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Expensive Toys

The more we earn, the more we spend Remember back in the day when LEGOS were enough to satisfy your need for enjoyment?

Oh, sure, you longed for that pretty pink Barbie jeep with the in-car phone (sigh!), but with that LEGO set, you erected a fantasy world for your imagination to be lost in for hours on end.

Flash forward. What are your favorite leisure time activities? Attending a major league baseball game? Watching your big-screen t.v.? Riding a motorcycle? A wise person once said, "As we get older, our toys cost more".

My friends, I'm here today to remind you that once upon a time, we did not splurge our money continuously on unnecessary things. And when we did splurge our precious allowance money, it was well worth the effort because we knew in our hearts it was something we would use well.

But as we get older, we assume the position of employee. Not long after, our bank accounts are getting fatter with each paycheck. Naturally, we must spend it! A splurge may start out small. A cell phone, perhaps? But you need it! What if you got into an accident? Were going to be late? Had to change your plans at the last minute? WHAT IF YOU MISSED THE LATEST GOSSIP ON THE KIMBERLY-AND-SHAWN BREAKUP?!

Slowly but surely, we are spending larger amounts of the green stuff. From a new bicycle to a cell phone with better reception, to a better car to a bigger house, the more we earn, the more we spend. You may not even notice until the fateful day you find yourself on e-bay looking for matching emerald studded chokers for yourself and your poodle Fluffy.

My advice to you is this: set a limit to how much you spend. Put aside the necessary cash, for things such at water bills and rent, and also a small percentage to be your 'allowance'. The rest can stay in the bank for when you may truly need it.

As childish as it may seem, your 'allowance' can have very positive benefits. ( I hear even the Olsen twins are doing it. Excuse me. I mean Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.) Admit it- you were proud the day you walked into the store and were able to buy the toy of your choice with your own hard-earned and well-saved money.

In my case, it was the satisfying day I strolled into Toys 'R' Us and sought out to buy a ten dollar Bop It.

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