Brithanglishman/Flickr
Time to play that game again where I review my monthly credit card bill and pick one purchase. That I really. Should not. Have bought.
Groan.
This month’s dishonorable mention goes to the $10.99 I spent getting my car washed and vacuumed. Yes, my mother was coming to town and I wanted her to think my car is always neat and tidy.
But making time to wash it myself at the drive-in car wash would have done the job just as nicely – and only cost $4. Last month’s regrettable credit card purchase was a USB postal scale that cost me $8.10. Readers had plenty of spending problems, too.
On a happier note, my credit card bill last month dropped significantly – a few hundred dollars. Was it tied to the self-induced public credit card bill flogging? Perhaps!!
What do you regret buying this month?
UPDATE: Christine regrets a sweet birthday purchase.
Oh boy! I’ve got a doozy! My daughter turned one year old this past weekend and we were having a SMALL party. Nothing fancy, just cake and appetizers. I was in a hurry and had heard about a great bakery in Canoga Park. I went in and spent $70 on a cake for a one year old. I must have been out of my mind. I could have gone to Costco and spent $16.99. ARGH!!! DUMB, DUMB, DUMB. The cake was good, but not THAT good! Lesson learned!
Mike has NO regrets. Kudos to you!
This is my favorite post of the week. Because it makes me look back on my week and go “what shouldn’t have I bought?” I did good this week! I only bought necessities! Go me!
Hi folks,
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aka Bargain Babe
Gwenypics/Flickr
I’ve been feeling generous towards a low-income friend lately. Not that he needs any help, but I am able to give it. I’m not interested in giving this friend a loan, but I’m considering subsidizing various activities with him, like picking up the lunch tab or treating him to a movie.
The prospect of giving gifts to a friend outside of Christmas, birthdays, and special occasions makes me nervous. Is this even appropriate? Will I hurt his pride? I called etiquette expert Nancy Mitchell for tips. Here’s what she advised.
What are the rules when it comes to giving gifts to friends?
I think the number one rule is to know the friend and know how to proceed. Would the person be wiling to accept things or is the person extremely proud and you’ll have to use subterfuge?
Let’s start with the person who may be very proud and not be willing to take what they think is charity. You can call them up and say, I got a gift certificate to a restaurant or theater. I would love to have you come with me, are you available? They might not have to know you went out and bought the gift certificate yourself.
Or say, Someone gave me two tickets to the hockey game. Would you like to go? If you had a friend who had children, give child care once and a while. I’d love to babysit sometime. Can I babysit and give you an evening out? Or say ‘I’ve got too much of a certain product. Pass things on, share some of the wealth. Offer to share frequent flyer miles.
Is it ethical to give gifts like this to friends who, if they knew the whole story, would say no?
I think it is because you don’t have an ulterior motive. You are giving from your heart and you are showing great sensitivity to someone’s situation. It’s not going to hurt anyone, it’s going to help.
What are the no-nos of giving?
You would never let anyone in on the secret. It’s between you and whoever is the recipient. Because if the cat got out of the bag there could be some hard feelings.
What about if your friend is open to receiving gifts? (more…)
Reader Debra wins my review copy of Creative Unemployment: How To Transcend Job Loss
I would love to read this book. I have been looking for work since the end of April – it is very emotionally draining.
I hope this book helps you get through this difficult time, Debra. If you missed my review of the book, author Harlan Kidwell Jr. focuses on the emotional journey that follows getting laid off. One thing that comes up often – even when you have a job – is how to talk about money with friends who want to spend more than you do. Socializing can be a minefield when you are cutting back!
To reduce spending, go over your budget again or attend a totally free swap meet.
