How do your friends and others affect your choices regarding money?
Given the fact that I diagnosed my wallet with bulimia shortly before I received an e-mail from the 20sb folks announcing the next Carnival topic, I feel it's only fitting that I weigh (heh) in.
To answer the question straight off the bat - my friends may as well take sole responsibility for the poor health of my bank account. Well, my friends and New York City.
Between $10 deli sandwiches, $7-$10 domestic beers (and I'm not even talkin' the handcrafted, artisanal sort - tangentially, I'm dying to try this SixPoint Dr. Klankenstein brew), $20 brunches, $12 movie tickets, and lord knows whatever other astronomical prices I pay for consumer items, the 'ol wallet is a little ragged.
"Budget! Personal restraint! Savings!" you may say. Ha. Impossible. I've tried. No really, I have. May I present, for your consideration, Exhibit A:
The LP (heterosexual Life Partner):
Hello Loves - I was just glancing over the weather report, and discovered that this very Friday we are going to be treated to one of those marvelously idyllic 85 degree and sunny days in NYC. As such, I do believe we are required to celebrate. And of course, as it’s Friday we are mandated to consume copious amounts of alcohol. Therefore, I propose a drinking celebration at one of this great city’s many outdoor watering holes. Frying Pan… maybe, Berry Park… perhaps, Blockheads… always a crowd pleaser. So let me know if you are willing to take up the charge. Will dream go on to live in infamy or will it die embarrassed and withering in the corner.
Me:
I just blew a ton ‘o cash on plane tickets home. I think I might attempt the impossible this weekend – STAYING IN! Dah dah duuuuhn …. Any who, keep me posted on your imbibing plans just in case. xo
LP:
1. A trip back to Texas = Super exciting
2. Boo for spending lots of money
3. This is not an acceptable excuse to avoid fun for a weekend
a. Do you understand that it is going to be 85 and sunny?
i. Are you going to sit in your apt and cry by yourself all night while watching reruns of the Bachelor?
b. Have I taught you nothing
i. Pre-gaming is basically free
ii. Buy a huge pitcher at the bar and drink all night for like $15
c. Did you read my email
i. It was amazing
ii. I sound like an 18th century lord
4. You do not have a choice.
a. You must attend as referenced in my email.
That is all.
Me:
Dear 18th Century Lord, Where art thou imbibing this splendid summer’s eve?
Regards, Wench #6 (per the order of initial correspondence)
You see - impossible, I say!
Good 'ol Charles Schwab spotted the severity of my financial illness from a mile away. This handy dandy financial fitness check-in tool has proclaimed me unfit to be a responsible 20-something adult (which is funny because I also proclaimed myself responsible in the same post that I discussed the horrid state of my finances).
A 24 I tell you! Not. Good. Ah well, perhaps Chuck can help me sort this out. And if not, at least he has painstakingly focused my attention upon the woeful state of my finances.
Thanks friends. And New York.
*Disclaimer: This post is part of the 20SB Blog Carnival: Friends & Money, sponsored by Charles Schwab. Prizes may be awarded to selected posts. The information and opinions expressed in this post do not reflect the views or opinions of Charles Schwab. Details on the event, eligibility, and a complete list of participating bloggers can be found here.
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3 comments:
Your score was a bit better than mine..ugh, this whole being poor in your 20s (and further beyond) trend really needs to go away!
24? I think we need to talk. Seriously though, New York City is expensive I don't know that I'd survive there, especially with the level of peer pressure that you're under.
Haha, I seriously thought about rounding up (a lot) for the sake of my reputation ... but yes, my age surpasses my current level of financial capability ...
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