In all my two decades’ worth of Sex and the City fandom (yes, I started secretly watching at nine years old; sorry, Mom!), I have never felt much of a kinship with Carrie Bradshaw—except, that is, when she got dumped on a Post-it, smoked weed, got a ticket from a cop, and ate an ice cream sundae, all in rapid succession…but that was a one-time occurrence. Sure, I love Carrie when she’s a flop, but most of the time I’m a hardcore Miranda—and not just because I would definitely try to date Che Diaz if they were an actual person.
As I rewatched the SATC episode in which Miranda buys her first apartment the other day, though, I realized that I wasn’t a Miranda at all—at least not when it comes to personal finances. I really, really hate to say it, but I—to borrow a phrase—couldn’t help but wonder...am I a financial Carrie? Let’s review the evidence for a minute: Carrie seems to have a healthy income stream from her New York Star column for most of the series, plus she famously makes $4 a word at Vogue (okay, babe), yet she’s constantly broke from spending money on fancy shoes and dinners out. She seems incapable of saving, she’d rather ask Charlotte for money to buy her apartment than figure it out herself, and while she ends up marrying the richest of rich guys and thus glowing up into fancy-widow territory in And Just Like That..., for most of the run of the original show, she’s at the mercy of her own bad financial decisions.
I’m pleased to say that I’ve never asked a friend to pawn her engagement ring in order to help me afford my rent (a real low moment for Carrie), but unfortunately, as I approach 30 and desperately try to sort out my own finances in order to someday afford the things I want—travel, a wedding, a house, kids, enough Tatcha moisturizer to last me the rest of my life—I can sort of understand where Carrie was coming from. It’s pretty clear that she’s regularly suffering from what financial expert Tori Dunlap calls “the ostrich effect,” and sadly, I can relate: Sometimes, when you’re in a financial hole, it’s easier to bury your head in the sand and keep blithely buying Manolos (or, in my case, takeout ramen) rather than sort out where you’re going wrong.
Unlike Carrie, I don’t spend the majority of my money on clothes and accessories; in fact, I’ve been keeping a log of all my fashion-y indulgences this year in an attempt to get a better sense of where my money is going, and a quick review of it shows that I’ve only made four or five silly discretionary purchases since January (which, trust me, is a huge step up from the previous year). Still, a common issue within the world of personal finance is telling yourself, Well, I don’t do x or buy y, therefore I can’t possibly be as bad off as this other person, therefore I don’t need to change anything. In reality, though, I might be spending as big a percentage of my budget on edibles (they’re expensive, y’all !) as Carrie does on Dior.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of Sex and the City fandom, my expertise spans both the intricacies of the show's narrative and the financial behaviors of its characters. Over the years, I've delved into discussions and analyses, combining a passion for the series with a keen eye for financial nuances.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Sex and the City Fandom: The author expresses a two-decade-long dedication to the Sex and the City TV series, indicating an in-depth knowledge of the show's characters, plotlines, and underlying themes.
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Carrie Bradshaw's Character: The article revolves around the author's self-reflection, contemplating whether their financial habits align with those of Carrie Bradshaw, one of the main characters in Sex and the City. The author evaluates Carrie's financial decisions and explores the concept of being a "financial Carrie."
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Miranda's First Apartment: There's a specific reference to an episode where Miranda buys her first apartment. This episode likely involves financial decisions that the author finds relevant to their own situation.
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Financial Challenges of Carrie Bradshaw: The article points out Carrie's financial struggles despite her seemingly healthy income. It discusses her spending habits, inability to save, and reliance on others for financial support.
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Ostrich Effect: The author introduces the concept of the "ostrich effect" as explained by financial expert Tori Dunlap. This effect refers to the tendency to avoid dealing with financial issues by ignoring them, akin to burying one's head in the sand.
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Self-reflection on Personal Finances: The author draws parallels between their own financial habits and those of Carrie Bradshaw, expressing a realization about facing similar challenges, such as the ostrich effect.
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Comparison in Personal Finance: The article touches on the common tendency in personal finance to justify one's financial situation by comparing it to others. The author acknowledges the fallacy of this thinking and recognizes the need for self-improvement.
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Tracking Fashion Expenses: The author mentions keeping a log of fashion-related expenditures to gain insight into their spending habits. This practice reflects a proactive approach to personal finance and a desire for better financial management.
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Budgeting and Prioritization: The article concludes with a reflection on the importance of acknowledging and addressing personal financial challenges, emphasizing the need for change and responsible budgeting.
In summary, the article combines a deep understanding of Sex and the City with a thoughtful exploration of personal finance, drawing parallels between the author's financial habits and those of a beloved character, Carrie Bradshaw. The inclusion of terms like the "ostrich effect" and the focus on self-reflection showcase a nuanced understanding of both pop culture and financial psychology.
