I like to window shop...internet windows, that is. It's fun to sit on the couch and visit all kinds of stores without needing to move. I can quickly compare prices and clearance items. I can easily find out where I could get a better deal for my money. Best of all (or worst of all), I usually don't spend any money!
I noticed the other day how I always get disappointed to discover that there is no such thing as $3 t-shirts or $5 jeans. I seem to expect that I'll somehow find something totally free! Now and then I've found sweet deals...like the $5 12-month subscription to Real Simple magazine on Amazon last Black Friday, but really, there isn't much under $10 that's good quality.
So I'm starting to change my focus a bit... instead of spending $25 on three t-shirts that I don't really love and that will shrink and look old after a few washings, I want to save up to get one or two tees from places like http://www.showhope.com/. Yes, they are twice as expensive, but I love the original designs and mostly I love that my money will help place orphans in families. That is something close to my heart because I believe one of those little girls will someday be ours. I can proudly wear something like that knowing I'm using the resources God blesses me with to bless others. This also means I won't have as many t-shirts which is something that's become a goal of mine: I would rather have a limited amount of clothes in my closet and love every piece knowing I used my money wisely and choose to be satisfied with that. Plus, it means less time spent choosing what to wear in the mornings!
I've written those t-shirts down on my "wish list" to save up for. I challenge you to find better ways to use your resources as well. It's never going to be free, probably not even on sale. I really wish that everything that's better wasn't also more expensive. But it's so much more worth it.
You are so right. I would like to be as wise as you to spend my money in a better way... thank you for your writing.
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