Cash Flow

Dear Friends,

It seems I’m not the only one preoccupied with money these days. 

A few weeks ago the New Yorker played host to it, last night it was the topic of discussion on the Agenda with Steve Paikin, and this afternoon, out of nowhere, it popped up at the mall.

On my way to my appointment with Dmitri, my masseur, I ran into an old acquaintance. Once she found out where I was headed, with the most affected tone of voice she said: “Oh, I don’t spend money on these things, I tell my husband to give me a back-rub!”

Well, not only she “massage shamed" me but she also “single shamed" me! I walked away, congratulating myself for never having taken to her.

My mother says if I hadn’t moved so often I would’ve had at least a million by now. She is probably right! However, every time I moved, I turned the wheels of economy in Ontario. From the real estate agents, moving and cleaning companies, painters, carpenters and handymen, to furniture, drapery and accessory stores, they were all grateful!   

Since I have stopped moving, I spend my money on "things" that more than a few consider unnecessary or frivolous such as hair, nails, clothes, restaurants, take-out and general well being that includes Dmitri.  

My money circulates. Cash hoarders barricade financial mobility. I don’t understand why people who have decided to freeze, and later reduce my salary do not appreciate my philosophy. Don’t they see how my future penny-pinching is going to affect others?

While I was listening to Michael Sandel the author of What Money Can’t Buy say that money, turning citizens into consumers is devaluating human relationships, I had an epiphany!

How about, a few talented, electronically savvy people create and run a skillsmatch.com site?  

Here is my add; A charming fashion consultant, event planner, decorator, chef, French tutor, babysitter and speech writer seeks a competent masseur, chiropractor, personal trainer, handyman, plumber, driver and esthetician.

However, with all the weirdoes out there, skillsmatch.com is not a safe idea, although it has the potential to become an amazing Reality Show!

We can't really stop money from buying everything that it can - accepted and filed!

What have you accepted and filed today?