Cost To Be the Boss

     Everything costs money. There's no getting around it. Whether the cost is high or low, something must be paid. Knowing this, why do people complain about the price of something that they, or worse, others might buy?

      When I was in college, I went shopping with one of my friends before her birthday party was to start. I offered to buy her whatever caught her eye. She said she didn't want anything. I asked her a couple more times. She insisted she didn't want anything.

     "I'm going to buy an outfit for your party," I said.

     "OK," she replied.

     I headed into a store. I bought a t-shirt, a denim skirt, and a pair of pretty metallic flip flops. It totaled a little less than $95. I have been of the opinion that you should spend your money how you want. I work hard and see no problem with spoiling myself occasionally. Besides, I was willing to do the same for her and she said no.

     "I can't believe you're going to spend that much on those things!" she exclaimed.
    
     "What's the big deal?" I asked.

    "That is way too much to spend on clothes for tonight."

    "It's for your party," I reminded her.

    "You didn't even get me anything."

     This boiled me. She had told me no over and over again. Now all of a sudden her tune was changing.

    "Kendra, I just got through asking you if you wanted something," I fumed.

    "I don't want anything, but that is still expensive."

     "It's my money," I said firmly as we headed to the cash register.

     I have always felt that as long as you aren't hurting yourself or anyone else, you should be able to spend your money in any fashion you want. To me, I was just shopping. I don't always spend that much, but it was mine to spend. I thought she'd drop it once we left the mall. I was wrong. She made it a point to tell our other friends at the party how much my outfit cost and that I didn't get her anything. I ignored it and made the best of the night. Even when I worked at Neiman's, people would see something they liked, look at the price, complain, and then promptly leave. If you don't want to pay a price for something, don't.

     Everyone's budget is different. Whether you are Rockefeller rich or just treating yourself, money is meant to be enjoyed. You shouldn't feel bad about the occasional indulgence especially when you are willing to share. Spend thoughtfully but quietly also.