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Recently, I had the opportunity to ask author Phil Villarreal to choose a favorite tip from his new book Secrets of a Stingy Scoundrel. His choice was a tip where he advises people to purchase a cubic zirconium engagement ring and claim it is a family heirloom. While some might find that practice shady, it’s hard for me to throw stones. I’ve been pretending my diamond earrings are actual diamonds for the past five years.
I wasn’t planning to lie to my heirs about the fake rocks, but I certainly wasn’t volunteering their true nature when people commented on their size and clarity. You see, when my husband bought me diamond earrings for our 10th anniversary, I promptly returned and replaced with fakes. (Yes, he knows!) I just couldn’t justify the cost nor could I bear the responsibility of having something so valuable (I have a history of losing things).
I haven’t given the earring swap a second thought until now. Since I never want to be accused of being a shady character, I offer this public confession. So does it matter to you that my diamonds aren't actually diamonds? Would it matter if they were yours?
I don't blame you in the least for preferring to wear cz's. Most people in commenting on your beautiful earrings wouldn't say "are they real?" So to respond to a compliment, Thank you is all that is needed.
'when my husband bought me diamond earrings for our 10th anniversary, I promptly returned and replaced with fakes. ' This is what my wife would do too :)
Me and my best friend have been trying to convince our boyfriends to do the same when/if they get us engagement rings... later when we have more money we can put the real diamond in... but they don't agree with us!
What you did was beyond tacky and ungrateful. It is not that YOU were unable to justify the expense because the diamond earrings were a gift. Your article is one of the reasons why living frugally gets such a bad rap. In the wrong hands, the practice just appears mean and grubby.
I don't blame you at all for having fake diamonds. If I cared for the look of diamond jewlery at all, that's probably what I would do too. I actually have a family heirloom diamond engagement ring. I never wear it because I'm worried that I will lose it. If we hadn't inherited the diamond, I would have been perfectly happy with a sterling silver and turquoise ring (turquoise is my favorite stone and color), but as it is, I have a diamond ring.
I LOL when I read this and was reminded of a time that I traded a diamond for a computer desk for my five sons. I think you had the last laugh though when no one realized your earrings were not really diamonds.
LOL I actually have a yellow CZ as my wedding ring, and I get compliments all the time! But I do get folks who ask if it is real (because its yellow). That's a bit uncomfortable.
such a nice veiw. Diamond earring is always a lovely gift for valentine couple.