Do You Have a Hoarding Problem? Five Signs You Might
Have you ever wondered if you’re a hoarder? Let’s explore what’s happening in San Francisco to see if you might identify with some hoarding tendencies.
After Uber hired Goldman Sachs to raise $1 billion through a convertible debt sale, they launched a $5 UberPool campaign for a limited time. This deal, which allows you to go anywhere in San Francisco for just $5, is fantastic. It makes me want to give up driving in the city altogether due to the terrible traffic caused by low unemployment rates.
Normally, it takes me about 30 minutes to drive downtown during rush hour, plus parking costs, gas, and the risk of getting tickets or having accidents. I’d gladly pay $10 for a round trip three times a week and leave my car at home. However, I haven’t used UberPool even once because I have 10 free rides worth $20 to $30 each sitting in my account. I don’t want to use these valuable credits on a $5 ride when I could save them for a $30 trip to the airport. I even get my friends to book UberPool rides and take me along.
I got these credits by referring people to Uber, earning a free ride for each new user. Although the referral value has dropped from $30 to $20, Uber’s $5 UberPool campaign is a smart way to get people to try their carpooling service. If you haven’t tried Uber yet, it’s a great way to save on transportation.
Competition with Lyft
Uber’s $5 promotion was the talk of the town until the next day when Lyft introduced their own deal. Lyft Line Rides offered an even better promotion: rides for just $2.25. This rate matches the current bus and MUNI fare, making it an obvious choice over a crowded bus. However, I didn’t use Lyft Line either because I have one more $10 Lyft credit from a holiday promotion.
Do You Have a Hoarding Problem?
Working in marketing for financial tech companies, I appreciate these clever promotions. But they also made me realize I might have a hoarding problem. Here are five signs that you might be a hoarder too:
1. Collecting Unused Items: Whether it’s cat food from Costco that goes bad or airline miles that expire, hoarders tend to accumulate things they never use. They often have homes filled with unused items.
2. Difficulty Parting with Things: Hoarders find it hard to let go of items, even knowing there’s an expiration date. They often wait until the last minute to use credits and sometimes lose them entirely.
3. Anxiety Over Running Low: The thought of running out can cause anxiety. Even if you can take a bus or taxi, the idea of depleting your Uber credits can be stressful.
4. Increased Sense of Worth: Hoarders feel better about themselves when they have more stuff. It provides a sense of security.
5. Secrecy About Possessions: Hoarders often don’t let others know what they have. They fear others might ask for or take their things.
If you score between 12-16 points on this list, you might be a borderline hoarder. A score of 17 or higher means you are likely hoarding resources and might benefit from letting go of some items.
Assessing Your Own Situation
I’d like to believe I’m rational with my Uber credits and not a hoarder. Since I fly several times a year, I plan to use my credits for those trips. But perhaps hoarders also believe they are rational. I even have retro Nike sneakers I hoard because I couldn’t afford them as a child. I don’t wear them because I don’t want to scuff them up.
The competition between Uber and Lyft has been fascinating, with venture capital pouring into the city, benefiting consumers with lower prices and more jobs. It’s an exciting time to be involved in this industry.
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Sam, the founder of Financial Samurai, started the blog in 2009 to help others navigate financial chaos. With an MBA from Berkeley and years of experience at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, he aims to help readers achieve financial freedom sooner. Sam is also keen on investing in private growth companies in the AI space, ensuring he stays ahead in the financial game.
