Note to Self: If It Says It's Stupid, Then It Is!

I knew I shouldn't have bought it. In today's economy, I've been trying to cut back on buying "stuff". I've also been getting rid of "stuff". Just this morning, I dropped off two more bags at the Salvation Army. I've been so proud of myself for purging "stuff" from my life this summer.


Then it happened. I went to the grocery store and was waiting in line to check out. There it was. On the cover of a popular women's magazine were the words Stop Spending on Stupid Stuff. Just look away I told myself. After all, I've been trying not to buy magazines and have been doing pretty well with this. AND I'D BE REALLY FOOLISH TO BUY "STUFF" THAT IS TELLING ME NOT TO BUY STUPID STUFF. Apparently, I suffered from some momentary deafness and a lack of self-control. Into the cart went that magazine.


Fast forward a few hours. As I was waiting for some meat to brown for dinner, I opened the magazine to this article. I was praying for some brilliant advice to make my $2.79 purchase worth while. I didn't realize until this moment that the article was written by a popular money guru. I have nothing against this person. In fact, I think I read one of her first books. However, I have the feeling you'll get more for your money out of one of her books rather than this article.


The article talked about not buying extended warranties. I knew this already as my husband used to be a Sales Manager at Sears. It also mentioned not purchasing rental car insurance. I knew this too because my hubby's first job out of college was at a car rental place. Don't waste your money on expensive coffees and try to brown bag it for lunch. Lucky for me, I don't care for Starbuck's coffee. Since I only work until 12:15, I usually eat lunch at home. If I'm planning to do errands after work, I try to pack a snack to eat in the car. Cell phone ring tones....why would I pay for such a thing anyway? Texting...I've only done this once in my life and it took me forever! Plus, our oldest son ASKED us to get rid of it for him because he was being a little harassed one day by some friends. So much for any enlightenment. (Really, I do think the author of this article is a smart lady and that she does help people.)


I guess I at least learned a lesson for my $2.79. That lesson being...trust your instincts...AND avoid buying "stuff" that tells you that you're being stupid for spending your money on it! Hhhmmm, since I'm trying to get rid of "stuff", perhaps the article on organizing will be helpful:-)