Dear Editor,

On Sept. 19, Apple launched the latest revision of their popular iPhone.

Even then, others still anticipate the next Samsung Galaxy.

The cycle of consumerism is increasing especially amongst students – no longer do students graduate with money in their pockets.

Student debt is rising ,yet we find ourselves somehow able to afford another new, bigger and greater device.

In 2012, students from the University of California at Los Angeles conducted a research study on 32 families throughout the U.S. titled, “Life At Home in The Twenty-First Century.”

The study found that mothers’ stress hormones rose when dealing with their possessions.

About 75 percent of families in the study couldn’t park their cars in garages because the space being occupied were filled with things.

A recent report by the Wall Street Journal published May 2014 suggests that the class of 2014 is the most indebted ever.

The Wall Street Journal cites analysis of government data by Mark Kantrowiz saying, “the average … graduate with student-loan debt has to pay back some $33,000 … nearly double the amount borrowers had to pay back 20 years ago.”

Now, more than ever, do students need to focus on longer term goals such as graduating college with money to their name.

We are buying things we want rather than what we need.

We must be aware of our personal budget.

Make lists and stick to them.

Ask yourself if what you’re about to get is necessary – and then ask yourself once more.

Lastly, appreciate what you already have.

Focus on the long term, such as paying off student debt, instead.

The next, best thing should be what’s in your bank account, not your pocket.

~Bryce Jones

DVC student