Fabulous Financials

Is it possible for a person to become addicted to bargain hunting? After reading this MSN article, “When bargain hunting is an addiction,” I learned something new. People who buy things just because it’s on sale, whether they need it or not, are called bargain junkies. LOL! Six signs that you may be a bargain junkie are:

1. They hit sales and clearance racks when they feel angry or down.
2. They spend more than they can afford.
3. They see sales as opportunities they can’t pass up.
4. They feel guilty about their shopping and hide their purchases.
5. They spend so much time tracking down deals that their time with family and friends is compromised.
6. They routinely forget what they bought and find things in their closets unused.

Then it hit me. My mom is a bargain junkie! I can recall a few useless things she’s purchased over the past year. Umm, let’s see.

She sent BabyGirl a pair of bright red slacks and a blazer. *blink blink*
Her thoughts, “oh she can play dress up, they were only $5!”

Then there was the superman lunch box.
Her thoughts, “she can use it as a pencil holder or something, I found for 50 cents!” *blank stare*

Or how about the sweater that was 3 sizes too small.
Her thoughts, “girl if she can’t fit it, put it on the dog! It was only $2!” *dead*

Needless to say, BabyGirl receives a new package from my mother at least once per month. But she’s rarely excited about opening them. Can’t blame her. My mom is a bargain junkie!

Have you ever bought something silly just because it was on sale?

…but I don’t feel like organizing my thoughts and writing clear, coherent sentences.

If I did, I would tell you all about my weekend. The weekend of hanging out with two different sets of girlfriends, one on Friday and one on Saturday, and having an absolutely fabulous time both nights. I would attempt to paint a picture so you can see how much I have in common with the both sets of girlfriends, yet how different they are - as a group and individually. Despite the differences, I love them all the same.

Then I would describe the activities and mention the financial impact of each night. For example…I would tell you that Friday night involved a home made meal of curry chicken, dessert, wine (Moscato and Shiraz), Martin, The Wire, cross dresser impersonations, teen slang (what’s a BOB?), pole dancing (don’t ask!), budget shopping for designer digs, and personal finance.

Total cost: $0

Then I would tell you that Saturday night involved a dining out meal of ribeye steak, mixed drinks (Mai Tais and Watermelon Margaritas), partial birthday celebration, partial “thank gawd she finally dumped that sorry dude” celebration, male bashing, recommendations for new and improved standards (read: having a legal 40 hr job aint enough honey), viewing of Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins, followed by dessert drinks (mudslide with ice cream), new spring clothing lines, and you guessed it - personal finance. LOL

Total cost: $53

Notice: where ever there is Single Ma, there will be fashion and finance. LOL!

My stomach is sore from all the laughs and my head hurts from all the drinks, but I still need to do laundry, gather suits to drop off at the cleaners, clean my house, schedule some bill payments, prepare my tenant’s lease renewal letter, research last minute spring break excursions, take BabyGirl to work, cook Sunday dinner, wash and set my hair, get caught up on my blog reading, and mentally prepare for my leadership class this week.

But I don’t feel like it.

I sure wish I could write that blog post to tell you about my weekend though.

I think I need a Tylenol…

Early last week, a friend of mine invited me to lunch, but I declined because I didn’t want to spend any money. After making up several excuses (i.e. I have to finish this report, have a meeting that may run over, don’t feel like walking to the metro, etc.), she insisted and wouldn’t take no for an answer. So I blurted out “are you treating!” to which she responded “girl, you know I got you.” LOL Read more »

I don’t even know how to explain the 5 minute conversation I just had with my cousin. Let me preface this by saying, she lives in housing and works at Wa.lm.art.

The timing belt on her Daewoo (sp?) broke and she put it in the shop. After nearly 2 weeks, the mechanic told her that the timing belt damaged the engine valve so the car was basically irreparable. She asked about the price of an engine, which turns out to be ~$2,300.

Instead of getting a second opinion - OR
Researching the price of a used engine - OR
Replacing the engine - OR
Looking for a decent used car - OR
Buying a decent used car - OR
Calling Single Ma for her opinion - OR
Asking Single Ma for her help.

This chic goes out and buys a BRAND NEW car!!!

Single Ma: *choke* you did what!

Single Ma’s Cousin: Girl, I got me a new ride!! LOL

SM: *confused* And whyyyyy?

SMC: Umm, so I can get to work.

SM: But why did you need a NEW car? And what kind of car is it?

