I thought that because I’m finally a card-carrying adult, I would be better with money. And I am good. At spending it, that is.
I started to get nervous with all the news coverage about people going broke and living in boxes. So, with this economic crisis upon us, I decided to look more seriously at recent examples of my over-spending.
Example: Instead of purchasing a jacket at Target the other day, I found a nearly EXACT replica for $100 more at Nordstrom. I liked the way it fit. Back off.
Example: I grocery shop at places like Whole Foods (or as I like to call it – Whole Paycheck), buying organic celery that I never fucking eat, because it sits behind the PBR in my fridge [hey - at least my beer is cheap!].
Example: After being economical and buying a cute new comforter cover at IKEA for a great price, I drug Nathalie to BigBoxTechStore so I could purchase season 3 of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia on DVD … as well as the entire Sarah Silverman Project. Because I ‘deserve’ it.
This term in my graduate program, I am taking a budget & financial planning course. I started to look at the book in the hopes that it would inspire me – but it had lots 0f numbers and graphs and letters. No pictures.
I put it down.
I thought the internet would help me — but when I was searching for single girls & budgeting – all I found were sites for single mothers and planning ‘omg, the best bachelorette party evarrrr you guys!’
So, I looked for single dudes & budgets — and I found some good stuff! Like ‘The Bachelor Guy‘ – whose site includes ads with half naked chicks. Score!
But I think it’s crap that you can’t find sites like this for ladies like myself – with big pockets and their own lives.
So, once I get the hang of this saving & frugal thing – I’m starting my own site.
Because, dammit!, a girl needs to know how to save up for her right hand ring 
11 responses so far ↓
Tristan | the almost right word // January 12, 2009 at 1:45 pm |
At least you buy the celery — it clearly proves your good intentions to eat it! Even if the PBR takes priority.
heather // January 12, 2009 at 2:08 pm |
suze orman’s young, fabulous & broke is a great book. a blog you might find interested that is (woot) portland based is http://getrichslowly.org — the stock advice doesn’t apply to me but the daily budgeting basics are nice. and he regularly links to great blogs that cater to specific audiences.
Nathalie // January 12, 2009 at 2:19 pm |
Um, the Consumerist.com is my financial guru. And I have a budget and can help you make yours. I like how you say you “drug” me to Best Buy, because its true. Thank you magical anti-anxiety pills for getting me through Ikea and Best Buy without having a panic attack.
Andie East // January 12, 2009 at 5:09 pm |
The moment I have been waiting for.
You should check out; our book, The Money Therapist by Marcia Brixey. About getting economically savvy. She also runs classes and I went to one and it was very inspiring (honestly). She runs these workshops called The Moneywise Woman workshops. Check it out here: http://www.themoneytherapist.net/.
alicia // January 12, 2009 at 7:17 pm |
let’s help each other not spend money. but that would require hanging out – which is free. It’s the first step!
we can wander the maze that is ikea. and only buy ice cube trays for 99 cents.
Kimberly // January 12, 2009 at 8:31 pm |
I totally understand your dilemma and am having to deal with budgeting issues too…just spent lotsa monies on awesome clothes that i really shouldn’t have spent, but which was totally worth it anyway
oh, and do not neglect the good beers…just stop buying the celery for god sake
laylou // January 12, 2009 at 10:00 pm |
I hear ya!
I am finding things are a bit easier now that I’m no longer the perma-bridesmaid I was for the last four years. And now that I can’t leave my office as much during my lunch hour that means fewer trips to Target and bookstores meaning less money going out.
But it’s still hard. How can I say no to girls’ nights, happy hours, comedy clubs, movies, concerts, and those heels and clothes? I struggle too!
Good luck =)
Kiala // January 13, 2009 at 12:19 pm |
We are dealing with the same thing.
My only problem is how to categorize “weed” in my monthly budget.
Should it go under “medicine” or “recreation”?
meagank // January 13, 2009 at 4:51 pm |
Thank you all for your lovely suggestions. I have checked out some of the websites/books. <3 to you all! And thank you for the support – I’m sure I’ll keep buying celery – but will be less excited to do so.
And Kiala — medicine. Always medicine.
roomie // January 18, 2009 at 11:27 am |
its too bad we never talk.. especially since we live together.
i have a great book about budgeting and life and stuff from liz clark… its on my bookshelf.
i’ll pull it for you.
its pretty bomb.
tells you all about how to fix shit, how to live with people, how to balance your checkbook, how to be a hot comodity.. stuff thats important, ya know.
willradik // February 1, 2009 at 8:57 pm |
I wanna be a hot commodity.