Tantrums and Temptation

makinganeffort

Aaargh! Last night I had a total meltdown, much to my shame this morning. I've been so committed to paying back my debts and living in a budget that I'm now starting to feel that there is no freedom.

I had the first wardrobe tantrum I've had for ages, felt as though nothing to wear (not helped by fact I'm still carrying baby weight despite fact that she's now 1 - weight loss hampered by worries about work and money)

Resisted urge in the end to spend and closed down website with loaded basket - phew!

Think will try and plan a shopping day and associated budget for next month but I find it all so depressing!

Is it just me? Anyone got any distraction tips for when the urge to buy something comes?

MusicalLawyer

When I'm about to spend money I always think.. Do I REALLY need this? Then I'm like.. Oh it's £x... I could put that towards a debt and have it paid off a little quicker.

It's very frustrating! Pretty sure everyone can agree on that one.

At the beginning of this, I was so motivated etc - now I'm bored of it! Also seems longer between paydays, even though I get paid every 4 weeks!

I'm sure we'll all soldier on with each others hep & support though.

MummyDrusilla

I can really relate to this!!! I have a wardrobe tantrum every few months. It's not fun is it?

But, I don't really buy clothes with my own money. I ask for money for my birthday in July and christmas which spreads it out quite nicely and spend that on clothes. It tends to give me a decent few bits to spruce up my wardrobe and make me feel a bit nicer.

As for not spending in a fit of tantrum, I find sleeping on it helps a great deal with not being tempted. If I still want it the next day and DH doesn't recoil at me spending money on whatever it is then I know it's a good purchase. That coupled with the fact that I feel so guilty spending money nowadays seems to do the trick!

Tixy

Ah - I know just how you feel. Wadrobe tantrums used to be a speciality of mine, and involved throwing everything on the floor, shouting, crying and refusing to go anywhere.
Trying to think why I don't have so many now, maybe just because I've given up and now spend all my time outside work in jeans and black tshirts!

Very well done for closing the website without buying. But I'd agree maybe if you can factor in a small budget so you can go shopping next month that will give you something to look forward, and hopefully stop your fingers from straying on to the online shops in the meantime.

Do you have any old clothes you could have a go at selling on ebay or a carboot? if you could raise some money that way and then use that for a new item then it would be money neutral.

joedenise

Perhaps you can change something about the clothes so that they look different. Something like changing the buttons on a shirt to make it look a bit different. Or if you can make your own clothes perhaps buy some cheap fabric from a charity shop or bootfair. I have picked up stuff from CS which are good quality or nicely patterned material for less than a pound, unpicked the seams (or even cut them off if it is several sizes bigger than me), wash and press the material and then use to make myself something like a skirt, dress or even trousers if the material is suitable.

Old curtains, sheets and quilt covers are often very cheap and you can make loads of things from them because there is so much material.

HTH.

Denise

BlushingRose

Yeah, perhaps have a mini shopping spree but on ebay instead.

I, too, have always got gift cards for birthday and Christmas and use those for clothes as and when I *need* them. I'm a big girl so have never really felt the urge for a real clothes splurge as the option isn't there (and I, personally, have never had much disposable income either)

lally666young

I am a second for charity shops!!! I am adicted to them. You can look great for very little cash! I mean I got 2 jumpers and 2 pairs of moonson trousers for £4!!! Its a little pick me up and you havent spent a lot!!! Or if you dont fancy that go and have a look on everything £5!!! Its a great website posting varies on what you buy. But good luck. Or just buy accessories to jazz an outfit up.

elly-spendaholic

Hi, yes I have these moments too! I have stopped myself looking at online shops and buying stuff, as for me loading a shopping basket and paying on my card is so easy and it doesnt feel like 'real cash' that I'm parting with. Now I allocate myself about £50 every 3 months, and take the cash (no cards etc) with me so I can only spend what I've got. I can spend all day looking around to make sure what I do buy is really what I want as I don't have any extra money to waste. I try and make my money go a bit further by shopping at cheaper end stores..and getting my family to buy me more expensive items for christmas/birthdays.

I have been feeling really quite low about my money problems recently, especially as everyone around me seems to be buying everything from holidays abroad to brand new cars. I just keep telling myself that I'm being sensible and not getting into more debt- and I keep holding on to the thought of being debt free in 2 years which will make me smile more than any fancy jeans :-) xx

abundant1972

Well done for resisting temptation!!!

If I feel on a low ebb and like all this is taking too long shopping temptations always come up... and have been there - hovering over the buy button online... It takes a lot of will power to say NO so well done!!!

Next time I'm tempted I will remember you

makinganeffort

Thanks for all the replies. I am grateful to know this is a common feeling. If I were to let the debts stay longer I would have more free cash BUT I am pretty sure I would rather they were gone!

I think that being able to make own clothes would be an excellent idea. I am learning to knit and have collected some great vintage patterns for pence. I own a sewing machine but just need practice. Think I'll start with an item of kids clothing first. I like smock shape tops so think they shouldn't be too hard to sew?

Been out today at Ideal Home show with my free tickets ( thanks MSE) and a purse with cash. Still got some left so generally feeling happier this afternoon.

Thanks!

Fly_gal

Well done for having the will power to stop yourself buying:). I too am trying to become debt free and am often looking at clothes on the computer:o.

Just think, about a debt free future :j

(And posh areas often have good stuff in their charity shops:T)