Transumerism vs. Consumerism - The New American Dream?

Is the old American Dream of owning your own home or your own car or at least your own purse going down the tubes? If the proponents of transumerism are right, then maybe it is. Let's hope they're not right!

Just what is transumerism, you may be asking. It's a supposedly anti-materialistic, leasing lifestyle where buyers don't buy individual things they have to take care of and keep, but rather purchase access to a variety of things that come and go. So in the long run, transumers are no less materialistic as they would have us believe, they just prefer different things rather than the same old thing.

For example, how about this intriguing idea. A company called BookSwim, which is similar to Netflix that rents out movies, except they rent out books. Gee, I thought that's what libraries did - only for free. Hello, transumers, someone thought of that one a long time ago, and yes, it is a good idea.

For those who prefer to rent a pricey Prada or Shariff purse that someone else has had their used tissues and toothpicks floating around in for a week, there's Bag Borrow or Steal. What's next? Renting underwear or a toothbrush? Sorry, but you can count me out!

The old saying, "Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, Or do without" has made sense for years. But today everyone seems to want to live a more temporary lifestyle where keeping up with the guy next door or the latest trend in purses is the way to go. Is the old joke of trading in your 40-year-old wife for a pair of 20-year-olds, not a joke anymore? It may just be the ultimate in transumerism.

Let the transumers have their dream. The Marla Schneider Team is still holding onto the true American Dream of home ownership. They can help you attain that dream too. See homes in Glenview, Wilmette, and Northbrook.