If it isn’t one thing, it’s another. Doesn’t that always seem to be the case? I’m not talking about mishaps, setbacks, trials, or tribulations. What I’m referring to is your inability to relax. Why can’t you just bask in your glory?
Even if your money isn’t right at this very instant, I’ll bet you’ve achieved several lofty non-financial related goals in your lifetime. I know I’m not the only one who struggles with Chronic Malcontentedness Syndrome. The instant I accomplish one goal that required a great deal of time and sacrifice, without pausing to take half a breath, I’m off to the next one.
I think it was around the time I entered middle school that I adopted my life’s theory of “if you’re not reaching for the stars, then life isn’t worth living.”
That’s crazy isn’t it? And here you thought sharks were the only ones who risked their lives by staying still.
When I was in grade school, I wanted to go to a middle school for the gifted and academically talented. I went.
When I was in middle school, I wanted to go to a college preparatory high school. I went.
When I was in high school, I wanted to attend a four-year university and have my tuition paid for because my mama didn’t save any money for me to go. I went to college and received a 100% scholarship for my tuition. (I had to foot the bill for room and board. Grrr.)
When I was in college, I wanted to graduate summa cum laude and work for a Big 4 accounting firm upon graduation. Okay, I fell a taste short of the summa cum laude accolades, but I did work for a Big 4 accounting firm upon graduation as well as during a couple winter internships.
When I went to work for PricewaterhouseCoopers I wanted to become a CPA, so I studied my fanny off and worked like heck while accomplishing that goal.
And on and on I went. On and on I go.
When is it okay to do nothing? To not strive for anything? To kick your crusty heels up, unbuckle your pants, and say to yourself, “I’ve done good by me?”
I don’t have an answer for you or myself for that matter. The post title may have been more appropriately framed, thru pouted lips, as “Why you can’t enjoy yo’ money or yo’ life, Willis?
Well, Willis….why can’t chu?
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I did not successfully adhere to my menu plan last week, but it wasn’t my fault.
The exact day is a little fuzzy, but I think it was Tuesday when the plan fell apart. It all began when I started starving. Too hungry to wait for a delicious, home cooked meal, I decided I’d drive to KFC for an order of fried hot wings and potato wedges.
Since you tend to get more bang for your buck at the supermarket, I had the brilliant idea to pick up some sort of frozen entrée from Harris Teeter instead. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but I thought I’d figure it out once I had a chance to look around.
Well, I didn’t figure it out. I ended up buying a bunch of crap I didn’t need: beer battered fish sticks, ice cream, mozzarella cheese sticks, buffalo wings, and tater tots. I don’t know what came over me.
I exited Harris Teeter $33 poorer and covered in shame.
With all the convenience food safely tucked away in my freezer, I couldn’t resist not cooking. It was too easy.
Next time I’ll know better.
Monday/Tuesday – Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff over Rice (modified to include garlic and beef bouillon cube)
Wednesday/Thursday – Baked Salmon & Broccoli
Friday/Saturday – Salisbury Steak and Green Beans
Sunday – Broiled Trout with Rosemary, Lemon, and Garlic and Mashed Potatoes
Find other menu plan options on Menu Plan Monday at I’m an Organizing Junkie.
We all have bad weeks. What events usually cause your menu plans to go awry?
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As is often the case, a spark of inspiration ignited inside me when I heard something stupid. It’s no secret I’m socially liberal and fiscally conservative. There are times when the twain meet.
Tell a conservative these days you’re liberal, in any respect, and they immediately wax on about how Democrats are ruining this nation, President Obama is a socialist, and rising rich folks like myself are going to be taxed into obscurity40 years from now.
Surely we should be concerned about the decisions our elected representatives allegedly make on our behalf. But some people are just ridiculous.
Allow me to paraphrase a recent exchange I had with an individual who’s aware of my political leanings.
Me: I’m not ready to buy a house yet.
Crazy Person: I dunno. Obama just spends, spends, spends. If you voted Republican they’d cut taxes, and you’d be able to afford a house.
You see what I’m talking about?
Never mind that I’m not ready to buy a house because I despise debt, and I’m seriously pondering a 100% down plan for my first home. The possibility I’m not in a place personally to commit to such a permanent decision also deserves no further consideration. Apparently, the gov’ment has it grubby little legislative hands in every aspect of my life.
Let’s all aimlessly run in circles, screaming and flapping our arms in the air while randomly setting stuff on fire. All hope is lost.
After writing all that, I’m beginning to realize perhaps my reaction is a bit exaggerated. But to suggest the actions of Republicans, Democrats, Tea Baggers, Libertarians, and the like, will somehow influence my decision to buy a home is absolutely absurd. Maybe the promises of our ever reliable leaders led many people to buy an asset as expensive, illiquid, and risky as a piece of real property, but dis chick ain’t one of ‘em.
Besides, tax cuts in the foreseeable future are extreeeeeeeemely unlikely. There are times in our personal lives where cutting spending isn’t enough to pay off debt. Sometimes you have to increase income. That’s the case for our nation as well. Taxes must be raised to pay off the national debt.
And even if by some miracle Republicans find a way to reduce tax rates, there wouldn’t be enough extra coins in my current paycheck to justify a decision to move from renter to owner. I’d be too afraid Democrats would regain control of the legislature and raise taxes again. I’m just kidding…sorta. 
Don’t get me wrong. There are times when government regulations can directly impact our lives. They’ve directly impacted my life, but let’s not give them too much credit. We still exercise a great deal of control.
What do you think? What impact does the government have on your financial life?
Photo Credit: Gawnesco
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