• « Money causes Conflict & Confusion | Home | Am I LOST financially? »

    Lessons from the Masters

    By admin | April 7, 2009

    Yesterday I got to attend an experience of a lifetime and went to Augusta National to see some AMAZING sights at the Masters golf tournament

    Some points of interest:

    It was a bit unusual, people (including us) were standing in line just to get in the gift shop.  To spend money on the most overpriced merchandise.  And you know what…it was contagious.  I began thinking all the things that I was going to spend money on and the tally was racking up.  If it weren’t for the fact that as soon as I got in, it was a mad house (10 times worst than Black Friday), I would have bought stuff.  I had to escape as quickly as possible so I ended up not spending money.

    But it made me think how impulsive of a shopper I am.  I really was about to spend some major money just because it is easy for me to catch the shopping fever.

    I do not know why I am an impulse shopper but it is my nature and I have to place solid guidelines in the arena in my finances for the rest of my life to truly combat this.I get what I like to call “buyer’s remorse.” I will be super excited about something and then get it, I get into this funk where I feel guilty and stupid for spending so much on it.

    I find myself time & time again giving into impulse rather than patience.

    I have learned (and continue to learn) this about myself. Therefore I have implemented what is called the $100 rule in my life.

    For every $100 that I want to spend on a purchase, I must wait one day before I make the purchase.

    If a new purchase costs $100, I have to wait one day until I can purchase the item.

    If a new iPod costs $400, I have to wait four days until I can purchase the iPod.

    If a new MacBook Pro costs $1400, I have to wait two weeks until I can purchase the MacBook.

    By doing this I have a built in period where I can fight impulse. If you find yourself wired like me, implementing healthy guidelines can absolutely aid to transitioning from being in a financial mess to being financially free.

    And just to be honest, this built in time allows the holy spirit to get a hold of me and I can be sure if I am making purchases to advance the kingdom or if I am just being selfish.

    Topics: Heart |

    Comments

    You must be logged in to post a comment.