So this past weekend it was kind of no surprise to me that I spent a Saturday evening watching a Suze Orman lecture on public television. And boy do her followers hang on her every word. Start to finish. Through tears they asked questions about fixing their situations, like the woman younger than I who had $8,000 in credit card bills, $60,000 in student loans (she decided to recently go to grad school) and a mortgage that she was defaulting on. Now I'm no financial expert, but when Suze said something to the effect of, "Um, I think buying a condo wasn't your best idea," I kind of agreed.
Suze's whole shtick is, "People first, then money, then things." Which, in general, I agree with. But I think she'd spontaneously combust if she saw this "thing" I bought last week:
I just couldn't leave this "thing" in the cute vintage store in Asbury Park. Flying Saucers is a great little hidden gem (downstairs in the Shoppes at the Arcade, so you can't see them from the street) with oodles of fun mostly kitchen stuff, old and new (but the new stuff looks old, and is fabulous). They had a smorgasbord of vintage juice jars like the one I recently bought, and I have a feeling a collection of these "things" could be in my kitchen's future. My friend bought herself a fantastic cobalt blue Fiestaware salt and pepper shaker set (new) on sale for $10, and I just saw them for a lot more online.
The sign appears to maybe be a salesman's sample, possibly? From the 1950s? The small label on the front reads, "Gunn Outdoor Advertising, Co." and I can't seem to find anything online about them. I love it in all of its chippy splendor and have never seen anything like it.
So in getting back to Suze, I guess my mantra would be, "People first, then money - and don't forget to save some of that because too many people spend more than they have, then things - but buy the things you want within your means. Because sometimes things, especially simple silly things like a miniature vintage billboard, can make you really quite happy."
But I guess my mantra doesn't roll off the tongue as easily as Suze's.
11 comments:
Loved your mantra, even if it isn't quite as catchy as Suze's. ;-)
What a cool Travel Lodge sign! I'm not sure I could've resisted that, either, even if Suze was standing right in front of me, wagging her finger in my face. (Love her. I find her highly entertaining.)
Sorry to see the state of your sunflowers and corn stalks. Looks like they took a beating while you were gone! -Julia
I have to say that Suze Orman really annoys me and she is forever on MSNBC giving her "advice". Yea, don't buy crap you can't afford. Wow, groundbreaking!
But I think she would be fine with you buying anything provided you have taken care of all the important things (like retirement, emergency fund, etc..) first.
Julia -- I found myself drawn like a moth to a flame. Maybe it was her shiny teeth! :-)
Mrs. L -- I can't believe I watched the whole thing. You're right about savings for future...so if she gets women to wake up and say, "OH, RIGHT - RETIREMENT!" I guess I’m OK with that. Probably b/c I'll be pissed if I'm still working 30 years from now.
LOL! Love your mantra! I think I'll borrow it! :-)
I like your mantra better, anyway. :) That sign's the coolest thing!
That sign is wonderful!
When I catch Suze while flipping channels, I usually stop, too.
Bella :)
Oh how I love that sign! I can almost hear the excitement in your voice and see the beautiful twinkle in your eyes.
Your mantra is our philosophy around here!
While we listen to Suze oh maybe 3 or so times a year, we don't always agree with her. But I admit, I think she is so fun to listen to and she holds my attention.
Great find! I don't disagree with Suze, but when it comes to vintage finds, well, that just doesn't count.
laundry & ms. tee...I like my mantra better, too. ;-)
debbie...I think Suze's OK, too. I think it's scary that people need to be reminded not to spend more than they have, but hey... whatever helps! My mom told me about a Suze-ism that I kind of like. Dump all of the change out of your wallet at the end of the day. I tell you what: It adds up!
black-eyed susans...you are soooo right. There's no way vintage counts. ;-)
Those little things really can make you quite happy, can't they? I think that mantra is very fitting. And I will admit, I watched Rock of Love.
Both seasons.
Love the mantra and I found myself watching Rock of Love as well. I admit it. I have even TiVo-ed it.
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