Today’s Think Kit prompt: What was the wisest decision you made this year? Who did it impact? Describe your decision-making process, discuss the results or just share a little learned wisdom.

Would it be bad to simply say that the wisest decision I’ve made all year is to cancel a vacation in order to save money? Because that might be the best choice I’ve made in 2013. But that doesn’t make a very good blog post, now does it?

To go off topic a little bit, when I was thinking about the wisest decision I’ve made and cancelling a vacation, it made me think about Kickstarter (don’t ask me why). I have a question for everyone: how do you feel about crowd-sourcing for money? I’m not talking about asking for donations for a charity or non-profit, but asking for money to help start up a business, pay for your school, pay for a medical bill or even pay for a vacation?

I love the idea of Kickstarter. Sometimes people have an awesome idea but don’t know where to turn for the money, and sometimes there are great incentives offered if you donate. I also think it’s great how easily you can start online fundraising for a charity or a cause. But what really bugs me is when people take it too far and use these platforms for selfish reasons. What happened to working hard to get what you want?

Up until a few months ago, I worked three jobs so that I could live the lifestyle that I wanted. I have no problem putting in the extra work to be able to go on vacation, buy nicer things or treat myself to a night out. But there is no way I would start an online fund and ask my friends, acquaintances or strangers to donate to my lifestyle choices. I find it almost insulting when people start an online fund for these type of things, because look at all the different charities and non-profits that can’t get the type of money they need…and you want us to pay for you to live comfortably? No thanks.

I’m not sure what it is, whether it’s laziness or a sense of self-entitlement. If you lack the motivation to work hard in order to play hard, don’t expect things to be handed to you. Some help along the way is always nice, but get up and do something!

So I’m not sure how this blog turned into a rant, but I wanted to know if other people had the same opinion on crowd-sourcing money as I did. Also, you’re all getting Miley Cyrus wrecking ball ornaments for Christmas (another wise decision of 2013). You’re welcome.