day77: beware of a bargain ... love, Pop

"A bargain is something 

you don't really need

 at a price you can't pass up"

Robert D. Fitzgerald (aka Pop)

I grew up hearing this maxim from my Dad, Pop, all the time, and would eye my eyes, but as I grew older I realized the wisdom is his words.  And as we head into the season of buying with all the deals and pressures to buy the perfect gift, I felt it was a good time to remind us all to really think before you buy. 

There are so many ways to shop now which makes it even more important to be a mindful shopper. Also with the profusion of wholesale clubs and warehouse stores it is really, REALLY easy to fall into the trap of spending way more money than you want on things you may not use, just because it is such a good deal. 

Now there are good deals out there and I encourage you to be a savvy shopper!!!  Also those wholesale clubs can be helpful, especially if you have room to store things,  but it is a wise to cultivate the habit of reflecting on what you are buying with each purchase!! 

to take the time to ask yourself these questions: 

1. do I really need this?

2. do I need this quantity of this??

3. would I be buying this if it wasn't on sale??

Asking yourself these questions will help you save money and not fill your home with clutter and things that don't really offer you much.  Also, I hope you will think of Pop, the banker, when you spend your money, because out of all his wacky and sometime annoying quips, this one is an important one and can be a life changer.

spend wisely

love, mom

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day50: Smile and think of Pop ...

I've learned that people will forget what you said, 

people will forget what you did, 

but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

Just stop and really think about this quote. I bet you can remember exactly those who made you feel good, loved, happy and welcomed, just as you can as easily remember those who made you feel small, excluded, bullied and sad. 

So be kind and thoughtful to all those you meet during your day. Not only because they will remember you for this behavior, but you will feel better for being that way. Trust me, I practice being kind and thoughtful to all I meet and it makes me feel good at the end of the day. It doesn't cost you anything to be nice but affect can be amazing!! 

Pop believes in treating everyone with kindness and respect. When I would visit him when at his work in downtown Chicago, we would play a game as we walked. We would look everyone that we passed in the eye and give them a smile!! That was it, just give everyone who was hustling and bustling a smile and Pop loved how people would react! Many were confused by our simple smile, some smiled back, and sadly some were suspicious of our behavior. 

No matter the response Pop loved it and I loved it. And I felt like we were starting little ripples of goodwill on the streets of downtown Chicago, and I believe everywhere could use a ripple of goodwill, don't you think?!

So try the smile game and think of Pop! love, Mom

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