My mentality is completely different.
Example:
Tonight I was flipping through the Macy's flyer that comes through about every two weeks. I saw this really cute bracelet - you know that one little insert that goes next to the perfume ones? - by Ann Klein. It was $95. I looked at it and got mad and thought, "95 bucks?!? Who can afford 95 dollars? Seriously?", then looked over at Michael. He laughed and said, "You would have two years ago".
This is true. Two years ago, I didn't have a car payment, I didn't have a child, I didn't have a lot of things that I have now. We were both single and Michael was making really good money and we were just having fun.
Now, it's completely different for obvious reasons; economy included. Michael's job depends so much on the financial market that it worries me and I find myself trying every single way to stretch a buck. Probably easier for most of you, since you were born to spend negative dollars.... But for me it's been a big, big change. No HUGE change.
It's just so weird to look back and compare how much things are different. I feel like I'm trying too hard to be frugal. Instead of seeing extra money and putting a value on what I can buy with it, I think how much fatter my savings account will be if I deposit it. I don't eat out for lunch anymore. I don't like going to Costco or Target or anywhere for that matter if I know I'll spend money. We don't go on dates, we don't go out to eat at a sit-down restaurant, we don't rent movies. We don't do anything because neither of us wants to fork out the dough.
Are we just being cheap or is there another word for it?
(And I also know there are other ways to do fun stuff but when both of you have to work extra hard - especially now more than ever to keep our jobs - to make the same money, it's just exhausting. All we want to do is sloth around the house. I'm bummed that my job is not giving raises this year or bonuses. A raise would have been nice. I could have really used that. Oh well, at least I have a job, right? I shouldn't complain.)
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4 comments:
I call it "life." That's just how it is. But I know what you mean. Every once in a while when we get a bonus or some extra money we weren't expecting I think "oh I wish I could convince myself to enjoy this money" but instead we put it toward needs or debt or whatever and it seems lame. But it's better than unemployment and/or bankruptcy. So on we trudge. Way to go, making the change, it's not easy. And (hopefully) it will pay off in the long run.
LOL!
I totally agree with you about being bummed over bonuses. Our company is pretty much doing the same thing but I really am thankful to just have a job. It is still hard to stretch a buck though! Good job on saving your money!
I know how you feel. I look back and can't believe how much we used to eat out. I have found that eating at home is so much cheaper and we all enjoy it so much more. We don't have to wait, we can have 2nds (which is what my kids love)and it is a fraction of the cost. Gotta love it!!
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