A few months ago, I decided I needed to try & curb my habit of instant gratification. If I wanted something, I went & got it. I justified it to myself by saying "well, I know I am going to end up with it, so what does it matter if I wait until I have the cash on hand or just put it on credit?" I know I am not the only one that has that, or at least a similar, perception. There wouldn't be the credit card consolidation "support" organizations out there otherwise. "They wouldn't give me credit if I wasn't supposed to use it" was my mentality.
So, I am trying to hold myself to avoiding this. I really want a new television. Really. And, I know that "prime" television buying season is just about over (Black Friday through Superbowl). BUT, I have told myself that I can't buy one until I have the (nominal) credit card balance paid off. I say "nominal" because as an adult, I have always had credit card debt. I got caught in that trap at an early age and couldn't recover. I am now at a point where I believe I can get out of it. To work, I am going to have to get out of the "I want it, so I buy it NOW" mentality. It's kind of funny when I reflect back on the conversation I have in my head; it sort of sounds like a parent speaking to a child. "But I want it!" "I told you not now." "But I WANT it!" "I said NOT NOW." *inner child stomps off pouting* **inner adult straightens self, stands tall, but secretly feels a twinge of "should I get it for them and be the cool parent?"**
ugh...my inner adult has got some work to do...
