Allow me to introduce myself ... I tam he nemesis of Mom-sense (presently referred to as Mom-sense-less), call me Nem.

I have always been lurking close to the surface - call me the one of the shoulder in the horns, wielding the pitchfork while twirling my tail. I was first a barely audible whisper, but I have been gaining momentum. I have not become a full-grown monkey on the back - but I may appear red somewhere else - like on the budget.

Mom-sense-less has tried her best to be prudent, but she hasn't planned very well for obvious things - like clothing for the children (and there are many of them to clothe). She has been through a lazy spurt and the family has had to dine out (and not in a fun - "Let's go eat" because it is a treat - but begrudginly ...)

There is a trip for the family planned (already paid for) and the spending money has had to leave the house and go to stay at her mother's so it won't be touched.

For the first time Sense-less' budget was negative. It probably would have been in the black had she planned better what items needed to be purchased, rather than buying MORE than what was needed. She justified this because of 30% off using her Kohl's charge. Sadly she doesn't have the money to pay it off and is paying interest.

She uttered to herself, I will use the rebate check and income from part-time job to pay this. Did she forget she had planned on using those funds for thing like real estate taxes, a roof for the rental property, and some funds to go to retirement? Once she starts rediverting those funds, I will win. It is kinks in her thought process that have allowed me get a strong-hold in the past. Sadly enough it isn't extreme frivolity that has caused this - rather STUFF that really wasn't needed.

She had to use the credit card to pay for a repair to the dryer. She justified it and said, "it is better than having to buy a new one." The pink pig from Feedthepig.org on her corner couldn't oink loud enough for her to hear - I think he said something like "How would you have afforded a new one?"

Sense-less did up her contribution to her IRA by $10 per month and her DH's 401(k) by 1% (this is covered by a small salary increase which will only take $30 from the budget)

She has squandered gas to do recreational shopping. Her aunt is coming to visit in the summer and they are going to sew. Thankfully she just purchased a pattern ($1.99) but her aunt isn't actually here and there isn't actually any certainty she will become friends with the sewing machine.

She has squandered food money to buy prepackaged c**p cookies when she has prided herself on the fact that she bakes from scratch and avoids preservatives and chemicals.

So anyhow, I am here. You can call me Nem. Hell with frugality, spend those rebate checks before they come in. Big screen TVs and pedicures are waiting. Expensive dinners out and rounds of golf. Brand new Hanna Andersson clogs for all your daughters. New soccer balls for your sons!