Nervous of my own challenge - reduce or stop spending!

zarazara

many thankyous to all who have replied with these good suggestions. I reay do need to choose some goals to save for ,then tick them off the list,and factor in a treat now and then. Gives focus.

Caterina

Dear zarazara, it sounds like you are already doing so much in the way of saving! Of course it is good that you keep not spending but I would like to echo the other voices that encourage you to treat yourself a little, once in a while! If you want to buy a book, for example, there are so many opportunities to get books cheap, from some charity shops that charge 20-30 pence, all the way to the second hand books online (Green Metropolis for example). If you want beauty treats, depending where you live (if in a town it is easier of course) department store counters always have a few samples, offer free makeovers etc...Schools of hairdressing often need models for haircuts for free or very little.

Now that the weather seems to be improving (please, please, please!) it is possible to enjoy "meals out" just by popping into a supermarket, getting a few deli bits and pieces and having a nice dinner "out" in the local park.... I could go on. It does not have to be every day and just by having little treats will encourage you to spend less on the bigger things.

I hope this helps, best of luck!