The Art and Math of Procrastination

Having recently been introduced to the Procrastinators RUS program, I have been enticed by some of their money saving bylaws. Behold.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can actually never do and get away with.

Now, I had never truly contemplated such a possibility until I was faced with cleaning the (paint) marker stains out of Man Cub’s brand new (first time he wore them) khakis. *Sigh* Guess who had no turpentine… I decided not to get the paint out at all. Ah, well. They made spiffy shorts for when it is not 12 degrees. (Summer savings: $18)

If you can wait five minutes, try waiting an hour.

English: This is a photo of Squirrel (Sciurus ...

Image via Wikipedia

This gem has managed to save me money. How many times are you standing transfixed by a glittery, shiny, color-splashed display designed to liberate you from the contents of your wallet?

Now, for those of you who think I squeak when I walk, far from the opposite could not be truer. I have been known to part with copious amounts of money. However, putting off a big purchase (or even an Ooooo, I want that! one) can save you a bundle.

You can more easily resist the adverts you have seen so many times you feel like you know the ad agent’s children’s middle names. Give yourself a moment to be… SQUIRREL!

There are fewer things on my to-do list if I move them to tomorrow.

save

With the notable exception of bill-paying, this is true. Avoid the late fees by paying bills today. Save the big money by putting purchases off until the jar has the full purchase price (with tax).

When you fall for the Act NOW and SAVE propaganda, what the fine print fails to convey is: The model on sale requires the purchase of additional items which will far exceed your Right This Minute Before They Are Gone Forever savings.

This is so much more important.

Now, if you are not someone who has planned for the holiday season to avoid stress from unexpected expenses, you will likely feel the need to scurry about, paying too much in fear of time expiring. Just stop. And put it off.

Instead of trying to meet the demand for buying your spouse’s boss’ secretary’s stepdaughter’s boyfriend a gift, make them all a paper plate full of cookies. After the holidays are over you can rack up on those last minute, *!&% that is expensive on Christmas Eve, really cool, I-don’t-have-to-know-if-you-like-this-sort-of-thing, pre-wrapped gifts for a song.

The time you spend in the kitchen with Mate or your offspring is a present to yourself. And don’t you deserve it?

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Don’t miss Alex’ Dummies Guide to Understanding Advertising Lingo!

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What is the thing you are most proud to have put off and never done? Have you saved a boatload by not buying right now? (Consider the lemons you would have had with the “brand new [and improved]” whatever it was.)

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(c) Red Dwyer 2011-2012
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27 Comments

  1. awarewriter

     /  December 12, 2011

    Joining the procrastinators club. I never got around to it.

    John

    Reply
  2. bear

     /  December 13, 2011

    Gonna answer this tomorrow I think.

    Reply
  3. “Instead of trying to meet the demand for buying your spouse’s boss’ secretary’s stepdaughter’s boyfriend a gift, make them all a paper plate full of cookies”.

    That sentence had me chuckling Red 🙂
    Thank you for adding such a fine posting…

    Androgoth XXx

    Reply
    • Tehe! Glad you liked it. When I was writing this, I needed that sentence. It is one of those traditions I will never understand. 😉

      Glad to bring you a laugh this afternoon!
      Red.

      Reply
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