Have just fallen off the no spending wagon

Angel84

After doing so well and not buying anything out of my limits I have just ordered a top from my Very account and have just ordered a pair of shorts from Topshop. (Although these were with money I do have!) I have been doing so well and now feel so guilty about it that I feel like I've failed myself. I know to some the shorts and top won't seem like much but when you have limited money these are the world.....not sure what to do! Shall I send them back as soon as they arrive? Or am I allowed to keep them as a treat for doing so well?

psychopathbabble

Hi Angel, don't beat yourself up about falling off the wagon slightly! I would have paid off so much more of my debt if I hadn't spent so much last year on going away and other things I didn't really need.

If you would feel too guilty wearing them, then send them back. If you can afford them, then keep them as a one off treat and get back on the wagon!! (easier said than done I know!)

skyvicky123

Same boat here...I seem to have been off the wagon all week. The thing is I have never seen so much money in my bank account at this point in the month and I know I will have a big chunk to clear off the debt at the end of the month so I guess I keep thinking...well what's £10 when I am going to be able to make such a big dent.

TBH - if I didn't really need them I would send them back or you will only feel guilty.

I am thinking the way I know I am in control of what I am spending is if I PLANNED to do it. If it wasn't planned or needed then it's probably best to give it a bit more thought and then buy when you feel in control.

I have told myself I will be back on track from Today when I draw out the cash for the next week (fingers crossed) x

Yargo1

As you are already feeling in a bit of a quandry about them I personally would send them back.

Im trying so hard to think that while i Owe money .. its someone elses that i am spending...

Gettingtherequickly

The rare bit of frivolous spending is not going to be of any harm, especially as you are feeling guilty. This will help the next time you are tempted to buy, but you don't have to beat yourself up about it, it is the odd treat which will make the journey more bearable.

dancingfairy

I've fallen off the wagon a bit too recently. As long as it is only once in a while then it's fine and you have to treat yourself now and again or you'd go spare. Difficult dilema though. <in best ringmasters voice> Right everyone time to get back on the wagon:D
df

kazwookie

How much did they cost?

Verbatim

can you cancel before they arrive? no temptation then once you see them and you'll feel soooo virtuous.

psychopathbabble

You might even get them and hate them!

Seems a few of us have slipped recently... wonder if it's because we are tired of winter and the rain and dark?!

barbiedoll

I'm sure that you know that by buying from catalogues (especially Very) and from stores online, you are usually paying more than the shop price.
And unless you are off on holiday soon, you don't really need shorts at the moment!

Send them back but....as you DO have the money, keep it for now, add a few quid when you can afford to and then go out shopping, pick up a much cheaper pair of shorts and a top and you may have the money to get a bag/shoes/pair of sunglasses to go with them! :T

That is the MSE way.:D

And get rid of that Very account, it just puts temptation in your way. If you have to get out of the house to buy something, you won't do it unless you really need to!

Byatt

I think Barbiedoll's advice is spot on. Normally I would say try not to feel guilty, but for me I recognise from the items you bought, a top and shorts (are they both more for the summer?), that it was more about the spending than actually wanting or needing those items, even as treat. Return or cancel and save the money when items are in the shop and often on sale. You are doing well; look at how you came on here and posted about it. That also says to me that you have doubts about your purchases, although I don't want to impose my feelings on to you.

xxxx

edited to add: I too have fallen off the wagon, but I always buy for other people and spent over my budget for a very dear friend's birthday.