Overall, A Good Couple Days

The weekend was full of those last minute chores that needed to be done before Christmas, cleaning the house, wrapping the last few gifts, double checking and making sure I was all set on presents. I kept it very low keyed this year and I'll post the tale of the tape later this week.

My holiday was lovely and low keyed, had a fabulous meal with friends, the weather co-operated, I was able to get some quality work done around the house, my desk tidied up, all my clothes ironed, folded and put away. I was able to make my space a bit more clutter free.

I was lucky enough by careful saving and the receiving of several gift cards to be able to afford my new LCD Flat Screen TV that I have been wanting for a while. I have decided to go for a serious look-see at a couple stores this weekend as well as comparison shop on line for the best price.

Part of me is very excited to finally have a real TV (my current TV has a small 12 screen). I'm in my TV/DVD watching season and the thought of having a larger screen is exciting. Part of me is dreading spending the money, I'm feeling reluctant to spend any money on myself, even for something that I have budgeted and saved for. Total price for the TV I want is $490. I got $185 in gift cards from various folks and I had saved $225 in my TV fund. That comes out to $410 and I think I can swing the extra $80 to cover the difference and get the TV sooner rather than at the end of January. This of course, goes completely against my belief that you should enjoy your money. A new TV will bring me hours of enjoyment. Why all of a sudden I am feeling like I can't spend the money is beyond me. All my bills are current, I have even paid in advance my first quarter of my homeowners insurance, I have a ton of food in my cupboards and I don't have anything due until after January 15th.

I feel that this month marks a turning point for me, I am getting comfortable using and staying within my budget (something that fell to the way side for a number of years) and I am starting to make some headway in my projected savings plans. Even though I have saved the money for the TV a part of me says DON'T BUY IT. Another part says BUY THE TV, YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT AND CAN AFFORD IT.

Ah well, we shall see, who knows, maybe the TV will go on sale and I'll be able to get a real deal over the weekend.