Get Vulcan

Mr Spock has three ears.   His right ear, his left ear, and space...the final front ear.

Apart from his superior hearing, what sets him apart is his logical mind.  His lack of emotion, his judgement based on mathematical probabilities.   He doesn't have gut feelings or hunches.   He can't be swayed or persuaded by a boozy lunch, or have his head turned by charisma, flattery or advertising.

Which means he'd be very good with money.  Mr Spock would find these things simply illogical:

1.  Borrowing money to buy things you don't really need
2.  Having sustained credit card debt
3.  Lotto
4.  Buying high and selling low
5.  Paying full price at Briscoes

And yes, we know this too.   The drawback here is that we are human beings - not Vulcans and we have "emotions" here on Earth.    Spending money on something you know to be wasteful or reckless is a very human thing to do do.

With number 1 on the list, there is a complex emotional battle going on.    You may buy a wonderful item on credit and now you have it!   You deserve a treat, why not?  There is a brief period of rejoicing and then the sheen wears off a bit.

A more sustained way to keep that emotional high is to save up for the item and pay for it.   Once the initial thrill is gone, you still have the satisfaction of knowing it's all yours.  

It feels good to buy nice things, but attaching too much emotion to money all the time can be a huge financial hazard.   It can also be the most illogical.    Emotions have been developed (I expect)  as a result of an evolutionary need to interact with each other successfully.   There is no practical use for money issues to be sprinkled with emotion.   Do you feel any emotion when eating toast?   You don't because you don't need to.

Sales teams all over the world are in meetings right now trying to find ways to "engage" you about money.   Sales professionals want to establish an emotional connection because then you get a bit more relaxed and less picky.   

Remove emotion as much as you can.  If a sales person is getting excited, ask them to calm down.   If they are probing you for details of your school days , they are trying to establish an emotional  connection via banter - politely get them back on course.  You're on to them.

Get Vulcan about money and live long and prosper.