Cabinet reshuffle

They said money, more often than not, is the number 1 reason for couple fights. So, two years ago when we got married, Tatut and I had a financial discussion. I was then designated as the banker who collects our income (minus personal bills) and takes care of all bills.

At first it was easy. But later on, as we took mortgage, subscribed for cable TV, internet and so on, things became a bit more complicated. Every month, I have to go to two banks to pay for the mortgage and house's down payment, annoy people at the ATM for paying a stack of bills, and not to mention thinking hard on how to avoid deficit.

Sometimes I wanted to give the responsibility to Tatut but he always refused, saying that he's no good in taking care of money and bills. True, though. When I was out of country for a month last year, I went back only to find several bills were left unpaid, cable TV was cut, and not too mention all plants were dead (that needs a whole new blog entry)!

This year, alhamdulillaah (tiba2 relihius hehe), our financial state is improving, thanks to Tatut's new job and several projects we got. For the first time after we got married, we're able to save up every month and even investing a small amount. So, my burden as the banker is lifted a bit.

The thing is, seeing some money left in the account, this bitch is going crazy with retail therapy. I've always liked shopping, but has always been sensible about it.. sort of. With the extra money, however, things have been getting a little out of hand.

Everytime the 'on sale' tag is on at any mall within reach, that's where I'd be. I bought clothes, books, magazines, home accessories..
If a friend asked me to accompany her/him to buy something, it often ended up with me buying more stuff. The latest case was when me and my friend, Elida, accompanied another friend, Chris, who looked for furnitures at a garage sale somewhere in posh Kebayoran Baru. They didn't buy anything, while I managed to order a cabinet and a kitchen table.

Sure, I always said that I needed those things. In my defense, I couldn't afford those stuff, so.. it's vengeance time, baby! Besides, although it doesn't necessary make me more stylish, Ugly Betty said that fashion is the food for the soul. Amen. And it's not like I bought Gucci or Manohlo. I balance things out and also shop at ITC.
Also, I didn't just shop for myself, but for friends and families too. The look at people's face when they received my gifts.. priceless :D

Until the fasting month and Eid holiday came, when, fasting or not fasting, and whether you want it or not, you gotta spend more. At least holiday bonuses for maid, parents (oh yeah), satpam, tukang rumput, tukang koran. The Santa Claus in me also couldn't help to buy gifts for my families...and myself:) We also had to pay for the home trip to Bandung, and so on and so forth. The next thing we knew, we were out of cash. There was (and still is) nothing in our accounts. Nada, zilt, zero.
Well, we have some savings, but we don't wanna use it unless it's real emergency. Payday is still a few days away, so, swallowing my pride, I borrowed some money from my best friend :(

Regret (in my part) is creeping in. Why the hell did I bought so many stuff anyway? Situ Carrie Bradshaw?? hiks.

Finally, I gave up my position as the financial minister of our household and handed it to Tatut, who, being amazed at my shopping habit, took the torch in relief. He gave me a long list of dos and don'ts, including:
- If you really have to buy clothes, buy it at Pojok Busana or Ramayana. Even then, you're only allowed to shop once a month!
- No more buying underwear even if Marks and Spencer is having 80% sale, unless all of your existing underwear are having holes a size of ozone holes!

That bastard :D

Posted by hera at Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:34 AM | Permalinks