We hear that phrase a lot but do we really absorb what it means?  In our world these days, we are prompted to get the material things that advertisers say we need to live ‘comfortably.’  But do we really need it? I think that is the real question. 

I was just thinking about this phrase lately because I am beginning to shop a lot again.  When my twins were born, I took hand me downs willingly, even begging for them.  Now that I have begun to shop for them, I feel like I am addicted.  I love shopping and online shopping must be what alcohol is to an alcoholic.  It is something that you just cannot resist.  I try to avoid shopping online but it is so convenient with lots of ‘coupons’ and free shipping… I mean, how can you go wrong? 

Well, many things can go wrong.  Number one thing that can go wrong is I can get into debt again.  I was in debt after college and not from college loans.  It was from my credit cards and ask me what I bought with it? I cannot even tell you... maybe a pair of roller blades.  But seriously, you can play solitaire with my credit cards.  I am an accountant for crying out loud and I am in debt!  I am sure I am not the only one but I was ashamed and I could not believe that I got myself into that mess.  It took me years to pay off whatever I racked up in my credit cards and thankfully, I am now debt free (although my husband insists its because of him! :O))  But I’m afraid that because I have such little self-control, that I might get myself into that mess again. 

I have a joint account with my husband so that alone stops me from spending ‘too much’ but I did open another account which I use majority of the time and he doesn’t look at.  I know that I should close it but man… those reward points/dollars keeps me coming back. 

I do not know if I shop because I am trying to keep up with the joneses’ or just because I just cannot stop.  I like the girls to have nice things and yes, I try to dress them trendy… but I maybe going overboard.  I just bought them like six pairs of shoes in the last 3 weeks.  It is crazy because they are only 11 months.  Sigh.  It is a cycle and here I am hoping it is a phase, which may get worse during the holidays.  There goes that paycheck.