Money can't buy me love

I like things to do with money. I like to plan my budget and figure out new ways to save money. I like to go to the bank. I like the smell of the bank. One of my favorite field trips in grade school was when we went to the old Farmer's and Mechanics Bank in Minneapolis. Go figure.

It's not that I'm stingy with money or all that great at staying on a budget. On the flipside I don't need new things all the time, either.

I just like the concept of money.

So I've been thinking that there should be a 'pay to play' tax on cigarettes. The money would fund medical care for smokers if they get lung cancer or emphysema. Sort of a cross between medical insurance and life insurance. It's easy for me to be smug and angry and petty about this, with all the mixed up emotions I have about my mom's lung cancer. But I'm not above giving into my own craving for some things.

My mom couldn't overcome her nicotine cravings. I struggle with food cravings. And, to be true to my inner financial wisdom, I think there should be a 'pay to play' tax on fatty foods. Anything over a certain percentage of saturated fat should have what I call a 'cheesecake tax'. Think of all the tax money that could help offset the medical costs of strokes and heart attacks and diabetes.

Burgers, fries, and of course, cheesecake, would all be taxed. If we had this tax I think sometimes I would give in to my cravings and hope that the rest of my healthy living habits would offset a heart attack. Other times I'd forgo the urge for something fatty and opt for healthier food (maybe). And I'd be helping other people that struggle with food abuse. That feels good.

There's a song that my kids listen to. It's about a friend who has a girlfriend that doesn't work and spends his money. The advice he gives is to tell his girlfriend 'I won't pay, I won't pay, no way'. There's more to the song, and lots of swearing, but the tune is catchy and I like the message. No one likes to be taken advantage of. With money or anything else.

I don't want my tax money to go to people on medicare who smoked and are in need of medical care because of it. For that, I won't pay. No way.