Money Will Take Care of ItselfSidetracked Sisters

Money is a loaded topic to me. When I was younger, I never really gave money too much of a thought. We always seemed to have enough money to do the things I wanted to do and buy the things I wanted to buy. I had no reason to feel deprived by a lack of money. When I reached the age of 16, I got a job. My first thought when getting a job had nothing to do with making money, but rather I just felt like it was the natural or expected thing to do. Continuing thru college, I kept working, but my first thought was never about the fact of making money which is proven by the fact that I got my nails done every 4 weeks. In addition, the only reason I worked was to keep busy. For example, when I would go home on summer break, I worked 2 part-time jobs, but the only reason for the 2nd job was to keep my mind off the fact that my boyfriend and I had broken up.

Once I got married was when my thoughts on money began to change. All throughout my marriage, it was presented to me that I was not able to spend my money as I wanted. The perception was that we were living check to check and there was nothing extra available. This just made me feel rebellious and made me want to have my own money to spend. I began my Schneider Consulting computer services as a result. Any money that I made thru that entity was mine if I wanted. I would give some of it to the joint fund, but a majority was for things I wanted so I wasn’t presented with a guilt trip for spending anything.

This mindset toward money has persisted even after the divorce. I don’t like the feeling of not being able to have the things I want when I want them. I am definitely one that loves instant gratification. This has also made it challenging to teach my kids the value of money.

Bradley spends money as if it’s going out of style. I am still the holder of his savings account (which he is unable to even see) because if he sees how much is there, he will spend it. This arrangement is his choice.

Nathan also spends money as fast as he receives it, but now that he is living on his own, he is beginning to realize that he can’t always do that. He recently said to me “Mom – guess what? Did you know that you don’t have to spend a $1700 check as soon as you get it?” LOL

Jessica is my miser. She can talk herself out of buying a $1.00 item because she doesn’t want to spend the money. If she had her way, she’d never spend a dime.

Money can make life so much easier when you have a comfortable amount, but what constitutes that amount? I know how much is too little when it comes to how much money you need available, but when is the amount of money you have in your account too much? I guess if I’m asking that question, I’m not there yet.