Pssst...listen...I'm gonna let you in on a secret. A little something I've learned during my first three months of downsizing. Ready? Here it is -- spending money is a habit. Want to hear the best part? It's a habit that can be broken. And I'm doing it.
I keep meticulous financial records so I can tell you that in the first three months of 2013 I've spent over $1,000 less than I did in the first three months of 2012 -- $1,048.76 less, to be precise. And $1,579.26 less than the same period in 2011. Told you I was meticulous. (Sure, you call it anal, but I think we all have a little touch of OCD that crops up in some aspect of our lives. Mine happens to be keeping precise records of where my money goes.)
But, see here's the problem -- spending money on stuff you need is, well, boring. There's no joy in it, no momentary release of dopamine to put a smile on the face and a spring in the step. Like a new pair of shoes will do. For instance, in the last few months I've had to spend money on a new battery for my lawn mower, an accountant to tell me the obscene amount I owe for income tax, the dentist, vacuum cleaner bags, and flea pills for my dog. I love my dog, but really. Boring, boring, boring.
And the stuff I spent money on that I wanted to buy? Music from ITunes; reloading my Starbucks card to enjoy coffee with friends; a stained glass class and some supplies. Spot the trend? All stuff to enhance my life. 'Cause what's life without music, friends and hobbies?
I've learned that spending money is like eating, therefore saving money is like dieting. You have to be cognizant of what you're doing all the time. And vigilant. That's not always easy to do. When I go several weeks without eating chocolate (okay, several days, who am I kidding, I've never gone weeks without eating chocolate) what ultimately ends up happening is I have just one little taste and then, well it's game over. My biggest fear is that the same thing will happen to me with shopping.
I'll be in a mall. I'll have my credit card out. There will be a shoe sale. And the smell of melting plastic will fill the air.
Got to love people like you to keep the economy rolling. Into every life a little chocolate has to flow...brain food after all.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago I read a magazine article (I know, frivolous purchase), that explained the difference in spending between men and women, particularly in "mid-life". It indicated that women could get a sense of satisfaction from making small purchases like a pair of shoes, a good book, or cute earrings. Men, on the other hand, need to make major purchases to achieve that same sense of pleasure. I always remember that article when I'm treating myself to a nice bottle of bubble bath, a grande iced passion tea, or a movie with popcorn. "Hey", I tell myself, "it's not a jet ski"!
ReplyDeleteMust be the reason behind the male mentality of "whoever has the most toys when he dies, wins!" And all your purchases fall into the acceptable category that I call "consumables" -- you buy it, you use it, it's not left cluttering up the house!
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