Ten Ways To Drown Myself In Debt

I think once upon a time I was good with money.  After all, in 1984 I was a single Mom with three kids living on a part time salary and I didn't owe any one a dime.  I had clothes I liked, rented a three bedroom two bathroom apartment and had a live-in housekeeper.  


Now, some twenty-five years later, I am up to my ears in credit card debt.  How did I get here?  When I think about?  It took just ten easy steps.

1.  Take that trip--that special vacation.  Even if it takes you five years to pay it off.  After all you deserve it.  Besides, you might get hit by a truck tomorrow and then you would have missed out on all that, right?  I should mention that so far I have lived to pay on the high interest debt.

2.  "I can afford it" means "I still have room on some credit card."

3.  The appearance of financial well-being means never admitting you can't afford something.  So when friends ask you to go on a holiday you can't afford, or to eat out at a restaurant that's beyond your budget, go for it.

4.   If it fits and you think it makes you look terrific, buy it no matter what the price.

5.  Why save for the future?  I can always get a job.

6.  When you have a busy schedule and you don't feel like cooking--eat out.  This way you can not only spend more than you can afford, you can also gain weight and be unhealthy devouring all those cancer-causing carbs.  Plus you get to tip the rude wait-person. 

7.  Ignore the good advice and practical life-styles of your well-meaning, well-to-do friends.  They're so cheap!

8.  If you can't find something, whether it's an office supply or a kitchen gadget or a clothing accessory, just go out and buy another one.

9.  Spend money on a lot of little inexpensive items that clutter your home and office but feel really good when you are buying them.  This could be anything--artwork, knick-knacks, china.  After all, when you run out of space, you can always pack it up and keep it in one of those expensive monthly storage places.

10.  Why bus or take rapid transit when you can drive right up to the place and pay a premium for parking?  And why park free and walk ten blocks to your destination when you can park right outside the door for a few measly dollars?

Something needs to change.  Maybe my spending habits.  Maybe me.  Or maybe both.