Financially Savvy

It is my goal that someday I will be able to do things without giving a second thought to the cost. I possess an inherited love of shopping – coming down from both sides of my family. Both of my parents have always been natty dressers, and have generally opted for wardrobe updates through the years, to keep things interesting. My love of fashion also feeds into this particular habit. And then, my aunt has always been one to upgrade her car once she grows tired of the old one, regardless of whether something is wrong with it. Finally, my future husband (aka 2DP) has been on me about keeping my electronics worthy of his IT background.

That said, these days, I’m not making enough money to go out and spend money willy-nilly without first analyzing what each purchase is going to do to my budget for that week. I am blessed in that my mother passed on the holy skill of budgeting to me at a young age (more on that on a different day). But, unfortunately, budgeting sort of sucks the life out of going crazy with spending sprees and impulse buys. So, a new goal of the Mission is to become financially savvy, so that someday I can just drop some cash on the counter and pick up whatever snazzy outfit (or shoes or electronics or car) I so desire.

First, read up on the topic. Naturally, as a bookworm, this just gives me an excuse to go out and read yet another book. My favorites for financial advice are Suze Orman’s “The Money Book for the Young Fabulous & Broke,” (for actual how-to steps), “Stop Acting Rich: …And Start Living Like a Real Millionaire” by Thomas J. Stanley (for a reminder on what the “real” rich are doing) and “Start Over, Finish Rich: 10 Steps to Get You Back on Track in 2010” by David Bach (actual steps, although this book is only good if you actually put those steps into action – sheepish look).

Second, realize that it’s a process and it’s going to take time. The whole point is to be looking ahead to the future. Did you hear the line in SATC2, where Carrie has Louise out for a drink? She says “Enjoy yourself, that’s what your 20s are for. Your 30s are to learn the lessons; your 40s are to pay for the drinks.” So, start enjoying yourself yes, but learn some lessons (i.e. learn how to be financially savvy), and then come your 40s, you can pay for the drinks (or the house, the car, the clothes, whatever your little heart desires). Hey, if we learn earlier, no reason why we can’t buy the drinks earlier, right?

Third, remember this is about your definition of comfort. So, you don’t need to be shooting for a house in the Hamptons, another one in Colorado, and a residence where you work. That may not be your goal. (It’s not mine! Who wants to worry about all the dust that builds up while you’re not there?!). Maybe your goal is to be able to go to Starbucks everyday, and order a Grande Caramel Macchiatto with soy (hold the foam and make it snappy!). Or, maybe you want to indulge in a mani/pedi every week to keep those tootsies lookin’ fiiiiiiiiiiiine. Or, maybe you want to pay cash for your next car. The possibilities are endless. The point is, set YOUR financial goal, and then do the work to get there.