The trick may be getting the right stuff, getting rid of the wrong stuff, and organizing the right stuff so it actually gets used/displayed. I don’t absolutely need my personal library. But I like being able to look at all those shelves of “hunting trophies”; for me, that’s worth the costs. I do need most of my tools and electronics, but I’ve been slowly donating off or recycling the ones that really don’t and won’t get used. Moderation in all things, including moderation; my next big planned purchase is tools (but possibly not before the weather warms up again; bringing a table saw down bulkhead steps in winter conditions is generally not a Good Idea.)
Supporting charities is certainly an excellent idea; many of them are both having to work harder and getting less donated due to the economic slump – increased need, less surplus.
