Control Your Spending

Watch Your Spending

Control your spending. Easier said than done you might say. However, in the excerpt below Frank in the novel, Baggage burdens., has no trouble expressing that value. His outburst suggests that controlling spending is a high value. Two other factors serve to reinforce Frank’s position. Result: for Jill the value is deeply imbedded.

Jill’s father takes a deep breath. “What the hell is this?” he demands pointing to the page titled Graduation Gowns.

“It’s nothing,” pleads Alice. 

“You’re damn right it’s nothing. We’re not going to waste any money on any foolish dress she’s only going to wear once.”

When Alice looks into her husband’s face, he blurts out, “You’re not going to buy anything like that. We can’t afford it. Do you hear me?” 

“Yes, yes,” Alice answers.

To take the edge off Frank’s anger Alice says, “Jill’s looking to see how much she has to save so she could buy the dress for herself next year”

Their spending behavior was a lived value. Before Frank said anything Alice and Jill were already looking at graduation dresses at least a year before it was desired. Jill knew it was an extra ordinary purchase, something she had to save up for.

Careful spending was a family value. They all shared the same belief.

When Jill no longer lives at home, she is just as conscious about frivolous spending. This shows up particularly when it comes to purchasing a wedding gown.

Jill and Joseph’s wedding

Mary adds, “Jill, we have to get you a dress.”

Without thinking, an alternative slips out of Jill’s mouth. “Maybe we should just elope.”

“Don’t be silly. This is one of the most important events in your life.” Mary’s strong declaration washes away the hasty alternative.

Jill wrestles with purchasing a gown. It rekindles the graduation gown dream. She recalls her father’s challenging words. “Waste of money! Something only worn once!” 

‘It’s bound to be expensive.’ Jill is ready to toss out the gown idea. Her proclamation meets a unison objection from Joseph and Mary.

Jill and Bill’s wedding

 “If I understand Kathy correctly, she wants to take you shopping for a new dress for your wedding. She means for it to be her present for you.”

“I haven’t heard anything about it. When was she hoping to do this?”

“This Saturday.”

Relief sweeps over Jill. Shopping for a new dress for a one-time event is something Jill hopes to avoid.

“We’ll still be gone. I can wear what I did when we went out with the Martonis.”

haiku capsule

                                                                            celebration gown

                                                         an occasional purchase

challenging expense

Next blog: Seeds Breeding Distrust