Strategies for Success

Holy Shenanigans! More STUFF?

Loosing one's business due to lack of personal control is a sad thing. I've watched many people do just exactly that. Recently, a friend told me that her only money is in her business account and she's been using it rather freely. The business is losing money. It's going under, because it can't support itself. She has another income, but she's not living within her means.

So, what is she buying with 'her money'? Frivolities, unnecessary trivialities, and 'bargains'. She and I have discussed the 'bargains' she buys. She's got more STUFF than any ten people NEED, and she still buys because it makes her 'feel good'. The fact of the matter is, she owns a big old building completely full of 'STUFF' she refuses to 'sell' because it's got personal value, and it's important to her, but the roof is falling in on the building, pigeons are in the building pooping on all of her prized possessions, so she buys more 'STUFF' to solve the problem. Ten dollar swimming pools to keep the rain from dripping onto her antique furniture and collectibles, plastic to cover them. Meanwhile the mice are eating through the upholstery and gnawing through the antique woods.

The reason she does this ? is it provides her with emotional 'security'. As long as she has 'STUFF' she has 'security', she thinks. In the mean while, she's working at a job to support her 'STUFF' habit, and loosing her business, because she's wasting the money from her 'business', instead of using it to build a business that would eventually support her ? if she didn't have all that 'STUFF' draining her income. She doesn't have security; she has 'STUFF' being ruined by the frivolous manner in which she is spending her money.

To say she is eccentric, actually only gives credence to her behavior. The fact of the manner is, she doesn't have the money to be eccentric. She has 'STUFF' which isn't going to get her anywhere, because her 'STUFF' is not appreciating, it's getting ruined. She has friends, but she doesn't listen to them, she has to have her 'STUFF'. I'm actually afraid my friend is going to be a lonely old person taking care of her 'STUFF' because she just can't quite realize that she needs to build relationships with people, and let go of her 'STUFF'.

One time, I even ask her about 'friends' and she responded she doesn't have anyone she can trust. I can understand why. She's worked her entire life to develop a relationship with her 'STUFF'. I consider her a friend, and I have gone the extra mile to make our friendship work. I wonder sometimes at my dedication to the friendship ? because sometimes I feel like I'm working toward a dead end. Particularly when it comes to her business. I worked for nothing at times while I attempted to help her get her business up and running. I felt eventually it would be worth something to her. But, she feels if she buys me 'stuff' she's somehow making it worth my time to help her. Her values are misplaced, and her priorities are dysfunctional.

The saddest thing is, she's filling up her business with her 'STUFF' and when she looses the business, and she will loose her 'STUFF' too. Then what will she do? Her 'STUFF' isn't taken care of, it's just stashed there, taking up space and loosing value.

Every time I see her, I want to scream, "Holy Shenanigans, MORE STUFF!" But, I don't think she would understand the problem ? EVEN then!!!

Copyright (c) 2005 - Jan Verhoeff

Got a problem planning your business expenditures? Personal finance doing you in? Consider a FREE consultation with one of our consultants at eBiz Brand Performance.

---

The World is Not Enough - Calling for a More Ethical Approach to Personal Finance

At a time when the entire world's attention is focused... Read More

Personal Checks ? Extreme Benefits

Millions of people have a checking account and many people... Read More

Live Green; Save Green!

Have you seen the recent article on a new "green"... Read More

Your Dry Cleaner?s Double Standard

Women are charged more for dry cleaning services. Don't fume,... Read More

Make or Break Your Retirement!

The Prudential has dubbed those who refuse to leave home... Read More

Avoiding A Nightmare On Renovation Street

You've decided you want a bigger, better and more desirable... Read More

Do You Know What Tomorrow Will Bring?

I've been sharing the following idea with people for a... Read More

Dramatically Improve Your Stock Trading Success

Get Access to Realistic profitable strategies & discover the mindset... Read More

10 Tips To Save Money When Dining Out

Here are some tips that can help you save money... Read More

Government Grants - Beware of Scams

As the saying goes: "Buyer Beware". If you see ads... Read More

Financial Security

1) HOW TO LOOK FOR A JOBA) The Chronological Curriculum:1.... Read More

Are You Ready To Be Fired?

Your boss has just informed you that your department is... Read More

10 Quick And Cheap Ways To Cut Your Heating Bill

When you received an energy (heating) bill last winter, were... Read More

How You Feel Affects How You Shop & How Much You Spend

Have you ever stopped to think about how your "mood"... Read More

I Want to Buy a Home - Now What?

If you were to ask 100 women "What would you... Read More

Personal Loans For Homeowners ? One Of The Numerous Rewards For Being A Homeowner

You no longer look at the pictures of homes cause... Read More

Money Saving Tips. Maximize Savings on Everyday Items!

Frugal living is more than a lifestyle. It's a passion.... Read More

Understanding Your Finances Can Give You Power And Choice

What is finance and what do you need to know?... Read More

Knowing Me, Knowing You: Why ID Protection Plans Are Flawed For Fraud

ID theft is a major consumer concern, though there is... Read More

Safely Save for Your Childs University Studies Using An Education IRA!

This investment retirement account (IRA) is useful to you as... Read More

More Money? My Cup Runneth Over...But Im Still Thirsty

Most of us, especially those of us who have debtor's... Read More

Credit Card Debt ? Watch Your Credit Report and Your Bill

Most consumers are aware of the importance of their credit... Read More

If I Had a Structured Settlement, I Would Use It to Pay for Gas

Has anyone been to the gas pumps lately? Soon $3... Read More

Money Matters: Strengthen Your Marriage by Putting Finances in Order

Did you know that 43% of all married couples argue... Read More

Saving Money - The Magic 20 Percent

Saving money is not easy and is made more difficult... Read More

How To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime that continues to grow.... Read More

Budgeting is Essential for a Single Mothers Success

Today many women are struggling with debt and it's even... Read More

Basic Bank Accounts Failing the Basic Needs of Consumers

The lists of bank and savings accounts that are available... Read More

How To Place an Online Order for Checks ? It is Easy as 1-2-3

If You Have an Existing Account and 5 Minutes, You... Read More

7 Simple Ways To Save Money

Each of us knows how to spend money, but do... Read More

How to Draw a Personal Budget that Works

Many people spend their little income haphazardly without any planning... Read More

How To Survive The Grocery Shopping Blues

If you are the normal consumer, then you've probably experienced... Read More

The Changing Shape of Family Finances

Super-mumsIt seems that the proof of maternal efforts is no... Read More