A Flight to Texas Costs…
I ran into this video at a forum a few days ago. I like it. I think it’s a good way to make money seem more real.
I’ve been doing something similar to this for years for my entertainment purchases. I weigh the total time I’ll enjoy it vs. the price. For example, spending $9 on a CD/MP3s has the potential to entertain me for many many hours, while seeing a movie in the theater will only entertain me for 2-3 hours. The music is usually a better value, thus I generally only go see movies I’m really excited about in the theater.
I do wonder if perhaps this is why video games have grown so popular. The price is often high, but the total hours of entertainment potential are also high, quite possibly less than a dollar an hour if it’s a good game with replay possibilities.
Anyway, to further play with this concept, if Jon and I wanted to fly down to Texas for the Renaissance Fair, we’d be looking at over 3 complete Rock Band 2 sets just for airfare. That could also be translated to about 8 weeks worth of groceries. Or, roughly 250 20oz. bottles of Mountain Dew.
If I build a computer, it’ll probably cost about the same as 45 belly dance lessons at The Cassandra School. Or more than 200 pints of Ben & Jerry’s. Fascinating! *grin*
Shop Shop Shop
It’s possible that my favorite type of shopping is gift buying. I particularly enjoy getting stuff for Jon. I’ve been known to go a little overboard in years past. I’m tempted to do the same this year, of course, but I’m trying to be more realistic about my finances. I’ve picked up a few things for him so far, but I made sure to get gift receipts too, just in case I’m way off about what he wants, heh.
I’m also participating in a ‘Secret Santa’ exchange at work and am struggling with what to buy. My first idea didn’t work out because it was out of stock. I haven’t come up with a good enough second idea yet. But there’s still time! Oh yes! Maybe I’ll have time to pull off idea number one if I can just wait a week or so! I’ll have to do some more snooping about the person on Facebook and get a backup plan ready, just in case. *smirk*
The other thing I need to do is go Birthday shopping for my Mom! She’ll be 57 in ten days! Whoo! I haven’t decided what to get for her, but she’s not too hard to shop for. She generally likes practical things. And every-day jewelry. I’m not too worried.
I think the best thing I’ve purchased so far is the present for the in-laws’ fetus! Our future niece or nephew will be getting a very cute little gift. Hopefully it will be put to use once the tater tot is born!
Means
Hey! It’s Day 14 of NaBloPoMo! I’m nearly half way done! So… I guess it’s no big surprise that I’m really losing steam, right? But, I’m doing this more for my benefit than for anyone who’s out there reading, so if I get boring that’s just too bad, heh.
I’ve been thinking about the concept of living within my means today. It sounds simple enough, but what are the details of the idea? Can I, for example, live paycheck-to-paycheck and still technically be within my means? Or do I need to have some sort of savings plan and budget in place for it to count? In theory, certain percentages of the family income should be going to savings or paying debt or rent/car/utilities, right?
Lately I’ve been spending more than I have available. I know I just joined a gym, but that’s not it. It’s the other stuff. The new shoes, new movies, video game rentals, etc. etc. I’m borrowing from the future for today’s happiness. That’s not usually a good idea, especially not for silly things you don’t need. It’s not that any of the items were expensive on their own, but 4 or 5 small purchases can add up quickly!
I’m going to say that, based on my previous post, much of my recent spending has probably been emotional. I’m unhappy with something, so I try to buy my way out of the problem. I’m frustrated, so I try to distract myself rather than come up with a solution. Well, once upon a time Jon and I talked about having a ‘poor’ week once a month, where we would attempt to spend as little money as possible. No going out to eat, no extra movie rentals, and so on. Maybe I should try doing that just for me once a month. I could bring lunch with me to work, and pass on all the extra shopping trips. It’d be difficult, but I think it could be really good. I’ll have to ponder this!
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