This guy had the nerve to go on and on about how women will nickle and dime themselves and everyone around them into financial ruin. But then he quickly turned the tables - us guys do it all at once. Men tend to just go big and be done with it. Car, boat, house or pricey vacation - men will just create the financial problem in one fell swoop. It is the true all the time? Absolutely not. Can most men and women related to this and nod in general agreement? I think so. It is not like the ruin is better or worse based on the means to get there - it is still ruin. But recognizing our tenancies helps address the problem. [Actually, this week I just about pulled off one of those classic guy moves in our finances but pulled back just in time. No, Jen and I won't be taking a vacation we can't afford next month...]
We need a bit more sexism. Not sexism which says a certain gender can't or shouldn't - but one which says they generally don't or won't. A sexism not to keep men and women apart, but one which realizes how different we are, and through this brings us together in mutual understanding. How can you be a better sexist?
First, lets not be too afraid of stereotypes. This is dangerous ground to head onto, but stereotypes exist for a reason - because they are useful. There is no way we can figure out everything and everyone from a blank slate every time. We must rely on patterns, and we need to build on prior knowledge. We start with stereotypes - a general framework - and then see how the individual varies. Maybe they don't fit at all and the whole stereotype has to be thrown out - but most men fit one mold, most women fit another.
For the record - I not only have the tendency to go all out financially, I also do a good job at nickle and diming... that's why I need a budget!
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