Welcome to TSIA (The Spending Impaired Anonymous). Please introduce yourself.
Hi. My name is Ginnie and I'm, ummmm... frugal. My friends would say that I'm cheap. In which case, I can't really consider them my friends, because friends who call friends cheap aren't really your friends. I actually prefer the terms spending conscious, economical, money smart, budget oriented, prudent (not to be confused with prude), & parsimonious (honestly, I've never used that word my whole life. I just wanted to throw that one in there).
Hmmm, I see. How long has this been a problem?
Well, ever since I can remember. I think it's like a genetic defect or something.
Are there any childhood experiences that might have had an impact on you being cheap. Oh, excuse me, I mean "frugal"?
Oh ya, lots I'm sure. Like this one time, I asked my Mom to take me to my friend’s house up the street and her response was, "Ginnie, you know it takes a lot of gas to just start the car." To this day it pains me to stop and start the car if it is unnecessary.
Nate one day used this knowledge against me. We were having a "disagreement" and I expressed to him that I would prefer to have the car left on instead of having to stop and then start the car to save gas. Knowing he had all power since he was in the driver’s seat, he blatantly disregarded my request and turned the car off, then on.... then off, then on. I know, you are most likely in shock too. That was a pretty low blow. I'm still hurt over that one. He, on the other hand, thought he was the funniest thing ever. He couldn't have been more wrong. Nope honey, I'm still not laughing.
Your husband obviously has some pent-up anger issues. He should consider counseling.
I will look into that.
Are there any other issues we need to be aware of?
Yes.
- When we go out to eat I don't like Nate to order drinks because they cost extra. He does anyway.
- I had a broken fan that Nate wanted to throw away. But I convinced him I could fix it. And I did.
Let's go in for a closer look...
Let's go in for a closer look....JPG)
Just a little tape and propping it up against the wall so it doesn't fall over and it's good to go! (I regret to inform you that Nate has thrown away my, good as new, fixed fan)
- We also have a broken lampshade that I fixed with tape.
- I refuse to by anything, unless it is on sale. And an ugly shirt always becomes a whole lot cuter as soon as I find out that it's 75% off.
- I go for quantity, not quality. Nate is the exact opposite.
- I would rather not get anything for my birthday then to have Nate spend a lot of money (I might regret saying this two weeks from now). To me it's like asking a friend for money just so you can by them a gift. All I really want is a coupon that says: Free massage & breakfast in bed. (Hint, hint!)
- I cut my own kids hair. We all know how well that goes over.
- I don't like Nate to buy me flowers because I think they are a waste of money. All they do is die. Apparently I'm not that romantic.
There are a lot more things that I'm forgetting to add, but I'm sure some of you will help remind me. Now I need to list some things I'm not cheap on, as to keep any shred of dignity I might have left.
- Toilet paper. I do not skimp on this! Two-ply is the ONLY way to go. This is something men will never understand
- Going out to eat. When I say going out to eat, I don't mean Olive Garden every night. I'm talking about hittin' the Wendy's dollar menu. You can't beat a Jr. Bacon cheese burger for a dollar.
Yep, toilet paper and food... that pretty much sums it up!