The Thrifty Therapist: Things That I Walk Away From...

The Thrifty Therapist: The graphic includes a picture of a clipboard with a checklist and an open wallet with dollar bills poking out of it. The text includes the following: “The Thrifty Therapist;” 1. Tuesdays at musictxandme.blogspot.com; 2. Tips and techniques for stretching your therapy budget as far as possible; www.musictherapyworks.com
As someone who is constantly thinking about my finances, I have had to learn lots of lessons the hard way. You know that way - you get over enthusiastic and then end up in trouble with money. As someone who has been in that type of situation more than once, I have established some Thrifty Therapist rules when it comes to money, finances, and being able to eat meat at meals rather than cheap macaroni and cheese.

Gather 'round, children, as MJ goes into a story of money and woe.

As a music therapist who is conditioned towards packratiness (I am making this a word!), I tend to want everything. If I see a cool instrument, I want one. If I see some fun toys, I want them. It is something that I have to fight on a regular basis because I tend to take them all. This is not a good thing.

I now have what I call the "Are You Serious?" Rule - When I see something I set a price that I am willing to pay in my head before I look at the price tag. If the price on the tag is at or less than what I am willing to pay, then I seriously consider the purchase. If there is a discrepancy, then I leave the thing where it is.

I recently made a purchase of a frivolous nature - something that caught my eye and that I enjoyed. It is a quarter moon coat hook. I set my price ($15.00) and the price tag was $14.99 with a sale indicator! Sold! I am now the proud owner of a quarter moon coat hook!! If it had been $20, then it would have remained in the store.

Thrifty Therapist Rule #2 - "Meat or Cable?" When I was a graduate student paying on student loans and paying tuition, I had many lean years. My rule was I had to get my spending under control, so I would decide if I wanted to pay for whatever thing I wanted or if I would have to get into my essential budget. I gave up cable/satellite service because it would tap into my food budget. It was more important to have good nutrition than to have 100+ channels. I started streaming entertainment in 2004 and have never looked back from that decision!

Thrifty Therapist Rule #3 - "Six Things" - I talk about this rule often. Can I think of six different things that I can do with this (instrument/toy/visual aid) in music therapy with my clients? If so, then the other rules go into effect. If I cannot, then I walk away.

Last of my Thrifty Therapist rules is "Will I Ever Get a Chance to Get This Again?" If the something that I am wanting is handmade or unique to the place I am, then the other rules kick in. If I will not be able to find this thing someplace else in the future, then my guidelines change a bit. I have learned to purchase art that I like. I have learned that there are places where you buy things that you will use when you see them. It is worth a bit of extra money if you find Koosh balls after not seeing them in forever to buy as many as you can!

I can say that I rarely have any regrets about not purchasing something that hasn't fit my rules. Having these rules in my purchasing mindset help me walk away.  I do not HAVE to buy something if it does not fit within my rules and structure. I feel that my rules have helped me with my budget over the years. 

What rules do you have for how you spend your money? Is your music therapy equipment mindset different from your personal money mindset? Mine isn't but yours might be. I'm interested...

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