Money Hemorrhage in the Year
In my happy world, there are many times when there are money explosions (i.e. when money is spent at a very high velocity and volume), Christmas is the obvious one for many people, but for me August was actually a much larger money spending time, especially due to the costs of Post Secondary education.
For those of you with younger kids who think that the money you spend on your kids new outfits, new books and maybe a new computer is a large amount, to quote B.T.O. You Ain’t Seen Nuthin’ Yet! I have talked about the high cost of University Educations many times previously, but this is a reminder to folks who are just about to start this odyssey that if you watch closely your Frugal inner voice may actually scream Holy Mother of Jesus on a Motorcycle (or whichever colorful phrase you use when you are surprised in a bad way).
I am about to enter a new phase of this magical financial journey, because now I will have a second daughter attending a post secondary institution, and she has chosen to go to a school out of town (as well, her older sister is already out of town). Yes, before you comment about how this is my own fault, I realize that it is hellaciously cheaper for kids to go to school in town (more than half the cost of University can be accommodations), but spending Double (or even more) than I was previously really does wake me up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat.
Is it Even Possible?
Can I afford this? For now, yes I can, but it is something that is causing a high degree of Stress and Anxiety in my life, even though I can afford it.
Any time you spend that much money at once, there is going to be a level of angst that you go through, and you will need to learn how to deal with it. My guess is I need to start exercising to help alleviate the stress build up.
Does anybody else have this kind of psychological uproar when spending large amounts of money? How do you deal with it? I am open to suggestions.
Remember a few years back, there was a Staples Business Depot commercial blasting the song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and parents are running through the aisles in a fantastical wonderful mood because the parents are going back to school? Well, it truly is a most wonderful time of the year because the cash registers for retailers are going “cha-ching!”
You really do end up spending a lot. This is a good time to learn to budget and stick with it. This way, the parents and kids can teach each other about money management and needs vs. wants.
Despite the huge costs, congratulations! Enjoy this time.