How do you resist spending money on 'stuff'?

Storm

I find internet shopping works out a lot cheaper for me (plus I can get piggy points etc!) as when it's someone's birthday I can order the one thing I need off the website, rather than walking through a shop & getting tempted! Only works out for those with free delivery though!

LookingAhead

I have now turned into the sort of shopper (when I am 'allowed' to go that is) who only looks for what is needed to improve my wardrobe's versatility or specific make up or toiletry stuff that I *know* works for me.

So I pull everything out of the wardrobe from time to time and match things up. I write a list of the 'gaps' i.e. I need a long casual skirt or a pair of jeans, I need some more socks, I need a couple more tops for work or whatever these things are.....and then hit the shops with a determination not to deviate from the list!

Make up & toiletries, well, that's a whole minefield isn't it? You can (and I have!) spend a fortune trying things if you believe their packaged claims. I've tried to hone down what works for me/my skin tone/my eye shape blah blah and then stay safe with those items then the money isn't wasted.

OK sometimes there are days when you just want to shop for something random, in that case, you have to figure out in your head how you can pay for this i.e. sacrifice a night out or don't get your hair cut for another month (or whatever).

When you're in dire straits so that every penny goes on debt reduction then going out to the shops just isn't a good idea....so stay clear!

But if you have a bit of free cash then I think it's all about re-educating yourself that you can't have it *all* without paying the price (more debt!) but you can shop smarter.

Oh and see if you can get any of the stuff online via QuidCo! Getting hard cash back on your purchases makes a big difference too.

Lydia.42

I've avoided most temptation recently, by thinking of the fact that i go on maternity leave in May and will have no spare moeny at all!!!
Total fear!!!!! :rotfl: Works everytime!!!! :rotfl:

Spendi

I don't spend anything on *stuff*

Theres nothing left at all after bill paying and debt payments, so even if i got tempted there isnt any money to pay for it.

The only *free money* i have is the money i have paid into another account which is to pay for food, petrol, ciggies and general spends ~ i transfer the same amount every month and its a tight budget, but i do allow myself to spend it as i like, so if i see a bargain the supermarket i can get it, but i know i cant spend loads or there will be no money left at the end of the month !