It’s Your Nickel
How often do we see people throw away money? They may not actually throw cash in the trash, but they waste it. In frustration, we say, “It’s your nickel.”
Many times, money burns a hole in their pocket. They fail to save for a rainy day.
It’s your nickel means people can spend their money as they please.
We may:
- Disagree with their choices.
- Wish they budgeted better.
- Caution them about their purchases.
However, they choose.
It’s your nickel expresses concern but recognizes the other people’s ownership.
Since the money is not ours, neither is the decision. If they choose to:
- Spend money before they get it, we can’t stop them.
- Buy luxuries rather than necessities, they live with the consequences.
- Ignore responsibilities, regret may lie down the road.
Like everyone else, our financial decisions affect us and others.
As we save, invest, and spend, we profit or lose. We also set an example with our words and actions. With all our nickels, let’s remain wise as an owl.
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2 NIV).
Thanks to Laurel Blevins, Karen Hart, and Judy Glen Corbin for this suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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6 thoughts on “It’s Your Nickel”
This is a good one that I haven’t heard in a long time. These days, I don’t think anyone can afford to spend money frivolously, but some will always be foolish.
Blessings, Diana!
I haven’t heard this one recently either, Martha, but it certainly still applies. We all need to watch those nickels. Have a wonderful day!
I’ve heard this saying throughout my life and your message does a great job expressing how we understood this phrase. I used an expression this morning in a group setting, “bit her head off,” describing an exchange I heard when a restaurant owner answered a question from a worker. You may have already featured it, but I thought of you when I explained what I meant to two of the people present who weren’t familiar with the phrase.
Thank you, Katherine. This was a fun one to write, especially since three different people suggested it. I have not written about biting someone’s head off, but I have heard it many times and have said it myself. Thanks for the great idea.
I had an aunt who used this expression often when I would call her long distance. She would always say, “We’re talking on your nickel.” It was her way of letting me know I could end the conversation whenever I chose to do so, but she wouldn’t be rude and end it. It was heartwarming to remember this and you explained it so well, Diana. Let’s be wise with our nickels and with our time, our words, and our actions.
What a great memory, Joanne. Thank you for sharing. Blessings on your outreach.