What Do You Spend Your $$$ On? | brokeGIRLrich
Every once in a while, I find a song that really sticks with me for whatever reason – it either relates to where I am in life or it really makes me feels something. Yesterday on Pandora, Spend Your $$$ by Walk the Moon (a great group that I found thanks to Lisa from Lisa vs the Loans right before Shut Up and Dance exploded onto every radio station) and while it was the first time I heard it, I knew immediately that it was going to wind up on my blog.
The TV says Mother is hurting
That the clock reads quarter to twelve
So I shop my face off at Urban
just trying to look a little more like myself
How often is shopping an escape? From trying to figure out who you really are, to avoiding unpleasant situations, even to just prevent boredom – it’s so easy to accidentally spend a ton of money without even thinking.
The first time to your apartment
I was peeking in between my fingers
Oh the things I hoped we had in common
Wishful thinker
But this was the verse that really got me – there is that moment when you meet someone you really connect with and they let you in their “lair.” On the superficial side, I’d get excited to see some box sets of TV shows I love or board games, something that told me we had more in common – but on the realistic side, if I walked into a guy’s apartment and it was decked out in all the latest and greatest toys… that would actually be a red flag for me.
What do you spend your money on?
I hope it’s something of value
Are you the driver or is someone driving you?
What do you spend your, spend your
What do you spend your money on?
We all define value a little differently and while there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a nice home, or having every latest and greatest toy in the book IF you can afford it, it’s pretty rare that I value stuff over experiences.
My takeaway from this song was to spend a little more time thinking about where my money is going and double checking that I like how it’s being spent. I was excited that I was pleased with my answers! I even heard this song on a drive home from spending the week galavanting with friends and realized that while I know this is going to come in as an expensive month, I wouldn’t trade any of it, since I’ve been collecting memories and experiences with good friends the past two weeks and plan to do so again next week.
At the same time, I loved the reminder “are you the driver or is someone driving you?” The main reason I put so much effort into building up my savings and planning for retirement is that I HATE the feeling of being owned, whether it’s by debt or by a crappy employer or even by my super well meaning parents who would swoop in and save me in a heartbeat if I ever needed them to.
If someone is driving you, it doesn’t have to be forever! Make a budget, build a debt free plan, start socking away for financial independence!
What DO you spend your money on?
If you liked this, my friend Shannon over at Financially Blonde does this awesome Music Monday series that I like to check out often, because she finds tons of songs that relate to her finances and her job as a personal finance advisor. Check out some of her Music Monday posts here.
I’ve never heard this song but it does seem to have some good points! I agree that it is important to constantly evaluate how you spend your money and make sure that it is being spent in alignment with your goals and values. To your point, it is also essential to make sure that you really understand what YOUR goals and values are, and don’t confuse those with the goals and values of those around you or society at large.
1. Love that man falsetto!
2. I remember when I first met my husband and I realized “oh, he doesn’t like anything fancy,” and I was a little disappointed since he was not the type of guy to whip out his wallet to impress me, but over time, I realized that he really understands value. At least a little bit of that has rubbed off on me too.
Not sure I’ve heard this song before. I’m spending it on things that matter, like my family and experiences. I’m also saving it, building wealth for the future!
“Are you the driver or is someone driving you?”…love this. I think a lot of us are driven by the constant commercial marketing we are bombarded with on a daily basis. I do try to spend my values though, and I think for the most part I do a decent job.
As an aside, my wife loves Walk the Moon, and has played for me their older hit Anna Sun (the name of one of their college professors). It reminisces about growing up and the idea that they didn’t have a lot materially, but they were still happy.
Gary @ Super Saving Tips recently posted…How to Save Money on Car Rentals Every Time
Marketing definitely drives us without us even knowing it more often than I’d like to admit. I still try to make sure I’m aware too though!
Wow love this song, such a great reminder about what matters. I actually came across this group with another song they did, the summer I was studying for the bar and I listened to it everyday, apparently they just make great music.
Liz recently posted…Financially Savvy Saturday #103
What do you spend your money on? Good question. I spend my money on things that aligns with my CORE values before others. For example, although I would love to go on a holiday spree, this comes second after I have ensured I have sufficient savings in my emergency fund and money for my trip.
I also spend my money on helping the less privileged in the society as it gives me great satisfaction to make a difference however small.
Esther @ MoneyNuggets recently posted…11 Ways to Save Money on Back-to-School Supplies
I agree! It’s easy to forget charity when we prioritize where our money goes, but it doesn’t just help them, it also feels pretty terrific to help people.
Thanks for exposing me to a new song! I like the lyrics about “is someone driving you.” That’s why I stay away from debt…I like to be the driver of my finances. I’ve been doing a lot better at spending on things that line up with my values instead of the consumerism that’s shoved in our face all the time. Lately as I’ve explored minimalism, I’ve only spent on things that bring me true joy.
Heather @ Simply Save recently posted…Simply Save Week In Review: 8/8-8/14
Yeah, I don’t have too much trouble with things myself – it’s more experiences and traveling (especially to see friends).
We love to travel just like you do. We also love to give to charities and to our family. Let me tell you it all just goes so quickly!
Vickie@Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden recently posted…My Menu this Past Week 8/15/15
Travel is probably the biggest one. And after we buy a house, education for my kids, because that’s ultimately what our home buying decision is about. I love Macklemore for this same reason.. A lot of their music is along the same types of themes.
Femme Frugality recently posted…The Cost of Not Eating Organic with David Eson of Isidore Foods
In the past, I bought a lot of stuff. Now, my husband and I try to prioritize giving, traveling, saving, and then spending money on our home. We also spend a bit more money on groceries because we try to incorporate organic produce as much as a possible. Great reminder to always examine what we spend and why.
Penny @ She Picks Up Pennies recently posted…Extreme(ly Stupid) Couponing
Good reminder that every penny we spend is a choice, and that we need to make the choices that will be best in the long run
RAnn recently posted…Paying for College Without Massive Debt
I’ve never heard this song before but I like the message behind it! Like you, I hate the thought of being owned and knowing that every month, not all of my money is mine. That’s why we’re saving so hard to make up for lost time and earlier financial mistakes. Lately, it seems like all I’m doing though is saving money and I would like a little more enjoyment out of life. I just need to find a balance.
Hayley @ Disease Called Debt recently posted…Financially Savvy Saturdays #103
Yeah, finding the balance can be rough, but at least you’re erring on the side of savings right now -always better than going too far in the other direction!
“I HATE the feeling of being owned, whether it’s by debt or by a crappy employer …” Exactly! I also hate the feeling that my employer thinks they own me. Getting control of your finances is an important step to freedom.
Tre recently posted…Fall Reboot – Time To Refresh Your Focus
Mel, your reflection on spending resonates deeply. It’s crucial to assess where our money goes and ensure it aligns with our values. Your emphasis on experiences over possessions is refreshing. Thanks for the insightful reminder to take the wheel of our financial journey!