The Shopaholic's Anonymous Challenge

Lucy1982_2

Hi Guys

Well today is going to be the toughest... I'm at work and sainsburys is still there!!

But I am going to try and be strong and not spend anything, I consolidated at the weekend (I know!) so I am not concentrating on paying the new stuff off early, which means I still have to cut my spending.

I'll let you know how I get on after lunch.

mrsk

Can I suggest my method for cutting down on make-up/skin care purchases? Each time I buy an item I add one to a total of items (I started at a nominal 50, because I have loads of the stuff) and I take one off when something is finished/given away(if you are in debt perhaps you shouldn't do that one!). I keep the total on a piece of card in my make up drawer. It concentrates the mind wonderfully. The total is now around 40, so I'm not gaining on it much but it is under control rather than just rampant shopping!

magni

mrsk wrote: »

Can I suggest my method for cutting down on make-up/skin care purchases? Each time I buy an item I add one to a total of items (I started at a nominal 50, because I have loads of the stuff) and I take one off when something is finished/given away(if you are in debt perhaps you shouldn't do that one!). I keep the total on a piece of card in my make up drawer. It concentrates the mind wonderfully. The total is now around 40, so I'm not gaining on it much but it is under control rather than just rampant shopping!

That sounds like a fab idea:D However I would actually be afraid to count mine:eek: I am not going to allow myself to buy anything new unless it's replacing something that has run out. I did well for September and didn't buy anything:beer: I am going to keep this up for October I hope. I was in Boots yesterday and had a good look at stuff but didn't buy any:j

onamission_2

woohoo at last. I am a demon for buying chocolate , skincare and tshirts - I have bought two tshirts THIS WEEK at a grand total of £15.49 but both were to replace work tshirts that are too small *ahem because i've put on chocolate weight*

I will not go into H&M this week. :eek:

pandapaws

Ooh, this definitely sounds like one for me!!! Great idea!:T

I too have a problem with cosmetics. Estee Lauder cosmetics to be precise. I don't know why, I just love their stuff. I was on holiday last week and spent £93 on Estee Lauder cosmetics (to justify slightly - 4 items, 3 replacements, 4th frivolous. Got loads of freebies as well of which I'm going to sell majority of on Ebay and hopefully make about £50 back, so not quite as bad as it sounds..but still!).

I'm also completing a spending diary online this month, and writing down every single item. It has only been going 3 days, but an eye opener already!

My goal for the rest of October is going to be NO FRIVOLOUS SHOPPING! No more cosmetics, no handbags, no shoes, no clothes - even if they're a bargain. I've got enough stuff and don't need any more (maybe that could be a mantra for those of us who can ALWAYS justify a purchase?!).

Good luck everyone!

BlondeHeadOn

Can I join in too please? This sounds like a real challenge to me, and boy do I need it....!....!...

I will not buy any little tops from Ebay for a whole month!

Oh God, I am getting withdrawal symptoms already....:eek:

onamission_2

onamission wrote: »

I will not go into H&M this week. :eek:

Hows is everybody doing this week on the challenge?

I'm finding it v. difficult. I've not bought any clothes despite oogling a lovely long line purple cardigan in TU on sunday and avoiding H&M BUT................

I totted up my spending diary. this week i've spent £18 on rubbish food coffee etc (this includes £10 on my work cash card to pay for lunch which technically is not budgetted for!
Last week I spend :shocked:£34 on non essentials (that includes the treats on Sat night) :doh:

this lifestyle change is much harder than i anticipated. This week I am going to make a much concerted effort to bring packed lunch.

magni

I have fallen off the wagon and bought some skincare and makeup on Saturday. I didn't need any of it but I just couldn't resist. I am now safely back on the wagon again.

pandapaws

I've been religiously filling in my spending diary since 1st Oct (for anyone who hasn't found it yet, it is at www.spendingdiary.com). I'm actually doing reasonably well with this challenge - I have thought about it a couple of times when I was about to spend, and put the item back, which has got to be a success!

So far since 1st Oct, my frivolous purcahses have been:

£2.75 toddler trousers & tshirt reduced in Asda
50p - some little cups in Ikea bargain corner (my cheapest Ikea shop EVER!)
£7.50 set of 6 towels in M&S Outlet, bright blue for DS!
TOTAL £10.75!

But...during the same period we've collectively spent as a family £167.80 on eating out:eek: - that includes a fabulous £50 Indian meal with friends that we see very rarely and £40 on lunch at gorgeous Mexican on hubby's b'day. The rest is lunches, take-aways & sandwiches at work and so on. I think I feel a challenge coming on...