Here is my profound and completely original Tightwad Tip to end the year.
IF YOU DON’T HAVE THE MONEY….. DON’T BUY IT!
It doesn’t matter how great of a deal you are getting, how much you want it, how nice it will look in your living room, how many great features it has, how much time it will save you, or how much money it will save you. If you can’t afford it, it is not a good deal. Ever!
If you can’t afford it, make do without it. Every generation before ours lived by this principle, because it works. I realize that as a country we have become so accustom to borrowing that it doesn’t seem wrong or problematic, but it is…
2008 is almost over, but 2009 is just beginning. If you haven’t already, it is time to turn over a new financial leaf. Stop spending money you don’t have and start paying off your debt. Save for a rainy day. You can live a debt free life, I know many people who do, and they are happy. Very happy.
Yeah, cashiers always seemed surprised when I use cash. They always ask me if I want to open a charge card to save money on that day’s purchase. I always decline and say if you don’t have the money in cash you shouldn’t be buying it. I’m sure they just roll their eyes at me behind my back. Oh well.
I cannot agree more. Being in debt is a huge problem and we should all be doing everything we can to stay out of/get out of debt.
This is the best advice! Most of us got into trouble by trying to have too much NOW. We just couldn’t wait. Well, now I’m learning I don’t need everything now.
This is one of my goals for 2009. I want to become debt free and have a rainy day fund. I am sick of being sick over worrying about $$.
YES!!! This is what our entire country needs to think about! This is exactly what we need to wrap our minds around and start doing! Thanks for putting it in writing, and hopefully we can really make a difference!
The best tip ever! We are so visually stimulated by the 50 percent off sales ect after Christmas…I had to explain to my gals yes it’t a great deal but only if you already have extra money to buy it.
Many folks are shocked to learn that we do not own a credit card. We have been there and done that.
Learning to live within your budget is so wise and really does bring joy.
I have the hardest time leaving comments on your blog because I have to reload 3-4 times before the “comments” section will show up. Anyway, I *do* read your tips each week, even if I may not post a comment.
Great, wise tip!
The credit card is too easy and tempting. Great tip!
AMEN! We just started to consciously live this way about 4 months ago. We’re debt free except our house and it is a great feeling. We save for the big purchases we want and communicate much more clearly about finances now that we are on the same page. It is possible to not use credit cards and be very happy.
Amen Sister !!! This is something even though I have been on a TW journey for many years and getting better at it every year THIS has to be one of the MOST important steps EVER. We have decided to do the fully and it is a mindset and a life style that is a MUST. We have taken your tip awhile back about not even spending on he credit card and paying off at the end of the month. You DO spend more with that technique. IF we do spend on the card we go home and pay it right that day. What a difference that has made. Thank you for all you have done for TWT my SSiC. (((HUGS)))
Blessings in Him<
-Mary
Great tip and how often it is that we don’t do this. We have been trying hard not to use credit cards unless needed.
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I love the fact that you posted this today. It’s like you read my mind, girl! Great minds think alike. Amen, preach it sister.
I suppose alot of people are thinking this way now that a new year is beginning. I think it’s good to think this way all year long. It’s the whole want versus need thing….I will be remembering this during my finanicial “diet.” Feel free to kick me if forget it.
I came across your blog today and I am looking forward to reading more. I can not agree with you more! We are completely debt free (except for the house) and we plan on staying like that. We work hard to save up for what we need and purchase everything in cash. If we are asked to open a charge account at a store, I tell them I don’t believe in having debt!
To go along with what you are saying, even if you have the money in cash, it doesn’t always mean that you should purchase. We should all have a cushion to fall back on incase of an emergency.
This tip is priceless! It reminds me of how my grandparents lived…they did things when they could afford them. What a concept! Love your blog!
Sharon
Where’s the link to the SNL skit?!??
My husband’s grandparents are millionaires because they have never bought anything that they didn’t pay cash for- including their house. We laugh at how ridiculous they are at times -reusing and regifting things- but they really are on to something!!
Excellent advice. My husband and I saved up and are taking the kids to disneyworld in march. It feels great to go and not have to worry about paying it back after the trip!
Dear Happy Housewife,
No wonder you are so happy…you have found how to be content…not needing what you cannot afford!
God keeps it pretty simple…
1 Timothy 6:8
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Thank you for the good message.
Love, Hope
AMEN!
If only the other people in my household would listen