Is it a real Bargain?

I enjoy exploring discount lot-end stores such as Big Lots and General Dollar when we are on the road. This week I had a list of needs (I will explain needs v wants later). I passed on dishwasher soap not because of the price but because it was a brand just too generic for me. I picked up hair ties, room freshener refills, and light bulbs. My husband (D. Bob or Bob for short) asked what I gave for the bulbs. I said a 4-pack for $1.50. He claims he can find them at Jewel-Osco on sale for less than that. I had no idea they ran those kind of discounts.

So, is a bargain really a bargain just because I find it at Big Lots. Not always. What is the difference. Education and experience. If I had known to wait for the Jewel sale, I could have save on that purchase. My thing is education and experience. I have much to share and look forward to the opportunity.

I am just beginning this sharing format but I have shared my 50+ years of experience with family and friends over the years. Our daughter (and was she listening) lived through her own money experiences early on including having to repay an advance on her allowance with interest. We set up a payment plan, hung it near the phone in the kitchen, and attributed part of her payment to principal and part to interest. There are few trully free rides in this world.

Later on in life she learned another financial truth when she got her first credit card just before her senior year in high school. We arranged for a credit card with a small limit tied to her credit union account. Just a little rope - not enough to hang her.

She used it for a friend to buy a blouse that was on sale. Ally said she'd pay her back from her babysitting incoming the following week. One week became 2, 2 became 3, and soon a month had passed. Ally had all kinds of excuses. The friendship dwindled - probably for several reasons but at the root was this over hanging debt. The $12 lesson was one Marny hasn't forgotten.

Lending money is a two way street and it can certainly get between friends. We'll discuss what it can do to a family in the future.

Hope you enjoy this ride. I have much to say. Stay tuned for a mix of my daily/weekly money experiences and my life-long earned wisdom.

Until then,