Have you ever rationalized a purchase by thinking to yourself: I deserve it? I think we all have, or at least those of us who still feel the need to occasionally rationalize purchases.
The belief that I deserve something is very attractive. It sets the stage for a story of injustice. If I do not possess [...]
Ben Stein’s latest book offers a different, destructive take on one’s personal finances. How to Ruin Your Financial Life contains over fifty popular ways people sabotage their financial lives.
With each lesson taking no more than a couple of minutes, the book is a quick read. It’s also a funny book; Ben’s trademarked dry humor abounds, [...]
“I need it” thinking can be dangerous.
Dangerous because it is occasionally true. But more often, we’ve simply confused our wants with our needs, resulting in more money flowing out and new “needs” sprouting up.
Needs usually fall along a scale. Food can be a matter of life or death, but usually the choice is between dining [...]
I am most likely to spend money when I am stressed or exhausted.
For this reason, I hate working.
But seriously, I am naturally very serious and analytical. I see potential hurdles as challenges, not problems. However, building our first house stretched the limits of my patience as we encountered roadblock after roadblock.
As the months rolled by, [...]
No, I’m not encouraging you to go out and spend money, but rather to remind you to make a conscious decision when you spend money.
Don’t spend money out of habit, routine, or reflex but rather spend your money on things that provide you true, lasting value or are at least things you actually want!
Intentionally spending [...]
