How do you stop yourself spending?

vyvyan_2

Allow yourself a once a month takeaway if you really miss them.

You will also appreciate it more ... :P

Make use of 2 for 1 offers on pizzas etc.

Fish and chips is the cheapest takeaway around!

Butti

Brighid wrote: »

Hi - 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'

I think it's a mindset Bridgid. So if you occasionally need a takeaway go to the supermarket at about 7/7.30pm where they are quite often the element that is marked down. Or get one from the supermarket - the cost will be closer to a fiver than £15. And stick to basics not the meal and ALL the extra's. Your waistline will thank you along with your pocket.

- 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

Do you not buy specific things from specific shops - or is this just me? I will buy basic shampoo, muesli, toothpaste from any of them but I will only buy my chicken from Aldi because I can get free range for a fiver.
-

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.

Are there any exercise classes locally to go to? Is there a womens running network group near you?

- The house needs redecorating, and there is a sale on at the local carpet showrooms - and furniture stores...

Can you do this in stages. Put together an ideas board. Plan for when you are going to allow yourself to buy things and do it in stages. So paint now and carpets in 6 months. Do rooms in stages too, maybe as a reward for getting further with your debt journey.

Hope that helps

B

ShopaholicNumber1_2

I've started spending Sundays cooking. My kids and I have become inspired to try all sorts of lovely (and some not so lovely!) recipes with loads of bonuses - I save time in the week by having home-made "ready meals" for after work, I keep myself busy at the weekend so I'm not tempted to spend money and its saving me a fortune as my food shop seems to stretch and stretch. And you can even feel a little smug about it on Sunday evening!

Snugglebunny8

brillaint ideas from everyone, Im making note of them to help me as well, so thanks! x

Snugglebunny8

Brighid wrote: »

Thats a great idea! Time is such a luxury in itself that treating myself to it may just be the key

absolutely agree! I take something lovely from my grabbit Body Shop stash, choose a book that I love (I'm trying to re-read all my books instead of buying new ones), have a lovely long hot bath then a cup of tea and some choccy.

I try and buy treats like cookies, choocy etc when they are one BOGOF etc or half price and hide one of them away for these moments!

secretshopper75

I've jsut broken my rule and been out and ended up buying a cardi (which was needed for work) a lipliner (got a £5 voucher to use) and £10 on groceries at the company shop nearby...

Snugglebunny8

My favourite incentive is this.

Think about the place you would like to go most in the world when you are debt free. When you feel the urge to splurge, go online and browse packages, flights, hotels etc as though you were going to atually go and book it, work out where you would most like to stay and price it all up, look at the rooms, excursions etc, price it all up.

Then look at how much you were going to spend and if it is possible for you, put some of that money towards your goal.

I stopped myself buying some stuff I sow anted to get for the kids from Boden by managing to put the £20 into my seperate 'saving for nice things' pot, which so far has given me a start on my California/Australia trip.

dream big! if its not travel that does it for you, the designer handbag or shoes or car or whatever, live it a little and even if it stops you spending a couple of pounds, its a couple of pounds nearer to what you want.

probably a bit cheesy but it so works for me!!

Snugglebunny8

secretshopper75 wrote: »

I've jsut broken my rule and been out and ended up buying a cardi (which was needed for work) a lipliner (got a £5 voucher to use) and £10 on groceries at the company shop nearby...

bless ya! none of us are saints, it doesnt work every day - just tell yourself you will start afresh tomorrow and don't beat yourself up hun xx

Sharon87

I need to learn to stop spending as well. Tried most of the tricks suggested. Had a holiday target to aim for, then decided we'll have to wait another year at least...

I never want to shop when I'm hungry or I'll eat out, and if I'm near my favourite restaurant I'll go in there and spend £6-7 for lunch! The problem is there's so much stuff I want to do, my spending is more about entertainment at the minute than actual 'things'. I got into music gigs last year, and now I'm planning on going to a festival! Eeek! That's going to cost about £300 for 3 days and 4 nights camping after buying all the gear needed. I'm thinking of it as my holiday and a goal to save up for. The only problem is I have no permanent job! I bought most of my gig tickets last year, when I had money to spend, so that's good.

I'm going on a savings/earning extra money spree. Going to list more things on ebay, which in itself can be better than shopping. I'm just annoyed, I was going to list a camera with memory card, but literally 10 minutes ago, the memory stick broke!! Annoying!

Good luck OP with reducing spending, I'm right there with you!

secretshopper75

Snugglebunny8 wrote: »

bless ya! none of us are saints, it doesnt work every day - just tell yourself you will start afresh tomorrow and don't beat yourself up hun xx

Thank you, I'm glad that I got the cardi as it will update my wardrobe very well ..