Voluntarily broke people keep an arsenal of clever excuses handy to justify dumb financial moves.
Instead of practicing self-denial and amassing wealth, they rationalize themselves into a web of maxed out credit cards, overdrawn checking accounts, and underfunded retirement assets. Apparently, it’s easier to pacify the conscience with “logic” than to embrace the reality that their choices retard long-term financial success.
Throughout my life, I’ve heard countless reasons—some more creative and ridiculous than others—for overspending.
“I only buy groceries from Whole Foods.”
Whole Foods is a swanky supermarket that specializes in the sell of organic products. I’m not gonna lie; occasionally, I shop at Whole Foods. What can I say? It’s kind of awesome.
As you already know, hormone/pesticide-free food carries a steep premium. Yes, some organic produce and animal flesh are healthier than their chemically showered, antibiotic injected counterparts. But let’s get real, you’re not racking up the wellness points with organic cookies, cupcakes, and other refined carbs.
“I don’t eat ramen noodles.”
If you adhere to an exemplary diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean protein, I understand why you shun high-calorie, pre-fried pasta. If you experience adverse physical reactions from monosodium glutamate (MSG), perhaps you should avoid the super cheap Japanese dish. If you simply don’t like the taste or texture of ramen, I support your decision to not eat it.
BUT, if you frequently chow down on expensive, cholesterol raising, artery clogging cuisine, I don’t comprehend your beef with ramen.
“I don’t have time.”
Penniless people sure are busy. It seems they struggle to find time to carry out, uncomplicated DIY projects and opt to pay professionals to perform simple jobs.
Leave dangerous and/or complex tasks to the experts. However, a quick Google/Pinterest/YouTube search will reveal a medley of how-to tricks for basic services you frequently outsource to others.
“It’s an investment.”
Is it really?
Investments, generally, work to increase your wealth now or in the future. If a purchase doesn’t do that, then it’s either a bad investment or not an investment at all. Real estate, equities, bonds, precious metals, and even education are investments.
I’d go so far as to say that programmable thermostats and low flow shower heads fall under the investment category since they save you money on basic necessities.
But rarely can one make a compelling case that designer duds, high-end furniture, or luxury vehicles qualify as financial wealth boosters.
“I work hard. I deserve a treat.”
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy berating lazy Americans as much as the next girl, but for the most part, we’re a hard working bunch. In the United States, paid vacation and maternity leave is among the least generous of the industrialized nations.
Sadly, we wear skipped time off and 24/7 accessibility like it’s a badge of honor.
I’m not trivializing the value of hard work. But you have to wonder, maybe you wouldn’t have to work so hard if you felt you deserved less.
What common reasons have you heard (or do you use) to rationalize overspending?
Image courtesy of graur razvan ionut at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Shawanda Greene is a free thinking, frugal gal whose only vices are boxed wine, lip balm and money grubbing. You can find more of Shawanda's musings at 
I don’t JUST shop at Whole Foods and I rarely buy cupcakes and other crap. A) I prefer to make my own and B) I don’t eat it, just the husband. I buy stuff at Publix when it’s cheaper or BOGO or the same quality, but for stuff without HFCS, MSG, and hydrogenated oils, I find the selection is just better (and often a nickel or dime cheaper) at Whole Foods.
“But let’s get real, you’re not racking up the wellness points with organic cookies, cupcakes, and other refined carbs.” D’oh.
If you want to get real insight about organic food, pls read Michael Pollan’s books instead of stuff on the web.
Well done Sir. Everything you wrote is real in my life. Something is lost. How about; I often ask, Let’ go for a walk, ride the bus to the harbour, ride our bikes, watch a movie we own, get a coffee, see that piece of history, visit my mom, eat what is in the fridge, sleep in, relax. My mother told me at a very young age not to worry about money. I don’t and have no need to. Some romance really works. Stop thinking with your brain and use your heart. Easy. We all know what to do. Do it. Carl
I’m sure if people didn’t work so hard they would have more time too. You can either give energy at the office, at home, or balance the two.
oh dear..I just used that excuse when buyng a new purse today. In my head though, I do deserve it….I work 18+ hours per day so I need incentive to keep working hard.
‘You deserve it!” No you don’t, not if it keeps you from paying down debt, paying off the house early, retiring with security, etc. What a load of crap the advertisers have sold us!
Hahahaha, oh man, “I deserve a treat” — are you spying on my family? — when I see my family for CHristmas, that is the most common thing people say. “I deserve a treat, I’ve been working out so much this week” and they grab 10 things of fudge. “I deserve a treat because I work hard” and they spend hundreds on spa girly things. Lol, it’s crazy. THe “dserve a treat” thing seems to be ruining every plan or dream everyone in my family has! Good observation, Shawanda!