Remember last year I was on a spending ban?
I am thinking about repeating it.
I've done pretty well with saving money recently but I have managed to also buy quite a few things. I've gotten back into my old habits of popping out at lunchtime and buying a few things.... Just small trifles, but they do add up. Substantially.
There's not a lot I really need. A couple of knits for winter, maybe a pair of ankle boots and that's pretty much it. I finish up work in a little over three weeks so I won't really need a lot of work style clothes. I can probably make do with what's currently in my wardrobe... ooooh, for a few decades.
So here's the plan. I'm going to make a list of the things I rationally need and how much I am prepared to pay for them and limit myself to just those things. I am allowing myself one Kindle book a week and my usual manicures et al. And that's it.
The plan is to see how long I can make it. I am currently aiming for the beginning of May. Three months, 12 weeks. Last time I almost made it to a month with no purchases.
And if I do last without too many transgressions I'll buy myself the Alexis Bittar necklace I have been lusting over. That's a nice reward I think.
Kitty
13 comments:
Great plan! All those little things get forgotten quickly, so better to save and get something substantial.
I can't wait to hear what you think of the Kindle - I find reading on the computer incredibly awful and painful on my eyes, so if it's anything like that it won't be any good for me. But I love the idea!
X Talia
I think I need to join you. In fact I HAVE to join you this time.
SSG xxx
Sydney Shop Girl blog
I think cutting down on purchases is like going on a diet...
You need to make small, easily-achieveable goals otherwise you will splurge!
Unfortunately, I'm not much help, I'm no good at either!!!
xx
PS: Love Alexis Bittar, so unique.
Talia, that's why I am opting for the kindle. From everything I have read and sampled (using friends' devices) it's not very computery at all. The screen isn't backlit so it shouldn't hurt your eyes but I'll report back once I've read a whole book!
Jump on the bandwagon, SSG I. I'm thinking of doing a series of posts on shopping the wardrobe ans making do...
SSG II, I agree with you. I am so an "all or nothing" person though... I have to have a big goal and a big reward to make it worth my while. Will track progress here I think!
I'll be joining you as I've got a trip to the states later in the year. Why shop here when you can shop there and save money in the process (if the Aussie dollar remains high). I am also cutting down on clutter so a spending ban is a great idea as it means less purchases and less "stuff" coming in. Good luck with saving. The necklace will be worth it.
I definitely need to do this! I think it's much easier when you have a very small list of things you are allowed to buy because then you don't feel completely deprived and break the ban. Good luck xxx
I think you can do it Miss Kitts and then you can definitely without guilt treat yourself to the lovely necklace in your previous post. Its gorgeous. x
Best of luck luv! And that's a gorgeous carrot to dangle I must say! ;)
Must hop on board, esp as I am about to begin the hell of 6 months maternity leave at 1/2 pay.....I know. I'm sad too, but 3 months at full pay was too short. Thank God I have 19 weeks long service leave up my tiny sleeve. I will Join You on your quest. Says the girl who bought Chloe shoes yesterday.
Thanks everyone. I am actually looking forward to it. It's a good challenge to have I must say!
Pinky - I'm planning my list as I speak. I may exchange the ankle boots for a pair of leopard pony flats. Do you think that's permissable?
Real Housewife of Sydney - no matter how many times I go I can never get over the price of clothing in the US. So cheap! And the quality is far superior to most stuff we get here. It's worth saving your pennies for.
Semi Expat - I think it's a treat worth waiting for. Really.
NQN - I think its rather pretty. I also have my eye on an amethyst ring at Tiffanys... I think The Need to Shop is hardwired into my DNA. Poor Mr K :(
FF - my friends who have babies tell me that their desire to shop for themselves disappears as soon as they pop the little one out. Somehow I don't see that applying to either you or I, should I ever be so lucky. I think I'll always love to shop... If not for me then the baby will need to be kitted out in fab designer clobber!
Dear Miss Kitty-Cat, I am a terrible fritterer of funds which is very hard on Mr LiC who could live on the smell of an oily rag. I think that your plan is very sound and I will join too. It will remind me of giving up chocolate for Lent. I feel a little more virtuous already (I can hear Mr LiC snort with disbelieving laughter).
I have to join you, I think having a list of things you allow for will definitely make it a more achievable exercise.
Linda in Chile - I am honoured you read my post!! Mr K is the same - he is happy buying nothing for months on end. Thank goodness the economy has us to keep it going! It's not easy but I think it's worth the effort.
Natarsha - I am trying to limit the list just to 5 things... It's terribly hard...
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