Araghhhh I can't stop unecessary spending - help!!

lotto-dreamer

It's all very well keeping out of the shops - but you can do just as much damage sitting at your computer - Amazon, M & S online, Tesco, that little gadget from Lakeland and so it goes on......

I've one rule now - I NEVER 'go to checkout' on the same day I put the items in my basket.

A visit to the MSE forums usually sobers me up and by the next day I've got over it.

You get a "virtual" shopping adrenaline rush without the financial damage -as long as you stick to the rule and give yourself a "cooling off period"

I always come back to MSE forums for a reality check before I go anywhere near "checkout" now - :cool:

isitenough

I find it helps not to go to the checkout straight away, works for me (I'm indecisive anyway!!). Sounds daft, but during a trip to Woolworths I picked up an armful of stuff for the kids (toys and clothes) and then spent the next 15 mins wandering around looking at things. By the time I finished I'd told myself I didn't need anything and put it all back! I really wanted the stuff but told myself I didn't need it. I came out empty handed but actually felt good for not spending anything.
Everyone is different and needs to find out for themselves what works, but it's worth it when your statement comes in and you've halved your spending!

lonely_2

kinkypixie wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies!!

Lonely, I loved your reply about the dresses, do you ever hope that when you go to try them on that they look rubbish

All the time! Even if they look good, I try to convince myself they look cheap, even if they don't...

I should try swapping clothes but the only people I could swap clothes with are my sisters - we're all 5 ft and a bit tall and range between size 6-8 (midgets!) But one sister is 11 years yonger than me - so our tastes are just a LITTLE bit different - and the other has a DD chest (I don't)!!

verynewmoneysaver

I love clothes too, and have to fight all the time not to buy them. Especially if I think something is a bargain. Just this morning I bought a cardi from Debenhams as someone put codes on this site for 20% off and free postage! I will use it as its a colour I like. The other day I really wanted a pair of shoes I saw, but did manage to resist them. I would like a pair of those Crocs that everyone is on about too, but keep telling myself they are too dear.

kinkypixie

Brilliant suggestions!!

Kez 100 and Isitenough, great ideas, I don't do too bad in the week, it's weekends that kill me!! I won a brand new bike worth £250 last year, and I am yet to ride it, that is so bad of me!!!!! I was thinking about riding to work (6 miles) but the country roads are pretty hairy, but it would save me about £40 a month!!

I am all very good at passing my old clothes onto my mum and sister, but they are smaller than me when it comes to trousers, so that's not so good.

Keep going with the suggestions, they are really inspiring me to get my act together!!

Kez100

I agree about the cycling. Roads can be dangerous nowadays. More than once, when training for a long race, I have considered running to work but it is just too risky with traffic. It's a real pity but I guess that's the modern world.

What I say about running/walking is not to be taken lightly because it is win win. Keeps you fit (although you'll probably need to buy more pasta!) and low cost - a pair of proper shoes is the expense and most of us have gym kit somewhere in our wardrobes.

Running clubs are so social and often cater for run/walkers nowadays. They are dead cheap too compared to gyms. I run with a mate who I met at club every Sunday morning for two hours. Slow pace and natter all the way around. You will be surprised how many early Sunday mornings are actually dry in the UK. It's like a our own coffee morning (but with water to drink)

It also boosts your spirit too so, when down about things, can help alliviate stress.

I'm not on an Olympic recruitment drive - honest! - just want people to realise what options are out there which can help you not spend while actually helping in other ways.

MoaningMyrtle

Sometimes whilst shopping, I'll choose something, maybe try it on, then go through a thought process of convincing myself I don't actually need it and that buying it will not improve my life, or make me happy, also that I have other very similar things at home. This is whilst I am still browsing and holding the garment I had previously selected. I can then, 9 times out of 10 put it back and walk out of the shop feeling pleased at my achievement. As an almost reformed shopaholic, this is a process I still need to do to get the strong urge to buy out of my system.

Another thing I'll do occasionally is go for a coffee (the cheapest one in the shop) and get out my notebook and write down my thoughts to refer back to, or add somthing to my wishlist.

amytightwad2

Can I suggest you take back the clothes you got on Saturday? The buzz you get from the feeling of relief when you have the cash back, will help you. Remember the feeling, it's preferable to the sick one you get when you buy something and get it home!

kettricken

Have you tried charity shops? Took me a while to walk in the doors, butnow I go and look there first. Some real bargains to be had, particularly if you have a wealthy area nearby.
I used to spend a lot but have seen the light, I really want to be debt free so it is recycle recyle those old clothes. I just dont get caught up in the office fashion show, and the simply must haves. But I do have a good pair of shoes, I must have comfortable paws!!

kinkypixie

I do do that walk round the shop thing, then put it all back and leave!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one, I'm sure security must think I'm a bit wierd!!

Running is great. I did the GNR last year, but just haven't got back into the swing of it this year. Looked for a cycle helmet on ebay, so might build up the courage to cycle to work, if not at least go out whe I get back!!

Yeah, I'm all for a bit of charity, I'm not really a label snob, need to find a wealthy area near me and sneak in to their shops, good plan.

It's made me feel much better this thread!!

Phew!!