Tina vs Money

Posted: June 28, 2011 at 4:00 pm

I like to tell people that I don’t like to shop. I lie. I actually love to shop, but have such a hard time with that pesky little requirement that goes along with shopping – spending dough. I spend money more readily on some things, but clothes shopping poses the biggest challenge. I always want new, cute outfits…but rarely purchase any because I have a hard time justifying something I don’t need need.

This past weekend we had some uncommon down time with no plans. We heard the outlets not too far from us had some great summer sales going on. Peter suggested we hit up the outlets for a fun way to kill some time together as a family and see what the stores had to offer. I didn’t plan on purchasing anything for myself. I have a trip to Philly to save for after all. 😉

But then….

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I saw a couple of cute dresses in Gap. Oh. I could use a new dress after the meltdown I almost had trying to find a dress a couple months ago.

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And they looked pretty good. Then, a visit into one of my favorite stores, LOFT, left me eyeing some mannequins up and down wanting to nab their apparel for myself.

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And did I mention the sales? Yea…I pulled out my wallet.

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40% off the black dress from Gap (same as the green one pictured above), 30% off the white skirt, and 50% off the green tank (both from LOFT). Two outfits for $55 doesn’t sound so bad! Besides, it fits in the “blow money” portion of my budget. I left the outlets with a little pep in my step and can’t wait to rock the new looks. 🙂

Tina = 100 points. Money = 0 points.

Sadly my victory over money’s hold didn’t last forever. I had to say no to an opportunity I would have loved to pursue…because of money. The opportunity related to sharing my story and experiences overcoming binge eating – something which I feel incredibly passionate. I wanted to sign up in a heartbeat. But it included a travel commitment that I felt I couldn’t fund in good conscience.

Much of the income from my blog we have budgeted towards travel and other fun splurges for myself and my family. I would have enough to fund this trip and opportunity, but at the price of not putting that money into the savings for a special trip Peter & I hope to take next year to celebrate 5 years of marriage. I wanted so badly to say yes and follow through on a great chance to learn and network with others over one of my passions, but couldn’t give up a good chunk of change that could go towards my family.

Tina = 100 points / Money = 17984279808143 points.

Dang money getting in the way! Do you think the rest of the world could get on board with God’s desire for the world to revolve around love instead of money? I have plenty of love I can pay with!

  • Do you have a hard time justifying shopping for certain things like clothes?
  • What’s something you would do if money didn’t have to be involved?

 
66 Comments to “Tina vs Money”
  1. Krit says:

    So glad you got some new clothes! I honestly just thought you weren’t into clothes, that is not a negative comment there are plenty of people who enjoy their clothes from the distant past! My mom is one of them, and still wears some of me and my sister’s clothes from high school and we are in our mid 30’s. Haha! And so many things come back around into style too, might as well hold onto them.

  2. hate hate hate money. I feel the burden right now with no income. My pesky little blog money is the only thing I have and it will be used for hair appointments and fun things.

  3. […] dippage. Hummus = one of the items axed at the end of the month, lower on the budget grocery trip. Money scores again in our never ceasing […]

  4. HOlly says:

    Dang Tina, those are some fantastic deals!!!
    I LOVE the green dress on you, I’m sure the black will look just as fabulous- the cut is great! 🙂

  5. Those dresses are adorable! I love a good sale:) Love Gap’s dresses (and Old Navy and Banana Republic, too!)

  6. I love this post Tina! I too struggle with the same conundrums. I do, though, spend money on clothing when it is pieces that I feel are necessary for me to look professional at work or just feel good about myself and how my body looks. I am willing to spend more on quality items that will last a long time (I’m notorious for that!). So each season I evaluate my wardrobe and fill in the gaps without going crazy on spending!

  7. Why does money have to be such a pesk?!?! I fight the money war daily, but every so often you definitely have to treat yourself. It’s even better when you find such cute outfits on sale. Nice work!

  8. I am the same way Tina — I I try not to think of money as “mine,” and that definitely puts it into perspective. I rarely spend money on “wants,” and try to make sure my “needs” are justified and wise… But it can be so hard to pass on opportunities to stick to my values sometimes! I hear ya, sister 😉 Wish the world could revolve around Love.

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