Money Blues

At the beginning of each month, I read my horoscope at Astrology Zone by Susan Miller. Some might argue that doing so leads me to fulfill Ms. Miller’s prophecy, but as nothing much goes on in my life, I figure what the heck.

Suze predicted that I would spend the month of June thinking about money. Not just now and then, but every day, maybe every hour. “Financial matters are abuzz and you'll be mired in calculator tape most of the month, dear Scorpio.” So far, she’s been right.

A few weeks ago I decided that it was time to explore the possibility of purchasing a house. Everyone else is doing it, and I like the idea of having something to call my own (other than my plants, which have names, by the way).

Just as I made this mental commitment, I noticed that my paychecks had ceased to arrive from the university. Makes sense. I don’t work there any more, but it also means 40% of my earnings gone. No problem, I thought. I’ll just have to spend less.

My roommate kindly listened as I sorted out the details of my new budget: drive less, study at home or library instead of at the coffee shop, take advantage of one year window to purchase wedding gifts for friends, wear one day disposable contact lenses for two days, steal Sweet & Low packets from restaurants for morning cup of joe at home. All good ideas.

Although S. Miller had not predicted it, the alternator on my car went out the next day. While this certainly meant driving less as I dealt with the problem, it also meant I was out 400 buckaroos. Damn.

For fear that I had jinxed the new plan by talking about it, I quietly went about my way purchasing groceries for home dining. Then a tree went down in the back yard and lack of electricity spoiled everything in the refrigerator. Double damn.

At least I could forget about that problem and head off to New Mexico, land of shiny, beautiful jewelry. And I did forget about the problem. Maybe too much. But is $80 so much to spend for a lovely new bracelet, ring, necklace, and pair of earrings? Come on. When will I be back there?

Returning home Monday night I renewed my vow to spend less. It’s been only two days. I have been out to both lunch and dinner and discovered that I had to pay an extra $30 on my phone bill for going over my minutes.

When Susan told me that I would think about money all month, I thought she meant that I would be thrifty and frugal. What she really meant was that I would fret over every penny spent -- while spending and spending and spending it.

Looks like it is time to sell books on eBay.