Spending money

My favourite blogger and social media specialist Jacki D wrote earlier today about how childhood circumstances affect our spending later in life.

Growing up as an only child I guess I had a petty good childhood. Dad’s illness over the years probably made me get more things than other children, but still I was taught to save up your money if you wanted something special. For example a red bike that I saved every penny I ever got.

Jacki D points out a couple of things that I totally agree is worth spending money on now as an adult. Things that maybe our parents didn’t think were worth spending money on.

I can count on a couple of fingers the number of good friends I had as a kid. Now that I’ve got more, spread all over the place, I think time with them is worth paying for. The alternative is to stay home and settle for email and fantasies about how much fun we’d have if we did get together.

Travels, yes. Seeing friends, yes. One of life’s more important things.

Healthful food - We always had plenty to eat when I was growing up, but there was a fair amount of processed, sugary, fatty stuff which wasn’t necessarily administered with the “All things in moderation” caveat. Now I skip the snack food aisles altogether and buy a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. Whatever it costs, it’s worth it as long as it doesn’t go to waste (another childhood hang-up).

Can’t argue with buying healthy food. Fresh fruit and vegetable will take you a long way.

Luxury food items - My definition of ‘luxury’ has changed, for the better.

Clothes and shoes that I like - This doesn’t necessarily mean designer stuff, which is only worth it to me if it is especially cute or flattering. I hate clothes shopping, and since I have massive feet, it’s hard to find shoes I like. As a kid, I didn’t like most of what I had to wear. So if I see something I like, I buy it. No guilt.

Yes! If you find something you like. Buy it! No guilt! Feeling comfortable with you what you’re wearing is also important in life. The right cloths will boast your confidence and the wrong cloths will make you feel very self-conscious.

Fresh flowers - More

People think I’m a bit silly because I buy myself fresh flowers every week, but fresh flowers make my flat look classy and sophisticated (at least I hope so). And a classy and sophisticated flat makes me feel good.