Imagine this: You, striding through Ross Dress for Less, armed with determination and a shopping cart, ready to conquer the fashion world. But wait – have you ever done the shopping cart shuffle, loading up your cart with enthusiasm, only to strategically put items back like a retail chess master? It’s not just a hypothetical situation; I’ve been there, done that, and more than once. Don’t judge me, please.
I used to be the reigning champion of shopping cart Olympics or, in a more upscale department store without carts, the ultimate limb-laden fashionista. My arm, draped with items, resembled a modern art installation. In this circumstance, my arm occasionally fell asleep under the weight of an extraordinary amount of clothing.😳😳. Store staff became my personal arm liberators, rescuing me from fashion-induced numbness, ohhhh so kind!
“But Valerie, how could you afford this with five kids and a crowd depending on you?” they’d ask. My nickname was First National Bank, and withdrawals were more common than deposits. Well, surprise – there was always a bit of money stashed somewhere. You know that they say that God looks out for fools and babies, and I’m claiming the title of the latter. LOL! The real question is, what form was the money in? A bit of cash, sure, but the trusty credit card hidden in my wallet behind insurance and frozen yogurt loyalty cards was always ready for a shopping spree.
After years of overstuffed closets, drawers, and containers that can’t close, I decided on a shopping hiatus for a year. No clothes, bags, or shoes – a frugal fairy tale, right?
Surprisingly, the story took an unexpected turn. Money left my wallet, not through retail therapy but due to a lack of budgeting skills. Enter the imaginary boulder of debt behind my seldom-used credit card.
But fear not, dear reader, for this tale takes a turn. The year of shopping abstinence brought enlightenment. It was time to reshape my financial narrative, turning money from a frenemy into a steadfast companion. No more cart juggling or arm-numbing extravaganzas.
Being broke doesn’t make an ebullient woman, so in the spirit of financial empowerment, let’s don our metaphorical big girl panties and confront our spending habits. Bid adieu to impulsive purchases and embrace budgeting brilliance. Because, my friend, to be truly ebullient, money must matter! Are you ready to embark on this financial odyssey with me? Let’s make it a journey of empowerment, encouragement, and fun!
I like my money where I can see it, hanging in my closet. ~ Sex and the City 🤣
