Tuesday, October 14, 2008

To Beer or Not To Beer?

For the past 6 months, I've been recycling cans, bottles and newspaper to earn beer money. I just recently recycled stuff I've been collecting since 8/27 and earned $9.92. Not too shabby for stuff I was going to throw out anyways. :-D

Many PF bloggers throw this kind of extra income into their "snowflake" jar. I wondered whether I should start snowflaking my recycling proceeds?

Funny Pictures


Since it's an election year, I've decided to let my readers decide! (Please cast your vote on the sidebar.)

Query: Should I buy beer with my most recent recycling proceeds?

Like the official voter information guide we get in the mail, I've decided to provide a Pro and Con argument for this vote.

A YES vote means I get to enjoy an occasional ice cold beer. I used to drink a bottle a day, but I've cut out beer from my regular budget. For the past 6 months, I've only bought beer from my recycling proceeds. The last six-pack of beer I bought was in August and I still have 3 bottles left. A "yes" vote will promote mental relief and happiness (albeit very briefly).

A NO vote means I will put most recent recycling proceeds into my savings. I don't have enough money in my emergency fund to last me more than 3-4 months. I have over $120,000 in debt and I may be laid off next week. Beer is an extravagance I cannot afford right now. A "no" vote is a vote for fiscal responsibility.

I haven't cashed my recycling voucher so I won't be tempted to spend it before the vote is closed. Viva democracy!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I vote yes. Snowflaking and paying down debt is great, but you can't deny yourself everything at the same time. It's a little treat every now and then, not something you're running out and buying every week.

Sallie's Niece said...

Yes! I used to do this in law school - cashing in my bottles and cans only when they had earned me enough to pay for a pack of smokes. It got too messy in my small kitchen after a while though. You've earned a beer or two!

Anonymous said...

I'm a yes too. Got to live a little and reward yourself for all your hard work!

Anonymous said...

I agree with the 3 above. You need a beer every once in a while to take the edge of the demands of life.

Enjoy it! ;)

Shtinkykat said...

Hee hee. You gals certainly know how to make me happy! :-D

Escape Brooklyn said...

I'm definitely the WRONG person to ask about this, but beer beats financial responsibility every time. It just does. Especially if you can buy one of those yummy Trader Joe 6-packs for $5.99!!!

Shtinkykat said...

EFB: Trader Joe's I go today! I love Trader Joe's!