Confessions of a window-shopper
20/05 - Category: Family, Me Time
Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know. -Daniel J. Boorstin
Recently I was walking through Sydney’s CBD at lunchtime. I’m not there that often so I found the vibrancy and congestion of the place quite intense. It’s certainly a different world from the day-to-day of getting 4 kids ready for the school run! I confess I felt out of place among all the impeccably dressed business men and women rushing around. Walking past the gorgeous shop window displays only fuelled the insecurity I felt about my own, let’s call it, “relaxed” appearance.
Eventually I succumbed and wandered into Emporio Armani. Although I felt slightly intimidated in front of the elegant sales staff I decided to look through the racks of beautiful clothing. Classic pants, sexy skirts and cute tops, it soon became obvious that my wardrobe was in dire need of a makeover. I desperately wanted an update and my mind was already rationalising it. But looking at the price tags quickly jolted me back to reality. What was I thinking?
I exited the store empty handed. Interestingly, on the ride home on the train that afternoon the clothes didn’t linger in my mind. Writing this now I can’t even remember one outstanding piece, so I know my life would not have significantly improved if I had splurged.
This is impulse buying at it finest. Rather than planning ahead for the purchase and really enjoying it, I nearly allowed my feelings about my appearance on the day to override my better judgement and cause a major budget blowout.
The point is that it can take discipline and strength to stick to a budget. A bag of new things might make me feel gorgeous in the short-term but to be a real winner I need to stay in control and keep my eye on the finish line.
And according to a recent study at San Francisco State University, money spent on experiences rather than possessions is more likely to make us happy over the long term. The research suggests that this could be because experiences help us feel closer to others, such as our friends or family and more alive, while the initial pleasure we get from a new possession tends to fade within a couple of months.
To this end, I’ve looked at my finances and planned a sensible budget. While it might seem dull now, when I’m on the holiday I’ve got planned with my family – and for a long time after, I’m sure it won’t seem so boring then.
June 1st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Deirdre AlbrightonI have also raised four children who are now adults and living their own lives, but i remember how hard it was over the years to pay for the things they needed so much and how i often went without so they could have what they needed for school and so on. ANZ have been with me on this journey and even in recent years running my own business they have been there to advise
when i asked. The key is to take advice, consider it and build it into your plan.
There is a wealth of infromation to be gleaned from a simple conversation, but often people are embarrased to ask.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:11 pm
PhoebeNever a truer word has been spoken - life experiences and wonderful memories are what makes the world go around, not material possesions and the size of your wardrobe.
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:02 am
TriciaMiles18Some time ago, I did need to buy a good car for my business but I didn’t have enough cash and could not buy anything. Thank God my sister suggested to take the loan at reliable bank. Hence, I did that and used to be satisfied with my collateral loan.