Hi everyone and welcome to 2017! Hope you all had both a restful and fun holiday time.
I am fortunate to live close to Symons Valley Ranch, where the farmer’s market is located. This year they had live reindeer on display, and a chance to get your picture taken with one. Don’t ask me how they chose which reindeer had to be patient enough to get his or her picture taken with a lineup of people.
Before I went I had decided the maximum price I would be willing to pay, as a reindeer photo definitely falls into the category of want not need. When I got there the photo price was at the top end of what I considered acceptable to spend. Plus there was a lineup. I decided I wouldn’t wait in line.
I did unexpectedly spend the photo money because there was Alberta produce for sale. Apparently there are 3 greenhouses in Alberta that are open in the winter. I left feeling satisfied that I got some fantastic fresh produce and that I supported a small business.
Along the same train of thought, my cell phone is 3 years old. It is slightly slower than when I first bought it and there is some wear and tear. But it works well. My son in law keeps telling me I should replace it with a new model. And for the last 3 months I have been receiving offers to buy a new unlocked phone at what I consider reasonable prices. To top it all off I did get to actually see the newest model of the phone I want to buy, because one of my clients owns one.
So have I bitten? Not yet. Believe me I am very tempted! Part of the reasoning being that when my phone dies I would not be able to go for more than a few days without one, despite people being able to reach me at least 5 other ways. But I cannot justify spending hundreds of dollars when I don’t absolutely need to.
I recount these 2 stories because it always pays to evaluate one’s spending and saving habits. Sure I might hold on to the purse strings a little too tightly. But self employment offers less security than being an employee. Also advertising and marketing place a great emphasis on trying to get people to buy new and more STUFF, which is bad for both the planet and my wallet. Every wage earner needs to evaluate their financial goals and how their habits either positively or negatively influence their future financial independence. I am here to be your sounding board on those reflections. Remember those 2 words financial independence, as I will be discussing them in more detail in another blog post.