Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Burning a Hole in My Pocket

My fiance and I have been trying this new money management tactic. We've put ourselves on an allowance. We have three envelopes. One for him, one for me and one for things that affect both of us like groceries or gas, etc.

What's interesting about this tactic is that it works relatively well, but it is not easy. I find that with this method I am constantly confronted by my desires, my need to consume, my inherent greed. This is not exactly my favorite personality trait, but I'm told I'm not alone. Apparently others have this trait too. I hope I'm not the only one who throws a temper tantrum when they realize that they cannot feed the greed any more stuff because they're out of cold hard cash. Greed is like a icky monster in my heart...the more I buy to satisfy this nagging desire...the more I want it seems. It's appetite is insatiable.

According to Rich Dad, Poor Dad the secret to financial success is to overcome greed and fear. I got to this part in the book and decided not to read any further, because my only response to this is, "DUH! If I knew how to do that I would have already and I wouldn't be reading this stupid book." Maybe if I Kept reading I would have found the answer to overcoming these emotions that affect so many decisions.

I was recently given a gift card that I can use anywhere I want on anything I want. "Finally! A shopping spree," I thought. However, I seem to be paralyzed by fear of making the wrong decision. I've learned that when I spend the money it is gone and whatever I bought with the money will only make me happy for a short time. I've found that I actually enjoy thinking about all the things I could buy and how they would make me happy. I think I'm afraid to use the card and destroy the illusion. Go figure!

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