I was almost into RPGs

In fifth grade, I played Magic: The Gathering for about six months, maybe a year. My mom eventually made me stop because she thought it was effecting (affecting? anyone?) my mood (turns out I was just turning into an ornery pre-teen), so I was only able to start my deck (green) and add a few creatures. I still think very fondly of Magic, though I think I would need a little refresher before being able to play it again.

I bring all this up because my two favorite personal finance bloggers were really into Magic. Past tense, because the game is set up to be so expensive, and these are guys who are also really into (more really into?) getting things done, paying down debt, and living within (and below) their means. Magic doesn’t help that too much.

I’m trying to figure out how I should budget my salary from my new job, and I’m finding stories like these to be inspiring on more than one level: of course it’s ridiculous to spend $161 over a week on a game, but the reasons behind the money are probably greater. I personally love pretending to be productive (by you know, reading personal finance blogs) when I’m actually procrastinating something I should be doing that would be much better for my future (actually working on my budget? e-mailing all those apartments back so I have something to look at and move into?).

It’s easy to get caught in the trap. I think a major goal will be to keep my eyes open for things that I’m throwing money and time at uselessly. The hard part is actually stopping…but at least guilt can start to suggest that change should happen.

I think the things that I’ll have to think about are jeans, skirts, candy, and eating out. A one-in-one-out policy for clothing might have to be implemented, and I’ll have to plan ahead for meals. It’s doable.