On Sunday I submitted my first post, in quite awhile, to the Carnival of Personal Finance.
My absolute favorite post from the carnival was the The Psychology of Money: The Power of Suggestion Can Cost You by Lisa of Greener Pastures. Lisa points to a number of different studies in which the cost of an item swayed participants into thinking it was more valuable. For example, when asked to choose between a $10 bottle of wine or a $90 bottle the participants overwhelming selected the more expensive bottle as the better tasting one. She cites similar examples where pricier medicine was believed to be more effective.
I also wanted to give a shout out to Grad Girl over at This Writer’s Wallet who’s entry in the carnival directed folks back to a post I wrote about donating used bridesmaid dresses. I was very happy to find homes for my unwanted dresses and I’m happy to see that Grad Girl found a local charity for her’s too. Here again is the link for local charities that accept dress donations.
Lastly I absolutely adored this quote mentioned in Starting Over Financially by Alpha Consumer.
“Gratitude comes easily when our lives are in order—when the bills are paid, the children are behaving and our health is good. But our challenges are what bring the chance for transformation. And it is during our deepest pain that we can be most grateful, because we know our hardship will deliver a lesson that redefines our character. As you practice gratitude, give thanks not only for what you have, but also for what you’ve escaped. When difficulties arise, ask yourself, ‘What is the lesson for me in this?’ And when you give thanks in the midst of your trial, know that you’re becoming your finest.”
Thanks for the shout-out! That’s sweet that the carnival let more people know about the old dresses; seriously, who doesn’t have fancy gowns stuck away in their closets?
What a relief to get rid of them and help someone at the same time!