Book Challenge :: Prairie EcoThrifter.com

Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell was the 6th book in my Book Challenge. The story is about Londoner Tilly Cole who walks into her home one day to discover her live-in boyfriend of many years has “done a runner.” Startled by just how heartbroken she doesn’t feel, Tilly gets away to visit her friend Erin in Roxborough, out in the Cotswolds, for a little fresh air and time to regroup. It’s there that she meets Max Dineen, a local single dad, and his daughter Lou. Knowing she has little left for her in London and eager to begin a new phase of her life, Tilly takes a job working as Max and Lou’s “Girl Friday,” helping out with Max’s interior decorating business and generally being a pal and helper for teenage Lou. You have to read the rest to find out what happens.

This tale is about how an enforced change in domestic circumstances, closing old doors, can lead to new doors opening, with the potential for dramatic changes to the lifestyle of the main character. I think this is the best lesson I was reminded of by reading this book. Seize opportunity, any opportunity for that matter that comes your way. You never know what can result.

This was my first Jill Mansell read. I must admit, the book was a challenge to get into in the start but by the end I can say that I enjoyed it. I think I will give some more of her titles a try.

Shopaholic Abroad a.k.a. Shopaholic Takes Manhatten was the fifth book I read for my book challenge. This sequel is just as funny as the first with no loss of charm, wit or sheer hilarity. Despite getting herself back on a fiscal even keel at the end of the last outing, Becky just can't resist the lure of those designer boutiques, and soon finds her pile of debts getting bigger than ever. But she's paid them off before so she can do so again – right? She's off to New York with her boyfriend Luke to attempt to start a life in America. But she gets distracted. She finds herself sampling the delights of 5th Avenue and warp her credit card in more and more designer stores, discovering personal shoppers and sample sales for the first time. She tells herself she is "investing" in her career as her justification for buying more clothes and accessories. Eventually, everything comes crashing back down to earth with an almighty thump. You have to read the book to hear what happens.

Once again, I have learned a few things from this series.

"Look after your money and your money will look after you." This is a quote that Becky often says on her TV show when she is giving financial advice, and it stuck with me. I actually think it is quite profound. If we take the time to treat our money well, invest it and save it in high interest accounts and refrain from spending it on every whim, it really will look after us. Our futures would be financially secure and we would have more flexibility to seize the opportunities we have always want to try.
Take time to consider the cost of your purchase. Calculate what that money would amount to if you invested it for the future or even set aside away half of it to save for a bigger treat in the near future.
Leave the credit cards and debit cards at home. It is far to easy to swipe a card and in less than 10 seconds have something in your possession that is brand new and possibly something you don't even need. You trick yourself into thinking you can pay for it later. By limiting your ability to purchase on a whim, you are more able to determine an actual need vs. a want and save yourself the bill at the end of the month that you can't pay.
A sale doesn't necessarily mean a bargain. Ask yourself whether you would buy the item at full price. In fact, double the price of the object, and ask yourself whether you'd pay that much to call it yours. This may seem unrealistic, but it will give you a good idea of how much you value the object and your money.
If you make a mistake, deal with it immediately. If you have gone out and spent too much money, don't dwell on it. Return the items if you can or sell them. There are plenty of options these days, such as Amazon, Craig's List etc. where you can list things for sale.
Finally, use constraint. Don't just buy something for the sake of it. Don't let others influence your decision on saying NO. Stand firm in what you really want, financial freedom and don't let any discount, deal, or individual compromise that.