Things to do to avoid spending

saveralot · 9 February 2008 at 4:35PM

Any suggestions to someone who is trying to avoid the shops to save money (I am allowing myself basic stuff - food etc, but no clothes/magazines etc) on what else to do? I am in the library now so I can spend time on the Internet for free and get free books to loan. Got a trip to a museum (free) and art gallery (free planned). Any suggestions gratefully received. I have not wasted any money all month - yes its only 9 Feb but that's good for me lol.

Dreaming_debtfree_dreams · 9 February 2008 at 5:08PM

Hi Saverlot,

I'm trying to do the same for the rest of the month, although shamefully it's because I have already wasted money :mad:. Anyhow, atleast it's teaching me better habits!

I've stopped taking my purse out with me and only carry the cash I need. If I haven't got it, I can't spend it. I try to do as much shopping online as I can so I can compare prices and get things I do need as cheaply as possible, also helps resist the temptation to spend. If I do hit the high street, I try to go window shopping first and then go back later in the week for the things I really need/want.

Good luck!

superpup · 9 February 2008 at 5:18PM

Hi Saveralot

I agree with the last poster. If you only need, say, milk when you go shopping, just take enough money to just buy milk. Then you won't get tempted by the special offers. Well, you may get tempted, but you won't be able to do anything about it, lol :rotfl:

Sounds like you've got it sorted anyway. You just need to keep it up. What about joining one or more of the challenges here to keep you focused? Or even set yourself a challenge such as 'I'm going to spend less than xx this month' then try and beat that figure next month?

Good luck

sp x

saveralot · 13 February 2008 at 7:09PM

I too have wasted money but I'm (trying to!) to over a new leaf.
True that if you take a £1 for milk you can't buy a magazine for £3. Got a few free magazines - one from Superdrug/Tesco/Asda! Sometimes there are vouchers too.
Just a bit bored, so looking for things to do - weather nice so they say this weekend, so that's easier. Its when its raining its so hard.

HairyHandofDartmoor · 13 February 2008 at 7:15PM

Yes definitely leave cards at home and only take the cash you intend to spend. That way you can't do any impulse buying.

Try not to go out. Every time we go near a shop we seem to spend something so we try to stay at home, or go to the park, or a friend or relatives house (everything is free there!)

Keep a post it with your debt total on it in your purse/wallet, or a pic of your dream car/house/holiday, so every time you are about to spend you see the picture and (hopefully) stop!

lilac_lady · 13 February 2008 at 7:33PM

If you can cook, try out new recipes. If you can't cook, get a cookery one from the library and start trying to become good at it. Plan a budget online. This takes a while if it's done properly. Treat spending as a BAD thing to do.

Shineyhappy · 13 February 2008 at 7:42PM

What about looking on the thread about money off coupons from magazines on the discount coupons page? Maybe some of the magazines may contain enough mocs that it would negate the cost of the magazine? Or failing that what about seeing if you can get a really good rate for a subscription for a favourite magazine, through Quidco, and sometimes you get a bonus for signing up like free smellies that could be used a birthday pressie?

sleepless_saver · 13 February 2008 at 7:59PM

If you like movies, register for SeeFilmFirst

You can see the latest films pre-release for free, if you are quick!

sleepless_saver · 13 February 2008 at 8:01PM

And, depending where you live, pick up free magazines from stores like John Lewis so you don't feel deprived.

mhe · 13 February 2008 at 8:15PM

Try card making - i can spend hours in my room making cards of an evening.
I also enjoy knitting. Ive knitted shawls for friends babies cost of this is about £4- £6 so saving lots of money on a gift. Todays fashion yarns are so lovely that you only need to know how to knit the basic stitch to get fab results. If you dont know how get book from library or ask a friend or relative who does to show you. Im on my 30s not ancient by ther way!!

RAS · 13 February 2008 at 8:16PM

Have you joined the local group of www.freecycle.org - like e-bay but things are free to those who collect them. You can get some decent second hand clothes there.

Could salve the urge to acquire, whilst keeping stuff out of land-fill.

Other thoughts - take up a hobby. For instance, if you get old clothes from freecycle, you could do patch work, re-work the clothes, embroider? You might get knittiing or crochet materials? Felt old woollens and make new items out of them - purses, hotties, bags.

have a look at eager learners thread or check for chevaliers list of survey sites, mystery shopping opportunities and pay for click sites. Also check the freebies board here.

Get together with a mate/mates and one night a week/fortnight share dinner at each others house, on a rota?

Do you live in the city or suburbs?

Things to do to avoid spending

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