I’m A Stripper, That’s How I Make My Money

You’d be surprised.

Do you know how easy it is to do this stuff?

Yep- I got it for that cheap.

…So which of the above do you think I have said to people? 

Yes. All of them.

I have gotten and continue to get constant comments and questions along the lines of; “Wow- you sure travel a lot”, “Must be nice”, “Do you ever stay home?”, “Business must be good!”, “How the hell do you afford to go places all the time?”, “You’re so lucky.” 

(That last one is my favorite.)

HA! Come on now. Are you kidding me?

Lucky? Yes. I guess I’m lucky that I have been smart enough (along with plenty of stupidity of course) to make some choices I have in my life. I have afforded myself the opportunity to go places and do things that I want. I’m not sure it has been “luck” though. I wonder what that means when people say that I’m “lucky.” I’ve had every kind of job to make ends meet in the past 15 years from slinging burgers and beers to working on marketing projects and as somebody’s “Toots” (they literally called me that. I was a Project Manager which in this case meant a glorified babysitter of staff and secretary.) I have struggled to pay my bills, put a roof over my head keep “food on the table” just like every other human, but somehow I am one of the “lucky” ones. Sweet. I like that. I’ll run with it and pretend here for arguments sake that I am some uber lucky person. A total genius and way super smarter than everyone else walking around busting butt. Lets say I’m the magical merlin. The all-knowing. While we’re rolling with that ridiculousness, I will share my secrets here. 

Next time you are:

*Grabbing your $5 Venti mocha frappa-dappa-yappa whatever delish at Starbucks and paying $10 for their unlimited TMobile Hot Spot WIFI for the day

*Writing a check for your monthly car and insurance payment

*Buying that new stylin’ top/dress/pants-whatever at Banana Republic

*Out with pals having a top-shelf martini 

I will be:

*Grabbing my Tall Starbucks dark roast of the day with my 10% off card that comes with free refills. (It only costs between $1.43 and $1.65 depending on location.) I’ll also be using their free WIFI because yes- you can actually get it for free

*Writing no check for car payment because I own my used Honda Civic that I paid in full on the spot for $3,800.) 

Car insurance? No monthly payment. I pay in full for 6 months because they give you insane discounts when you do that. 

*Buying something equally as stylin’ from Banana Republic. But from the clearance rack. 

*Out with pals having whatever drink is on happy hour special or sipping some YUM $10 bottle of wine on my porch or theirs.

Just like everyone else, I can still get a caffeine high, drive wherever, whenever and safely when I want, I can look hot in my threads and get tipsy all for a sliver of what most people pay. And best? No one, including me- can ever, would ever or cares ever- the difference whether I spent a buck of a thousand bucks on anything. 

Yup. I’m a friggin genius. 

No, I just pay attention a little closer and take a few extra minutes for certain things. It’s sure worth it to me. Come on people. It’s not rocket science. I’m not lucky. I’m an average chick. I don’t have disposable income, I have bills and problems and all the rest of life stuff just like everybody else. There’s no luck about it. It’s about being smart. I just make certain choices of how I want to live. My choices are time, experience and stuff that’s usually on sale or not quite as new and perfect and shiny. Some people have to have the best and shiniest as soon as they can get their hands on it. That’s Ok. To each his own. Believe me, I LOVE me some fancy and brand new cool stuff. I have expensive and “snobby” taste about some things. I just don’t allow myself to practice that expensive taste and snobbery all the time. If I did, it would get in the way of buying lots of gas for my car and plane tickets so I could go see people and stuff that I love and that is so not worth it to me.

I’m happy to share money saving tricks and tips if anyone wants me to. I could teach you to save TONS of loot on the above and more. It does take a bit of effort, but if you want to stop looking at someone and thinking because they travel a bunch or have something you want, they are “lucky” just stop for a few minutes and take a look at yourself, your life and your choices first. You just might be able to make tiny little adjustments that could get you those new jeans or plane ticket before you know it.

Who needs a session? I should charge for this stuff. Maybe I’ll start a side biz called “Living lucky with Diane.” HA! 

Man does this free Starbucks Gazebo blend refill taste yummy while I use their free WIFI. 

(Now after rereading this post and some thought, I think I’m going to have to start posting some deals, bargains and money saving tricks and tips I use so stay tuned for some of that.)