When I say $5400 people are aghast that I paid that out of pocket, and were shocked that I "...just had that kinda money laying around"
I am confused when people use this phrase. Having money "laying around" makes it sound like I've got a couple of leftover $1 bills crammed into my pocket from when I had to use cash to buy something. My money is never just laying around - it's in the bank, earning interest like a good little employee.
Also, just "laying around" makes it seem like that purchase was a whimsical decision. It's not like I just woke up one random Tuesday morning and said "gee, I think I'll let someone shoot a laser into my eyeballs today!". There's a certain level of planning required for people considering Lasik, then scheduling a consultation, then actually having the procedure. Or, one would think, anyway. Personally, I considered it for years, and then waited until I had the money saved in my HSA (including an employer sponsored contribution) to do it. $4200 for my Lasik.
And even if you DON'T have the money currently available, waiting until you've saved enough will only give you more time to confirm that it's what you want to do. My husband has actually NEEDED new work shoes for months now, and he knows what he wants (he just needs to confirm it's in stock in his size), and it's only $100 for the shoes, which we certainly have available. He just isn't treating $100 like a whimsical random purchase.
Along the puppy mill vein, the coworker whose cubicle is next to mine is talking about what dogs he plans on getting, once he buys a house. He's been researching breeds, and met w/ a breeder. He doesn't understand why I get so insistent that he spend the $75 to adopt from a shelter, and the dog will come already neutered/spayed, and with all its shots. But then he gets on some "I can't neuter my dog, that's his MAN-HOOD, so maybe I'll be a breeder" tangent, and I have to walk away before I smack him.
And totally random, but Sherr, in your edit, you say "spelling, my strong suite". I have to ask, but you're being sarcastic right? Because if not, it should be "suit". (sorry, but I am a total spelling Nazi)