TV of a smaller size, or stuck with your old for a while, instead? Do you really need designer shoes or sunglasses, or would you be just as happy with a cheaper pair? Do you need to spend $90 every time you go out to dinner with your beau, or can you go somewhere a little bit cheaper, or have a romantic night cooking at home instead? Realizing that you don't really need all those things you think you need will definitely help you live within your means. It's okay to splurge on something you don't really need once in a while, but you shouldn't make a habit of it. And when you do splurge, you should be conscious that your life would be just as good without that thing. So maybe your neighbors just got a swimming pool or built an addition onto their home; but they may make twice as much money as you do. If you get caught up in trying to keep up with everyone around you, then not only will you never be happy, but you will also never be able to live within your means because you'll be too busy trying to maintain an image that you can never fully live up to. Sure, your best friend's new designer jeans look amazing on her. Be happy for her cute new look instead of being jealous and wishing you can afford the same. Jealousy is guaranteed to make you an unhappy person -- and to never be satisfied with what you have. " Being rich doesn't have to mean driving a BMW and vacationing in Capri every fall; it can mean having enough money to keep your family and children happy, and to have some spending set aside for fun with your significant other and some light travel, too. Once you see that this can be your own definition of "rich," you will be able to relax and stop worrying so much about how other people perceive your wealth. So you invite some friends over for some nice wine instead of spending money at a crowded bar. You and your significant other take a road trip to Portland instead of flying there. Does this really decrease your quality of life? Absolutely not. You'll still be doing the things you love -- you'll just be doing them a bit differently. Don't think that you'll be making your life worse if you spend less money. In fact, spending less money can increase your quality of life, because doing so will make you less stressed out about wasting money, and you'll feel more at peace with your decisions. Instead of focusing on what you wish you had -- a new car, a fancy suit, a larger house -- focus on all of the things you are lucky enough to have. You may hate your TV, but you love your computer. You may wish you had a new coat, but you have so many great sweaters. Make a list of all of the things you do have, and don't just limit the list to the material things -- you may be grateful for an amazing significant other, wonderful children, or the amazing place where you live. Being aware of all of the things that you do have will make you less likely to spend impulsively to make up for anything that you feel is lacking in your life.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Distinguish between what you want and what you need. Don't even bother trying to keep up with the Joneses. Change your definition of what it means to be "rich. Know that spending less money will not decrease your quality of life. Be grateful for what you do have.


Treat how you’ll talk to the celebrity just like if you were talking to a stranger. Consider what you want to say to them, how you’ll say it, and if you’d like a selfie or an autograph from them. You want to be sure to leave a pleasant and polite impression. Keep your phone in reach, or a pad and writing utensil in hand before you approach the celebrity. You don’t want to waste yours and the celebrity’s time fishing for these items. They may not have the time to spare, and you could come off as inconsiderate. When you first spot a celebrity, it can be very tempting to rush over to them and express your admiration. Take a step back and think from the celebrity’s perspective. No matter how famous a person is, they deserve the same level of courtesy as everyone else. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, stop and breathe. It has become basic etiquette to only take photos of others with their consent. Taking secret photos of the celebrity is both impolite and a major violation of their privacy. This is considered stalking, and could result in the celebrity leaving the area or even calling the authorities. Stay where you are and gauge whether it’s appropriate to approach first. ” The best way to start any conversation is with a polite introduction. Greet the celebrity and apologize or excuse yourself for interrupting them, even if they don’t seem busy. Supporting a celebrity’s work and keeping up with their personal lives doesn’t mean you can treat them like an old friend. Keep the conversation polite by using only their stage name or their last name (ie “Ms. Stone” or “Mr. Pitt”) when you talk to them. Don’t immediately move in for a selfie or thrust a pad and pen at them for an autograph. Instead, ask them if they have a moment to take a picture with you or sign something for you. They may be more receptive if you’re polite. ” Don’t take it personally if the celebrity brushes you off or doesn’t have time to fulfill your request. They may be turning you down due to a hectic schedule or need for privacy, rather than a disdain for their fans or toward you in particular. No matter how the encounter turns out, you can still say you’ve met a celebrity! Thank them for their time, bid them goodbye, and move on. Tell the celebrity how much you appreciate them taking the time to talk to you. Now is a good time to briefly express your admiration of their work again. Offer a smile and don’t be afraid to look directly at them. Don’t linger after the encounter is over. Give the celebrity their privacy back by resuming your life and what you were occupied with before you spotted the celebrity. Don’t tell the nearest group of people that you just ran into a celebrity. Respect their right to privacy and let them go about the rest of their day.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Plan out how you’ll approach the celebrity. Behave calmly. Don’t photograph them. Avoid trailing after the celebrity. Say “hello” and/or “excuse me. Use the celebrity’s stage name or surname to address them. Request pictures or autographs politely. End the encounter if the celebrity says “no. Say “thank you” and “goodbye” before you leave. Go back to what you were doing quickly and quietly. Avoid attracting extra attention after the encounter.