Shopaholic and Baby: When Birthdays Meet Payday Loans

Based on the last book in Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, overspending and overuse of credit and cash for a new baby’s arrival may spell disaster; knowing how to budget and cover extra expenses with payday loans might be the best tools a new mom can have.

Another Round of Bad Shopping Habits

The third of the more notable books in Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series is entitled Shopaholic and Baby, where main character and ultimate shopaholic Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) is happily married and pregnant with her first child.  Though the previous novels demonstrated how Becky was able to wean herself off her neurotic spending habits and learned a lesson or two in managing her finances, this new installment shows how old habits just keep coming back.  Specifically, now that she is with child, Becky resorts to even more justifications regarding her shopping rituals and credit card use.  For first-time mothers, it is easy to relate to Becky’s logic; however, wanting to give your baby the best need not run toward frivolity and envy.

Only the Best for Baby

Becky’s notorious materialism reaches greater heights in this novel, as she is pictured on the quest for the handsomest celebrity home with a shoe room to boot, as well as engaging the services of an A-list obstetrician.  Of course, her daily shopping sprees also move to a higher level—while hunting for the most coveted designer baby clothes and shoes, she just has to find matching outfits for herself.  Though her antics are fun to read and laugh at, it is difficult to believe that such a person exists—unless we’re talking about new celebrity moms like Nicole Richie or Jessica Alba.  Or maybe even Britney Spears a few years back, assuming she wanted to do things other than shaving her head.  A regular mom-to-be with enough financial resources would still be reasonable in adjusting to her new condition and preparing for that much-awaited arrival, yet might find herself in a bit of a situation born out of excitement and anticipation.  Doctor’s appointments, medication, and extra expenses to cover the baby’s needs are expected, which will continue well into the baby’s birth.  While plans for the baby’s future may already be under way, the immediate concerns may run over any set budget.

Happy Payday

Times like these don’t need to be stressful, and you certainly don’t have to deprive yourself or your baby.  For emergency expenses, or when the budget just won’t cover everything you need, take out payday loans.  But remember, the important thing here is to know your priorities; thinking Becky Brandon-style just won’t do.  You will have to list your priorities, and these should only include what you need, versus what you want.  Or, if you are confident that you will be able to pay off the loan realistically, you can very well add on a few extras and conveniences that will make the upcoming event a bit more special.

Payday loans are there to help you out, to make things easier, to assure you that some help is available when you need it—and only for good reason.  For today’s practical mom, baby’s arrival need not keep up with the hype of celebrity living—what is important is bringing a healthy baby into the world, whose future is hopefully bright and secure. As for Becky Brandon, here’s hoping that this new responsibility will give her a bit more character and reason, and that she will plan for her family’s future instead of her next shopping extravaganza.