My December to Remember: Day Twenty-Eight
News: Biden forced to stop selling pieces of the border wall.
NY Post says NYC’s migrant crisis spurred 3M overtime hours for agencies, incurring $139M in taxpayer funds to pay for it all.
Trump alleges Democrats illegally paid out to get endorsements from celebrities for the Harris campaign.
$1.22B Mega Millions winning ticket sold in California.
I haven’t always been the greatest with money. I racked up a fair amount of debt over the years. What I spent all my money on I still don’t know, but I got here somehow, didn’t I? Thankfully I’ve got a payment plan where I’ll be free and clear within three years or so, a small price to pay to not have to incur anymore payment pileups. But even with my salary where it is, I still find myself short-changed week after week, and I can’t even blame Bidenomics for this one. I just like to spend, spend, spend and I worry about the bill later. But I’m working on breaking these bad monetary habits for all my debts public and private.
My boyfriend has no debt. Hasn’t had any for years. He pays off his credit card every month and does very well for himself. It’s inspiring to say the least, as when we go out shopping I get to see his mind at work. We went to Hudson Yards today and ended up stopping at a Muji store, which blew both our minds and may become a new favorite. He was particularly shocked by the entire wall of slippers, which he wanted to pick up a pair, but wasn’t willing to pay for them unless he knew they’d fit. Ultimately he decided he didn’t “need” them even though he “wanted” them, so we both moved on to another part of the massive store. I found the sock section, something I’ve been needing, and ended up getting three pairs for twelve bucks. He found a pair of comfy lounge pants he’s been wanting, and even though they were more expensive than the slippers, they were the more practical purchase for him to therefore justify a little more cash on hand.
When we got home, I went and looked at the Etsy page I had open showing a vintage address book I was eyeing before we left on our outing that day. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it, but “Mr. Price Point” over here told me to consider the cost, suggesting I see if there’s something similar, or the exact item cheaper, on Ebay. A little research proved that this 1950s item I had my heart set on was too good to pass up; a rare find to add to my growing collection of originality and antiques. So I plunked down the money. I had a little extra after Christmas and I get paid next week, so he was very much in support of this purchase. But I was curious about what else this seller had in her shop, and that’s when I saw it, another item that needed to be mine. A 1950s lighter with a black cat on it? Mine. Need. This was a need versus a want in my head, acting like my own fiduciary payment on a great investment.
Mr. Price Point looked at the price tag and asked me a series of questions. I already had a bevvy of Bic lighters and an expensive table lighter I got off Houseplant. Do I really need another lighter? Am I willing to refill it with butane? Is this a practical purchase or do I just like it and want it? I was starting to decide against it so I could save the money when I noticed a ten-percent off coupon from the seller because I had just bought the address book. I told him I’d sleep on it, and after my ninety-minute nap, I rolled over and purchased my new lighter that I don’t need but wanted and could afford.
I do have to watch my spending. I’m not a millionaire. I work hard for my money but that doesn’t mean I should spend it like I have an unlimited supply. Perhaps one day I will do well enough for myself where I don’t need to track each and every purchase and bill payment, but that day is not today. I’m glad I have a partner who is cognizant enough about money and who’s always after the best deals. But at the end of the day, your money is yours to spend however you wish. I’m making sure these kinds of purchases aren’t ending up on credit cards now that they’re all paid off. If my main card can afford it, then all bets are off. The days of saving are not here right now. Until then, my money is for spending. Just responsibly is all.