SMC: It’s not really ‘new’. It’s a 2007 Chevy Malibu.

SM: A Malibu? *rolling my eyez* And how much did you pay for it?

SMC: The man worked it out for me so my payments are only $300/month.

SM: You can’t afford $300/month. HOW MUCH DID YOU PAY FOR IT?

SMC: What do you mean?

SM: The CAR girl! How much did you pay for the car?

SMC: Oh, I don’t know. About $12,000 I think.

[continues to talk but her words are incomprehensible]

SM: *tuning out conversation* Girl, let me call you back.

SMC: *still yapping*

SM: *click*

I don’t even know what to say…

*thinking* I need a glass of wine.

I love the DC area because I’m surrounded by friends and associates who are exactly like me - young, educated, career oriented, progressive, financially savvy, like-minded individuals. Although we share similar interests, we all bring something unique to the table. Our differences complement one another, and even when we disagree, it’s with a mutual respect. None of my friends are biological relatives, but I consider them my family. When we’re together, I feel comfortable and at home.

On the other hand, home - the geographical location where my maternal family members reside - doesn’t quite feel like “home” anymore. I don’t visit often, but when I do, I’m reminded of why each visit becomes fewer and farther between. Is it possible to outgrow your own family? I love them with every fiber of my being, but some of their behavior makes absolutely no sense to me. For example:

1 - A conversation with my aunt who drives a 2006 Ford Expedition.

I just saw the new 2008 and I’m thinking about getting one.

Why, what’s wrong with the one you have?

It doesn’t have all the features I want. Plus I’m ready for something different.

You’re going to buy a new truck because you want more “features?” Are you serious? After 2 years, isn’t it half paid for by now?

Yea, but so what. I’ll always have a car payment anyway.

*blank stare*

2 - A conversation with two cousins about Black Friday sales.

Hey SM, you going with us to Walmart tomorrow.

I don’t know, what time you going?

We’ll probably get up around 4 cuz the store opens at 5.

*smacks my teeth* Oh hellz to the naw! I aint getting up at the crack of dawn with y’all heffas. And for what anyway?

We’re going to get Bratz dolls.

*blink*

Girl, they’ll be on sale for $10!

So?

And the regular price is $19.97!

*blink* x 2

3 - A conversation with my Mom as she warns me about a cousin who thinks the world is against her.

Have you seen B yet?

Nope, not yet. How is she doing anyway?

Wait ’til you see her. I’ll let you judge for yourself.

Oh lawd, what has she been up to?

*lowers her voice* [we're the only two in the house lol] I’ma go ‘head and tell you, but you aint heard it from me. When you see her, she’s going to tell you anyway. So act surprised. OK?

[silent, waiting for her to spill the beans]

[giving me the side eye as she tilts her head like "you heard WTF I just said!" lol]

*laughing* Aight ma, I’ll act surprised! Just tell me, dang! LOL

*smack* What I tell you ’bout saying that word around me.

Sh…I mean, my bad. That aint even a cuss word. *turn my head to roll my eyes* So you gonna tell me or what?

Hmph! You might as well say the cuss word. Dang. Dag. Damn. It’s all the same to me! But yea girl, she’s living in a shelter! *pause for effect* And she’s not speaking to anyone but S [her sister] because she thinks WE “let” her get kicked out of her apartment.

*shocked* Daaaang…oops, I’m sorry ma. But why is she living in a shelter! And why didn’t y’all call me if she needed something!?!

Cuz I wasn’t about to bother you with her crap. Trust me, you don’t know the half.

Well, why did she get kicked out?

Why you think!? Cuz she aint pay the damn rent! See, that’s how you cuss. *smile*

But I thought she was on that program.

She is, but she’s still responsible to pay some of it herself. She got behind 3 months and they evicted her.

Well da…I mean, how much was her portion!?!?

I’m not sure, but S told me it was only $50/month.

*cross-eyed*

Stop looking at me like that before I slap you again. I knew I shouldn’t have said anything. You better act surprised when she tells you!

[silent and in shock]

You hear me?!?

[doing the mental math ($50 x 3) - still in shock]

Shyt! Well just don’t say *I* told you. LOL

As I sit in the comfort of my NoVA apartment, I recall many more examples of what I consider irrational behavior. Eventually, I accept the fact that there are some things in life I’ll never understand.

~*~*~*~*~*~
Work to achieve, not to acquire.
And as always, BE FABULOUS!