I've been getting, as I'm sure many of you have, emails telling me not to see the Golden Compass. The implication is that if I see this movie, I somehow don't believe in God, or that I am "supporting" atheism.

Actually, if I see this movie (and I'm sure I will; I've read all three His Dark Materials books), my money will be supporting awesome film-making based on a pretty good story. I made it through the books with my faith intact, and I'm fairly certain I'll make it through the toned-down movie just fine.

But this brings up interesting points. Mostly this: what you do with your money makes a statement. By seeing the Golden Compass, I am doing more than supporting a great film. I am also rebelling against what others tell me I have to do. Coincidentally, the tyrannical and guilt-focused tactics used by senders of the emails are just what the characters are fighting against in His Dark Materials. So it makes sense, for me to spend money on the movie.

But what you spend money on also includes your spending priorites. What is important to you? What sort of products you buy (or boycott) makes a statement about your ethical alignment. Or the fact that even if something clashes with your ethics and beliefs, price is paramount, so you won't pay more for the product that was produced using sustainable means.

How you budget, and what you spend your money on are considerations in any purchase you make. After all, you make statement with every personal finance choice.