When I was much younger, I just couldn't say "no". It was a self-esteem issue. I figured that if I was agreeable, people would like me. Well, I made many and costly financial (and personal) mistakes this way.
I couldn't say "no" to the door-to-door salesman who sold me a set of encyclopedias.
My first daughter wasn't even born yet and they were obsolete before she could even use them.
I couldn't say "no" to my sister's friend who sold me whole life insurance which I didn't want or need. That cost me more than $400 even after I cancelled.
I couldn't say "no" to the nice telemarketer man on the phone who wanted a donation for kids with cancer. Then came the call from the policeman's widow foundation and so on...
I couldn't say "no" to this great offer: Only $20 a month for gym membership. I spent $200 and went only twice.
I couldn't say "no" to one of my best friends who wanted to borrow $2000 to buy a car. Needless to say, we're no longer friends.
I've learned my lesson, the EXPENSIVE way. Nowadays, I say "no" to the telemarketer who wants me to refinance. "No" to the cashiers who offer me 15% off my purchases if I open a store credit card and "no" to myself on most frivolous spending. But sometimes it's easier to say "yes", yet when I think of all that money I wasted, when it could have been used to help me attain my financial goals, I have to simply say "no".

Good for you! I was the same way!! It sometimes takes a while to realize that being nice is actually harming you. I found out there are other ways to be a nice person.

I am so where you were before. I have just recently quit my job to stay at home with my son and I find that I have a hard time saying no as well. I am afraid people will think less of me. How did you get over it.

Having small kids makes it easier to say "no". But when it comes to people who want to sell me something, I interrupt them before they go into their spiel. I politely say "no, thank you". Sometimes when they don't get the hint, I say "no, thank you" again. People tend to walk all over you when you're too nice--kids (and husbands) included. But you can be nice and still say "no, thank you".

As a single mom of two. I have also learned this lesson the hard way but now it is much easier and I feel good about what I do say yet too.

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Me Mom
DS Matthew
DS Patrick
Family Pugs Disney & Parker
Completed the Disneyland Half Marathon 09/03/07.