Many of us spend money to live lifestyles that are above our means because we feel a pressure to have the same possessions and lifestyle as the people that we see around us. Our Evil Inclination tells us that we should have the same nice things that our neighbors have… It doesn’t matter if you can’t afford those things right now, just charge it and deal with it later. Don’t give in to the ploys of this spiritual enemy.

It’s also important to realize that the friends and neighbors that we are trying to keep up with are also usually subsidizing their lifestyle with debt. This means that you are really only mimicking their irresponsible behavior.

You must know that G-d provides all of us with the financial resources that we need to fulfill our purposes in this world and to find happiness. If there is something that we can’t afford based on our current financial income, then it is not necessary for achieving true happiness and fulfilling our spiritual goals. When we get greedy we end up going into debt and increasing the stress in our lives.

There is an important spiritual law that teaches that, “Financial envy yields financial debt.” Remember, if you can’t afford something, it will never bring you happiness. Find comfort and peace knowing that G-d provides us with everything that we need to realize our purpose in this world in a happy and fulfilling way.