Robin Monique, Blogger & Freelance Writer

No matter how well-intentioned I am about my finances, there is one obstacle standing between me and financial discipline. Like most women, I have a hankering for fly ish. 

Now, it's not crazy, completely out of my means fly ish. Yes I own a Chanel, a Coach, and a Bebe bag, but those are all hand me downs from my sister-in-law's collection. I stay in my range and stick to H&M, Wet Seal, Marshall's, Burlington Coat Factory, and TJ Maxx. So yes, I have some cute mid-priced labels like Nine West and Steve Madden, but please believe I didn't cough up more than $50 for any single purchase. Discount stores are my friends.

I can acknowledge that it's (sigh) unnecessary sometimes. But lately I'm torn. Since I started the magazine, my image has become more than just an ego issue. I'm the face of a brand called "Polished," which requires a certain amount of flyness. These days it's difficult for me to draw the line between "investing in my brand" and unnecessary ass purchases.

While editing articles for the February edition of PCM, I was confronted by my hypocrisy. I was reading over a piece about living beneath your means and felt like I had been slapped in the face. Especially when I got to a line that berated people who sacrifice their wealth in order to look wealthy. Um. Ouch? Polished also advocates for financial responsibility for 20somethings. I AM my brand, so it puts me in an awkward position. How can I stay true to financial responsibility while maintaining my brand's image?