I received some money for Christmas and my birthday this year. Not hundreds and hundreds but enough that I don’t just want to blow it on groceries.
However… now that I’m a grown-up (!!!) it occurs to me that I probably need to make boring sensible decisions when it comes to my spending.
Naturally there’s stuff I want! Since finishing full-time work I’m on a pretty strict budget, which means minimal frivolities. So unexpected income immediately tempts me to get something I can’t usually afford: a facial or a massage; something new and exciting for my apartment walls; a new quilt (given my old one is on the sofa!); a fabulous mat for my lounge room floor; a very overdue new mattress for my bed; or even some personal training sessions.
The fabulous mat in question. Though I’d be happy with a smaller one!
However… the grown-up me reminds myself I have a shitload of other priorities: ie. stuff I ‘need’ rather than ‘want’.
My spa bath stopped working a month or two ago; my oven started playing up just before I went away at Christmas; the full-flush on my ensuite toilet no longer works; and I’ve now dropped my iPhone twice and the previously cracked screen is so shattered bits of glass are falling out of it. Oh and then there’s my TV which now only operates through my TiVo and ‘apparently’ I should get a specialist out to see if they can do something.
It seems I also need four (4) new tyres for my car. When it was serviced (several months overdue!) I was advised I’d need new tyres…. ‘soon’. I’m taking that to mean ‘not urgently’. 😉
And then there’s the dentist. And the usual bills. #eek
Naturally I’d much prefer to blow the money on something fun and exciting. I mean, HELLO?! Sadly however I realise I need to be a grown-up and separate my ‘wants’ from my ‘needs’. And then my ‘needs’ from the ‘things-I-need-desperately’ and put the money towards those. My new mattress, pretty things for my apartment and pampering treatments can wait. Alas.
As for the other stuff, I’m prioritising. Well, I’m procrastinating… but then I’ll prioritise. I swear!
Do you hate being an adult and having to make sensible grown-up decisions?
Which would you prioritise? Would you keep ‘some’ aside for a treat? *She asks hopefully*
PS. I should mention my bro and SIL gave me a JB HiFi voucher for bday/xmas. I SHOULD have bought another hard drive for backups but I blew it on DVDs… my first in 2yrs! Tres excitement!
PPS. This post is also filed under the tag of…. #firstworldproblems!
December 28, 2014
Ok, yep, being grown up is the sensible thing to do, but a little something nice is sometimes essential…
December 28, 2014
Fortunately the DVDs feel like a treat! Am glad I asked for the voucher instead of $!
December 28, 2014
Aww Deb I sometimes dislike being an adult because in this situation the sensible part of my mind would use the money to get those essential items done, but the fun part of me says get or do something special. There will always be bills. Maybe put most towards the essentials and part for something you really would like. Life is too short sweet. X
December 29, 2014
I was actually going to ask you Bec, if it’s a plumber or an electrician I’d need to have come out to look at my spa bath (the motor seems to be the problem – it splutters and does nothing!)!
Deb
December 28, 2014
Maybe the new tyres because I can’t be flippant about road safety, Deb, but once your adult conscience is mollified, it’s TREAT time! 🙂
December 29, 2014
Ah yes, the consensus is that it should be a combo. Yay!!!
December 29, 2014
I’m glad you got the DVDs. At least you get some sort of treat when you spend the rest of your birthday present on something practical.
December 29, 2014
Yes, the voucher was a very good idea! I’m trying to decide which series to start with!!!
December 29, 2014
Yes I think I’d go the new tyres because if they’re not roadworthy you’ll get a fine (more bills) or worse have an accident. Save some for a little treat though 🙂
December 29, 2014
Hmmm… must admit the tyres have been lowest on my priority list. I did ask the admin person (when picking up my car from its service) how urgent the tyres were. She said the mechanic would have noted it if they were very urgent. So I’m thinking…. sometime in the next 6 mths?! I probably should start looking for deals though because there may be some fabulous special which makes them more affordable!!!
December 29, 2014
Yes please save some for you! Think of it as mental health thing, it is technically then essential! I got 5 pairs of pajamas this year, I like surprises, but I think next year I am asking for vouchers.
December 30, 2014
Five pairs of PJs?! Wow! I’ve actually started working out how I’ll spend ‘some’ of the $. And I have put aside a little for some personal training sessions. I’ve contacted the trainer to say I can’t afford the large packages he offers but can buy an intro session and then a few single sessions to get on track!