Perhaps I should have named this blog value adventurer. Because your budget is about what you value. Take me, for example. I am couch sitting today, with a bottle of Le Cupole, vegetable crackers, and artisanal cheese. I’m wearing a $20 University of Wisconsin sweatshirt, $150 Red Engine jeans, and $40 Michael Kors sandals – no, that’s not a typo on the sandal price, that’s courtesy of my good friends at Marshalls.
My point is that life is a balance. I like the finer things, there is no question, and I will not compromise. So, I find pleasure in shopping at places like Marshalls where I can find high quality at low prices, in addition to shopping locally, so that the village of Montclair where I live and that I love will continue to thrive. (The Red Engine jeans were purchased at Ruby, and the Wine at Amanti Vino.)
I’m not saying everyone else needs to have the same values, or should spend their money like me. BUT, your spending should reflect your values and your passions in life. For me, the money saved goes to travelling abroad or to buying tech gadgets that help me sustain my passion for exercise and make my life more enjoyable. If your spending is vastly different from your value system, you might want to get yourself to a therapist’s couch.
