I think for most women, shopping is a fun activity. We all do it for different reasons. Some have to have the latest and greatest fashions. Some are in it for the hunt, of a great bargain. Some women even refer to shopping as therapy.
I will admit, I do love to shop. In my defense, I shop for others mostly. I like coming across something that, So'n'So must have, and being able to buy it for them.
I did mention "mostly" right? I do have a personal addiction that can be very costly. FABRIC! I love to sew. And when I started sewing again a couple of years ago, I became obsessed with fabric. Now, my spare bedroom has been turned into a studio and it's wall to wall fabrics. When you consider that I buy high end fabrics, $8 to $13 per yard, you realize that a big chunk of money is sitting in my studio. And don't even get me started on the machines.
My addiction to fabric is why I started selling my creations online again. I needed something to do with all the stuff I was making, and some funds to support the habit.
My husband used to get irritated with the amount of money. With rude or nasty comments about my spending on fabrics. Until last Christmas that is.
I hadn't even been selling for a year yet. So he couldn't see any profits. All he saw was the spending. Until Christmas shopping season began. And all of the sudden, I was getting orders almost everyday. And by the time it was all said and done, I had paid for Christmas. What I made online covered it all. Which worked out great, because he was unemployed last Christmas.
This year, he has been very encouraging. Excited even, about my Christmas sales.
So yes, I do love to spend money. On all sorts of things, not just fabric. But I also realize that in order to have this privilege I must also contribute. Everything I buy, that isn't considered a 'need', more than pays for itself in the long run. My husband is usually understanding. The bills come first. We pay for everything with cash, so we owe no one. I think it works out well in the end.
I have opinions about women who don't work, but run through the household money like water. I have met them. And I feel sorry for their husbands. But that's all I am going to say on the subject.
How about you? Do you know someone who is out spending all the money, while hubby is busting his butt to earn it? What's your opinion about this sort of behavior?
Missy
Life In Left Field
Teens to Adults - Talk and listen
5 years ago
8 comments:
Yes, my husband is spending all the money
I have quite a few friends that I've known since high school that are "trophy wives". Don't work, kids are gone all day at school, husbands are working - and they are out shopping. Sometimes I wish I could shop that much (good LORD do I love to shop!). But then I remember that I'm a single mom and I just can't do that. But I know that my kids will grow up knowing the value of a dollar and I would never want them to grow up watching mommy do nothing but SPEND.
Sometimes I wonder if those women who spend out of their husbands account realize that it also goes towards other things like food and bills.
Several years ago my wife and I started a shared checking account. The next thing I knew I was bouncing checks. I knew I had the money, where did it go. Unfortunately my wife only took money out of the shared account and did not put any in. Since then she puts money in her account to pay for her things and I put money in the shared account to pay for bills and my things.
I currently pay for all of the hose bills (electric, phone, gas, etc.) and most of the rent. I realize that she will be retiring before I do and have been reducing the amount she has to pay for rent so that by the time she retires I will handle all of the household expenses.
We both LOVE to shop, but we typically share the load. If she's between paychecks I offer to pay, and vice-versa. I think it all works out in the end.
I did have one friend whose husband made less than forty thousand a year, but spent like he brought home a six figure income. They bought a huge home in a gated community, she shopped at the upscale grocery stores, went on an expensive family trip, and even went and bought a horse and a boat.
Now her husband is unemployed and somehow her spending habits are still the same. It's sad.
Its all about how much you 'saved', right! Love to shop - its such a bonding exercise with friends and family. Also, love to work, hate credit so it balances out.
I only use shopping for important things... like when I'm sad, or when I'm happy, or when I want to make myself feel better, or make myself make someone else feel better...
lol.
I LOVE to shop!
If I had more money I would spend it. I save because I have to... but if I could, I'd spend.
I was a stay at home mom and I spent my husbands money. He didn't mind... cause he gave me what I could spend.
I work and make my own money...
But have you guys found out that when you have money it's harder to spend??? but when you don't you know exactly what you will do with money if you did have it???
That's something to think about! :)
Great post as always Missy!
So true Shelle...it's easier to spend someone else's money than the one you earn yourself.
Hubby is tightwad and very frugal with spending. I just never had money to spend to begin with and then those few times I work outside the home, I really don't like the feeling of having money in your hand one minute and it's gone the next minute.
I've been getting a little crazy on spending money on little girl's stuff, my youngest is three and seems like everything they made for little girls nowadays are just too irresistable to pass up. I guess fortunately for us, the closest mall or any department store to us is 45 minutes away and I don't really like long drives unless I absolutely have to so that helped curve my shopping frenzy.
Like you, I can't understand women who spend money like it was nobody's business esp. when the husbands work really hard just to make ends meet.
Really great post, Missy.
We spend to much on shopping!
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