If you've ever gambled, you probably have set a stop-loss order. You tell yourself something like, “Alright, if it's not my night tonight, I will only allow myself to lose $100.” Therefore, once the $100 is gone, you're done. Another example, is when you go to a bar and only bring about $20 in cash and your I.D. This way, the credit card isn't coming out at 2:30 right before … [Read more...]

It was four years ago. I was 18-years-old and dying to get my first car. I drove my family’s old 1995 Ford Windstar van around for a couple years. We called it the Great White. I never considered it “my” car, and it definitely wasn’t cool. It was in crappy condition, and if I wasn’t constantly guiding the steering wheel, it would turn sharply to the left. I couldn’t wait for … [Read more...]

As a youngster, I can remember vividly doing my chores for what seemed like a lot of money. I would religiously wash the dishes, clean the bathroom, dust furniture, or whatever else I was asked to do in order to earn a buck. And what did I do with my earnings you ask? The answer is absolutely nothing. I would just accumulate dollar bills and then spread them out on my bed as if … [Read more...]

A friend told me the other day that he can't go a week without spending money. At first I laughed because, well, it's funny, but then I realized I used to be the same way. In fact, I couldn't have gone an entire day without spending anything! So one day during the good ol' Catholic season of Lent I decided to give it up - for an entire 40 days. And when I say "gave it up" I … [Read more...]