As we get closer to New Years Eve, and the time that people start making resolutions that usually aren't kept, I put forward the question: What do You REALLY Want to Do with Your Money?
Do you want to save up a down payment for your first house?
Would you like to take the family on a great vacation?
Would you like to invest for your future?
Is there something important you'd like your kids to experience?
Would you like to be able to contribute to a specific cause or charity?
The reason I ask, is over the past couple of months of Christmas spending, I think we may have all purchased a few really frivolous items. Items that are attractive for the moment, or are good for only short term amusement.
I see it every time my kids ask for money to put into the little coin-operated vending machines filled with tiny useless toys that will be lost or broken 15 minutes after you drop your coin into the slot. Then after we, the parents, reply "No," the grand parents turn around, and pull out a dollar or two to appease the whining and very persuasive child.
Or you're walking through the mall and you see a great deal on some sort of gadget or accessory, and after all it's a Great Deal! So you have to have it. But why? Did you really want or need the item in the first place? You already have two of them at home.
In Canada, this is "Boxing Week." The shoppers holy week of Fantastic after Christmas Deals. But before spending on the item that's a Great Deal, I think it's helpful to ask yourself some questions like:
- "I want it now, but will I want it tomorrow?"
- "Do I need it?"
- "Is there a place for it in my house?"
- "How long before it goes into the next garage sale?"
- "What if I actually put the money toward something I REALLY want?"
As we make resolutions, I thought it might be a good time to think of the goals we may have that take money to achieve. What do you really want to do with your money this year?
Comments(1)