How long do you hang onto receipts, tax returns, and other pain-in-the-neck financial papers?

Here’s some helpful, straight-forward advice to cataloging your finances in How to Organize Your Financial Documents: A 4-Step Plan on Women & Co.

The tips suggest going paperless, using credit cards, paying bills online, and tossing the sheets and receipts. While the author recommends credit cards to keep tabs on expenses, I use a debit card because I don’t want to incur debt. But you can choose your plastic depending on whether or not you want to take advantage of card rewards or wish to refrain from overspending. If you faithfully pay off your balance at the end of the month you probably don’t have a problem with debt.

This site is maintained by Citicorp—and you’ll see plugs for their services. Nevertheless, it’s a worthwhile place to frequent.

When I got to work the other morning, my co-worker told me how she stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts to get coffee.

“I had a coupon,” she said. “But I couldn’t just get the free coffee. I felt like I had to buy something else.”

I wondered…why do we buy things that we really don’t need? I believe it has something to do with facing and saying the four hardest money words in the English language: “I Can’t Afford It!”

Why are these simple words so difficult to accept and say aloud?

It’s not like I haven’t found myself going along for the ride when I should’ve mantra’ed I Can’t Afford It! Yet the reluctance is partly wanting to indulge the wish that I can afford it—denial of sorts—and embarrassment and shame at feeling like I don’t measure up if you say no.

I’ve noticed, however, no one will challenge you when you say the four hardest, and bravest, money words.

“Wanna get tickets for Bruno Mars at the Barclay Center? Two hundred bucks?” “Damn, can’t afford it!”
“Oh, too bad. I understand” was the response.

“Wanna catch dinner at that brand new Italian restaurant?”
“You mean the one with the expensive wines?”
“Yup.”
“Wish I could but I can’t afford it.”
“Okay. No problem. Let’s find some place cheaper.”

“Wanna shuffle over to Saks Fifth Avenue to buy a few baubles?”
“Gosh. Wouldn’t I love to? But can’t afford it! Why don’t we stroll over to TJ Maxx?”

I have never encountered anyone saying any response that wasn’t supportive. When those words come out, it’s like hitting a brick wall. No one can argue with it.

Saying I can’t afford it is honest, prudent, respectful of self, and a stress-buster so you don’t get swept away into a “what the hell” approach that could blow your weekly budget.

There is no shame in saying I Can’t Afford It! None. Now practice.

Read a great, inspiring article, “The Art of Self-Promotion: 6 Tips for Getting Your Work Discovered,” by Jessica Grose on Austin Kleon’s new book, Show Your Work! Enjoy!

If you haven’t seen this video, originally aired on CBS Evening News and making its way through social media, take a look. I defy you not to have a lump in your throat. It’s about how an eight-year-old boy paid it forward.

I can only guess Mile’s motivation—to acknowledge his dad, honor the soldier, act on what his mother taught him. Who knows? But it shows me that money, besides buying us stuff, offers an intangible exchange of energy—emotional and long-lasting.