1- INTRODUCTION

1- Introduction: 
The Overspent American starts off with multiple explanations for why Americans in the middle and upper classes tend to spend way more money than they earn. In 1996, a top selling book, The Millionaire Next Door caused a minor sensation. This was a story in contrast to the popular grasp of millionaire lifestyles. Many Americans tend to have a different relationships in spending money other than a millionaire. Most people are personally bound to their personal identity. People tend to buy materialistic items in order for their appearance in the world. This book show us how Americans go through life everyday waisting money on things they do not "need". Some explanations of why Americans spend more than they earn is very obvious. For example, the competitive desire to keep up with others and not let yourself or our families fall behind. Because of their high spending rate, the middle class can often run up incredible debts. Advertising and media have played an important part in stretching out reference groups vertically. For example, when the people cant afford a utilitarian studio but they think they should have a New York apartment, they are setting a consumption goal. Many of the overspending problems is caused by the accelerating pace of product innovation. There is so much "designer" items in the world and people talk so much hype about them that others feel the need to go out and spend money on something not worth it. This book is about why so many middle-class Americans feel materially dissatisfied. Why they walk around with a mental wish list of everything they "need" to buy. This book teaches readers that spending money can become who you are; you can be flattered by the items you buy and eventually can take over your life. This novel is a growing backlash to the consumption culture. It gives readers examples of people who are moving down in their financial lifestyle by working less, and living their consumer lives much more deliberately. In 1970, expert observers were declaring the death of the belonging process that had driven much competitive consumption and arguing that the establishment of an individual identity was becoming the name of the game. Americans are so caught up in owning materialistic things their debts were increasing. In fact, in the 1980s the middle class was known for their upscale buying. Now, the American lifestyle has expanded greatly. For example, the size of houses has doubled in less than 50 years. Change in America is possible. The first step towards changing Americans customer culture is to understand it better. This book is a reflection on the thousands of ways our lives are structured and regulated by acts of spending. This is why so many of us, Americans, have become overspent Americans.