When I was a newspaper reporter, I occasionally went to courthouse to see who had been arrested — just in case a legislator had a DUI or a famous person murdered his wife.
I used to think the courthouse was the saddest place on Earth. Because if you are at the courthouse, it’s not a good thing.
Obviously if you are getting married or adopting a baby, the courthouse can be positive. But those are the exceptions.
Most are there because they are in trouble. It’s rock bottom. It can mean facing prison time or the removal of your children.
The energy in that place would bring me down. I hated going there.
I am no longer a reporter, so I do not visit the courthouse, which is a good thing since it affected me so.
But I have discovered a new sad place — and that is Target.
I rarely go to Target because I try to buy only high-quality items. I certainly do not buy clothes or jewelry there. But occasionally, I go to get a school supply or Halloween candy.
I also avoid it because I think everyone in there is trying to fill up their emotional holes by buying more junk. I see women mindlessly pushing shopping carts with their children in tow, looking for the next knick knack to fill up their house, thinking it will make the pain in their hearts go away.
I want to scream, “GO TO THE PARK WITH YOUR CHILDREN! GET OUTSIDE!”
And then when I am checking out, I see how much they spend. Everyone jokes they can’t get out of Target without spending $200. I know that $200 is just adding to your credit card debt. I also know that no matter how much pretty stuff you buy at Target, it’s not going to make you feel better.
Think of what that $200 would do in your child’s college savings account or your retirement account. Stuff does not appreciate. Mutual funds do.
All you are doing is making Target richer. Not yourself.
Don’t get me wrong. Target has a lot of pretty stuff. I love looking at all their pretty decorative items. Jo and Chip are the best!
Just like there is a purpose to having a courthouse, there are times when Target is really convenient to shop.
I just want you to be mindful when you go, and 1. Not use it as an activity with the kids. And 2. I invite you to stop spending tons of money on stuff, thinking, “This next item I buy is it! I will finally be happy!”
I am here to tell you that you can never get enough of what you don’t need.
Whenever someone calls and says they cannot afford my hourly rate, I tell them, “I know you spend $250 at Target every week. Skip the Target trip, and you have money to pay for my services. And unlike the stuff at Target, my services are an investment in yourself.”
It’s time to stop putting money into stuff and invest in yourself.
Are you ready? Call me.