Call Me George
You know how Prince and P Diddy are constantly changing their names? I’m thinking about doing that myself. It’s not for any glamorous reasons. I’m thinking that my new name will help me keep a new year’s resolution that I’ve made for myself. I’ve decided that 2006 will be the year of frugality for me.
I’ll confess that I’m not great when it comes to saving money. I have two problems with it: First, cash burns a whole in my pocket. It’s like those bills are whispering constantly in my ear, “I’m here Kristen. I need to go to my new home. I was thinking a cash register in Target would be lovely. I’m sure they have something wonderful you could trade me for!” I hate to disappoint those little greenbacks so I usually comply with their wishes.
The second problem I have with money is my weakness for a good bargain. I have mentioned this before at The Thang. It usually goes something like this, “Oh my gosh! I can’t believe that tire gauges are on sale 4 for $12.99. I think I need at least 8 of them!” It doesn’t matter what it is, I have to have it.
In 2006 I’m going to be a changed woman. My cash will learn that my pocket is as luxurious a home as any Target cash register and I will resist all sales unless I absolutely need what is being offered.
I’ve come up with a mantra that will help me follow through with this resolution. “What would George not do?” Do you remember that Seinfeld episode where George Costanza pledged to make the opposite choice of his instinctual decisions? Well that’s what I’ve decided that’s what I’m going to do when it comes to spending money.
If I find myself drooling over the latest in lipstick technology I’m going to force myself to walk away and leave those beautification tools for the next sucker that happens along. I’ll just have to chant, “Remember George, remember George” over and over in my head.
I do have a secret weapon, a superhero, if you will that I’ve been utilizing for many years. His name is Mr. Budget but some of you know him as Geoff J. He has extraordinary powers in curbing my spending enthusiasm but as one man he can only do so much on his own.
This year I’ve decided to help him out (or at least through January) so please, call me George.
Your post reminded of something completely unrelated to budgeting, but is a sadly sweet memory of someone gone now for 3 years. My husband’s Grandpa Ray.
When I first met him, I was like, “How come he’s calling everyone George?” And I was told, he calls EVERYONE George.
Having so many children (10) and multiplicites of grandchildren and some great-grandchildren by then, it isn’t hard to see why.
So when I read the title of your post, I was reminded of Grandpa Ray.
And I smiled, remembering our first meeting, when he put a flower basket on his head, and then said, “Welcome to the family, George!”. (I was recently engaged to his grandson)
On the budgetary note, I suck (pardon my French!) at budgeting. Frequently. Impulsivity is probably my strongest flaw. Mania doesn’t help either. Lol!
Comment by sarebear — December 27, 2005 @ 12:21 am
Oooh, we will have lots of shopping stories to swap tonight!
My last big ‘savings’ item was litehouse caramel dip for $1. I bought at least twenty of those tubs. Hmmm, maybe it makes for a nice hostess gift?
I love the “remember George, remember George!” You may start a revolution in 2006 =)
Comment by Téa — December 27, 2005 @ 1:15 am
Yeah, I’m going to use that for my mantra, too. I have a problem with that money burning. Also, I love how you put the card in the machine and push buttons and money comes out.
Comment by annegbf — December 27, 2005 @ 7:28 am
Grandpa Ray sounds like a hoot. I hope you keep those memories of him alive for future generations.
Mmmm, litehouse caramel dip…only a dollar each? Nice! I love that stuff.
AGB-I love that machine too. I have a bigger problem with swiping the magic little plastic card at the cash register.
Comment by Kristen J — December 27, 2005 @ 10:10 am
I was going to say–cash? what is cash? who carries cash?
We’ve been splurging like crazy this Christmas, but I figure we’ve only got a few good Christmases left with the kids (oldest turns 16 in a few months). And now I’m dying to go to the cd store and the bookstore.
Comment by Susan M — December 27, 2005 @ 5:17 pm
“The second problem I have with money is my weakness for a good bargain. I have mentioned this before at The Thang. It usually goes something like this, “Oh my gosh! I can’t believe that tire gauges are on sale 4 for $12.99. I think I need at least 8 of them!” It doesn’t matter what it is, I have to have it.”
You know there is a word for this…Spaving. I comes from the idea that you have to SPend money to sAVE money.
We found ourselves donating literally hundreds of toys to DI this year. Stacey decided that we would spend no more than $100 on each child this year for Christmas (that includes the gift that they got for your children, Kristen and one for the less fortunate.) It is amazing how much she was still able to get for them. She has an amazing nose for bargains
Comment by Russ J — December 28, 2005 @ 2:12 pm