Comments on: My Last Hundred Bucks: Things That Seemed Totally Within My Means, But Actually Weren’t

By: Jenn@twitter

Jenn@twitter — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:35:59 +0000

@sestaaak, Crank: I can’t speak for Logan, but I’m kind of afraid that my generosity was the main reason people liked me, because clearly (to my sad brain that does not respond to logic) there is nothing else to enjoy about my company. Plus, for those I know inexplicably like me anyway, I do feel guilty that I don’t spend more time with them. But that’s the lack of serotonin talking, and it’s pretty extreme in my case, as my desire to buy people’s love with things extends even to my own parents, who very clearly already love me. :)

By: Mary-Lynn Bragg@twitter

Mary-Lynn Bragg@twitter — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:36:45 +0000

You’re doing so good this week! I really think that focusing on spending just cash (even if you spend ALL THE CASH) is a great first step for you. And I also want to re-iterate: you don’t have to buy things for people all the time. That seems like a big pattern for you and if you can figure out how to get over being uncomfortable with not doing that you’ll save SO MUCH money. I mean, your friends know you’re broke, right (or do you not tell them you write here?!), so I imagine that it’s uncomfortable for them to have you keep buying drinks when you get together. Or, I guess, maybe if they’re all broke they’re just happy someone else is getting broke-er? Anyway, if your friends can afford artisanal honey or whatevs, let them. I think the cookies are more than fine. And I would be delighted if someone brought me flowers and some fizzy water for a dinner party!

By: Megano!

Megano! — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:01:09 +0000

I think you should also feel good that these things were all food! And food is necessary to live.

By: SarcasticFringehead

SarcasticFringehead — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:17:59 +0000

@Titania If you don’t want to get into value judgments, you probably should just go ahead and not do that. None of us knows what Logan was eating that she didn’t pay for during the exact period of these last hundred dollars.

By: OneTooManySpoons

OneTooManySpoons — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:28:25 +0000

@OneTooManySpoons I did want to emphasize, though, that besides the advice that I’m offering, I think you did an amazing job this week, Logan!!! I know we’re all shouting suggestions at you, but you’ve made such a difference so far, even if it still feels like you have no money. (Well, ok, you DO have no money, but you aren’t putting yourself further into debt, WHICH IS A HUGE THING.)

By: Koko Goldstein

Koko Goldstein — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:26:10 +0000

@mishaps Yeah – not that I don’t buy drinks for my friends, but I never feel guilty about not doing it, I guess! Also I don’t live in NYC so a round of drinks is like, $15, so it’s also not that much of a budget breaker when I do it. :) I guess, though, that most of my friends are gainfully employed so we don’t feel like it’s a power play, which is good.

By: OneTooManySpoons

OneTooManySpoons — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:14:36 +0000

@mishaps Adding my voice to this chorus! I think the steps Logan has taken are great, but now it’s time to add some more. They can still be small steps! “Buying groceries” doesn’t have to mean major changes. You can start with one meal per day–and to make it even easier, let’s take cooking out of the equation for now and just focus on the ready-to-eat foods. Like, instead of buying a single piece of fruit and granola bar in the morning, buy a bunch of fruit and a box of granola bars at a supermarket. The price difference is crazy, and it’s the same damn stuff.

Of course, buying fresh fruits and vegetables for just one person can be tricky, but that’s an issue for another day.

(And in response to your other posts: once a person does start to venture into cooking, I cannot urge them enough to buy tons of BEANS and EGGS. I eat so many beans and eggs.)

By: Marissa

Marissa — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:07:41 +0000

@mishaps Agreed strongly on all points except your last. Team Fancy Cheese!

By: cherrispryte

cherrispryte — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:54:02 +0000

@Titania “crazed anorexic” … really?

By: mishaps

mishaps — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:53:29 +0000

@redheaded&crazy Yes, totally, small steps!

BTW, one of my favorite light dinners is the Cascadian Farms garden vegetable medley with a lightly-fried egg served on top. Five minutes, total.

Also great, pasta with parmesan cheese, pepper, and an egg lightly fried in oil, maybe with some garlic, maybe not.

Perhaps you are sensing a theme.