Message Received

"I don't know HOW you guys do this!" That was Nick's response after his turn at grocery shopping. (See last post.)

Given $100, he went $52.23 over the budget. I'll admit I didn't actually set him up for success by adding detergent, toilet paper and a roast dinner to the list...but still, even if I had increased his allowance by $30-$40 he wouldn't have made it.

It was fun to watch him choose the cheapest (and tasteless) spaghetti sauce, juice and the roughest toilet paper made in America. He imposed a ban on all soda and deli-sliced cheese. He did, however, allow Tate and I to choose one item not on the list as a "treat." I selected some granola bars. Tate picked popsicles (from the two Nick identified as his "choices.") He did a great job of balancing needs and wants and making some allowances for the people he loved. In the end he was a bit humbled by the total bill. Leaving the store with his shoulders dragging the ground he said, "I'll never pay off this debt." (He thought any $$ shortage had to come from his future allowance...which would have only taken him 17 weeks to pay!)

We canceled his debt and gently reminded them of their "This is ridiculous" comment. Then we kept the scam going all weekend by eating at home and just enjoying a simple, relaxing weekend, free of any costly entertainment or outings. I think it was a lesson worth the extra $50 from my checking account!