I'm changing. In the past, I would just go out and buy something when I wanted it. It didn't matter if it was an hour out of the way, if I wanted to get something, I got it. Now, not only do I not buy it on impulse, but I'm also not going to spend my gas money or put miles on the new car, just to get it!I received a gift card to Nordstrom for my wedding. I don't shop there so I wasn't sure what I'd be able to use it on. My only knowledge of the store is that it's pretty costly. I looked online and found out that they sell some lip gloss that I love - score! I ran out of it about 2 weeks ago and wanted to get a replacement, but at $18 there was no way I was going to pay for it out of pocket.
Unfortunately only certain Nordstrom locations carried it so I was stuck either shipping it (at a ridiculous price) or driving 30 minutes out of my way to get it at the store. Although I wanted it LIKE YESTERDAY, I didn't really NEED to have it. So, I waited (patiently) until we were already in the area for something else and I picked it up with the gift card. I know it sounds minor, but this is progress for me :) I think many of us have gotten into our current situations because we make too many rash, unplanned for purchases. It's a process to change your way of thinking and I just took a step in the right direction. Yayyy me!
Question : What little steps have you taken in your get out of debt journey that you are proud of?
The little changes really do make a difference! One little change I made was to stop getting professional manicures/pedicures/haircuts. This saves me hundreds of dollars per month!
ReplyDeleteI made a big score last week turning around a potentially expensive purchase. My daughter recently damaged our only car. She came out of it in one piece thank god but the car wasn't so lucky. It was a write-off. I managed to find the same car, 2 years older but with FEWER miles on it (way fewer) for almost $3000 less than the amount the insurance company gave me so threw it at my line of credit. I have to say that (although usually very humble;) I am proud of this accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteEvery little bit counts
ReplyDeleteI decide not to buy myself any new clothing from October this year until October next year, I have allowed myself to buy second hand from ebay or charity clothing stores, this is a challenge I would never have set myself before my journey, now I am looking forward to the challenge.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding it hard to spend money now, especially since I switched to cash. I don't want to deplete my envelopes so I verbally go through the questions of "do I need it?" "Can I use something else at home?" "do I have to buy it now?". It truly is a life altering experience.
ReplyDeleteI live about 15 minutes from the closest store and I have completely cut out trips 'in to town' for one or two things. Errands are done all at once, or even better, when I am in town for my job all ready!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post because I think alot of people struggle with this problem, including me. Impulse shopping is so hard to fight- but it feels good when you are able to say "do I really need this, and do I need it now" and then walk away proudly. I was better at that this year- I saved a lot of things on a list that I wanted to buy throughout the year, and have now asked for them for Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteI still have lots of room for improvement though. Good job though on the self discipline!
I ask myself if it is a want or a need and as Sharon said, it really is life changing. I'm trying to not make special trips for stuff too. When you have a budget and have to account for EVERY dollar spent, it really makes you second guess your spending habits.
ReplyDeleteI'm liking the fact that I'm seeing the savings add up.
Good luck. Baby steps are good.
Hurray for celebrating progress! My small victory was only buying Starbucks when I have a gift card. :)
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