This post is for all the frugalistas out there.  I was clearing out my closet the other day when I came across my favourite pair of jeans.  They’re Hudsons (you know, the jeans Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, and Kate Hudson wear). Of course I took a minute to admire them- so much so I took a picture of them lol…  I bought them about three years ago in the states, and I’ll admit, they were over $100.  $150 to be exact.  Back then, I vowed to myself to never ever buy $100+ pair of jeans.    When I look back though, I wear these jeans a LOT.  Probably about 80% of the time.  They always fit nicely, they make my small butt look decent (the secret is the pocket placement, girls), and they don’t give me a muffin top (which is a look that is getting harder and harder avoid achieving these days, believe me).  They haven’t even torn yet (knock on wood).

I have a philosophy when it comes to clothes shopping.  If something makes you look good, I mean- really good, and you know you’re going to wear it a lot, and it’s a key staple, then you should buy it.  I often think of money spent on clothes as “cost per use”.  So the first time I wore those jeans, they were $150.  The second time, they cost $75/day.  The third time, they cost $37.50… you get the point.  I know it’s not mathematical or scientific by any means, but I feel that the more I wear something, the more “worth it” it becomes.  You’ll know it’s worth the money you spent on it when you’ve used it so many times that you’ve lost count.

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We all have grooming maintenance that we need to do to keep ourselves looking presentable to others, and especially your significant other.  I personally don’t like adding any sort of regular monthly expense unless I absolutely have to.  I have many friends who get pedicures on a monthly basis.  I personally go perhaps.. once a year for a bachelorette or birthday party or some other event that renders it necessary to go.  One friend has been asking me to go for monthly pedicures with her.  At $35+tip a pop each time for some scrubbing, cuticle pushing, filing, and nail bed painting (which adds up to a whopping $450 a year), I told her that I just do it myself and I could do hers too, if she wants to pay me $35+tip a month (of course I was just joking…I think).

So here I go, analyzing how much I spend on being presentable to the rest of the human race.  Guys, if you are somewhat squeamish about grooming, please look away (or don’t click on the “continue reading” link lol)!

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When I was younger, my mom once asked me a question that really helps you understand yourself a bit better, and what your values are.

Although it may not seem so blatant and in-your-face, money is the currency of the experiences and material goods that we assign value to.

She asked me if I had a million dollars (yeah yeah, a cool million isn’t that much nowadays–can’t even buy a detached house in Vancouver for that, really), what would I spend it on?  Let’s play ‘pretend’ for a bit.

If you had a million dollars and could only concentrate it on ONE area below, what would you spend it on? (the other areas in your life would be lacklustre to say the least)

The options are:

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2009 is coming to an end.  I can’t believe it’s been a year already… I can’t believe we’re heading into 2010!

(Vancouver is going to be a gong show in 2010, by the way with the Olympics.  I just know it.)

Here’s an update on my financial status:

Total Net Worth: $79,300

Here’s the breakdown:

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Rich Dad Poor Dad

By: Robert Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad is the “quintessential” book for every person interested in personal finance, it seems.  Everyone has heard of it.  If you haven’t, you’ve probably been living under a rock.  I have read a few financial books and have always wanted to read Rich Dad Poor Dad, especially since I see their free conventions/ seminars being hosted here so often (haven’t gone to one, but I hear they are ploy to make you buy their merchandise and classes…)

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