How do you stop yourself spending?

Brighid

Hi

I'm interested to know how you stop yourself spending money on luxuries that you don't need?

I'm at my 'danger stage' in the habit forming process. The novelty of cutting down, and initial enthusiasm is wearing off. But I've not yet ingrained the 'not spending' habit.

A few examples -

- last night I was so tired after working over 60 hours at work since Monday and I desperately wanted a takeaway. I just thought 'its only £15, and its a one off'
- Tesco is much closer than Aldi and Lidl (and even asda which I use for the monthly big shop) and so much easier after work
- I've given up the gym, and struggling with 'running' outside <its more a shuffle> when its cold/dark/raining and I found myself looking at treadmills online.
- The house needs redecorating, and there is a sale on at the local carpet showrooms - and furniture stores...

The big stuff is easy - I just look at the price tag and say to myself 'get real'. And then laugh at myself. And I managed to avoid the takeaway last night, by telling myself I can buy a week's worth of food at aldi for the price of one meal. But I feel my will-power dwindling day by day! Summer is coming up with all its traps for me - holidays, new clothes, eating icecream by the waterside, as well as buying stuff for the new house which got me into debt in the first place!!

How do you all do it? What expert tips can you share? Please help with inspiration

Thanks
Brighid

katsu

Some idea that may or may not fit:

* Make a shopping list for the week and meal plan, then you know what you have in/need on food.
* Cook a big dinner the night before you have a busy day so you can reheat leftovers rather than get takeaway
* find a really cheap independent charity shop (or just charity shops in general) and look there for bargains with a weekly or monthly budget, so you still get some treats like a new top etc.
* look at ebay for cheap stuff for the house, or discount second hand furniture stores
* go for a lunchtime walk (in a park or somewhere without shops) so it is daylight and you are getting some exercise/get off the bus earlier and walk part of the way to/from work

lilac_lady

How do you stop yourself spending? Stay at home and don't watch the shopping channels!

jintyb

Do the NSD challenge ( No Spend Days) on this forum.

pennypusher

The answer is to allow yourself some money to spend each week for luxuries, takeaways, chocolate etc. Decide how much you can put aside and when it's gone that's it until the next week.

Karb

A tip I learned from somebody on this forum. I imagine that the credit card company is the school bully who tries to take away my hard earned cash so that I have to go without.

Makes me more determined not to give them any more money that I have to.

downshifter

To be honest if I worked 60 hrs in 5 days I would jolly well deserve a treat!!! Don't beat yourself up over it and try little steps, soon it will get ingrained, however, you really do deserve some treats for doing so much, definitely.. I now really feel guilty for being so idle!!

steveos

For me..it's definitely staying at home!! lol..Once I am out I am a loose cannon with money..and buy what I don't need. Not costly stuff, but all adds up.

I also have now started a spending diary and really the best motivation re what I read from people on here, kinda makes it more meaningful and often I also guilty (guilt is good for me) as to what some people live on when I have a good wage.

S

Snugglebunny8

Well done for you for recognising it and for resisting!! you did really well x

Im trying really hard too, but the other night after incredibly stressful day, son getting a brilliant parents evening report etc I gave in and ordered Dominos pizza ... I know, I know! I did use a 2 for 1 voucher but it was still £15 that could have bought meat, fish, pasta,veg etc for at least 4 or 5 evening meals for the 4 of us.

Felt really guilty but then made myself start again the next day and enjoy the pizza, and try and cut down to the tune of £15 next week if I can, but it isnt easy and you will need support and little treat sometimes.

I made a BIG mistake this month, instead of taking my money for groceries out weekly I took it out on one go for the month. You don't need me to elaborate Im sure!!

good luck and keep at it, and if it really gets too much on a night like that again, £2.19 Happy Meal from McD!!!!

lilac_lady

Always factor in a little treat for yourself or you'll get fed up quickly and give up. Mine is 70% dark chocolate!

immoral_angeluk

I try to avoid birmingham as there's too many good shops there and I always fall foul despite my ruthless budgetting. Damn you bullring!