I just bought a lifetime supply of erasers. I didn’t intend to–I just wanted one but the Ticonderoga erasers on display at our local grocery store came six to a package for $2.49. My heirs can count on an eraser as part of their legacy.
I use an eraser daily because I enjoy working the crossword, sudoku and cryptoquote printed in the newspaper. I’m not smart enough to do the puzzles in ink–I have to make corrections to my pencil work.
My old eraser lasted for many years until it was a nubbin that I could barely hold on to. I was raised by parents who lived through the Great Depression and World War II. Anything they had wasn’t easily replaced. Their rule was use it up completely before buying new.
Some things I don’t mind spending money for. When I have shopping to do in the city, I take advantage of the situation and enjoy lunch out in a restaurant–hey, I’m worth it because I cook most of our meals.
When I compare costs today to years ago, it’s hard to believe I could have a hamburger and a malt for fifty cents in a Durand restaurant when I was a senior in high school. Mom let me enjoy the treat once in a while instead of my usual sack lunch.
Salaries were quite different, too. After graduation in 1955, I went to work in Rockford with three other clerks in the ASC Office, a local branch of the United States Department of Agriculture. My starting pay was $1.25 per hour. Our boss, the manager, was paid an annual salary of $5,000. which was considered good pay, especially for a woman.
I have worked at not showing my alarm at the price increase when I’m buying something such as a pair of shoes, which doesn’t need to be done very often.
When it comes to spending your money, are you a tightwad, a lavish spender or like me, somewhere in between?