Need to stop spending

mookybargirl

Hi - welcome and big well done on cutting up the cards, it's a really brave thing to do.

I wanted to ask if your shopping trips are with friends or on your own. If on your own, you could cook on the weekends to give you more relaxing time during the week. If it's normally with friends, I know you won't want to just not go as you'd feel left out so you could always invite your friends to yours for coffee and a natter and say that the shops are too busy at this time of year so it's boring and stressful - this would be an easy way to change the habit.

LizTaylor_2

I am about to look at the Grocery Challenge and the Spending Diary.
I just wrote the letters to Next, Monsoon and Alliance and Leicester and they are in envelopes ready to post.
Done no work so far today but heh!
Also about to cancel some beauty treatmen appointments!
Any advice on this one - I am due to go out for the day with a friend next Saturday - a shopping day of all things - I really want to see her but CAN'T spend any money! What shall I do?

(Land_of)_Maz

LizTaylor wrote: »

Mazz3374 - your replies are so good
Yes I get my nails done 2 times a month. It used to be twice every 6 weeks but its gradually crept up. I am going to put a stop to it. I have gel overlays so they just grow out a bit really - I will take your advice and fill in the gaps myself.
My bathroom looks like a display in Boots I have so much stuff. That's not including the drawer full of lipsticks and sample sizes!

Thanks very much, i like to give advice, shame i can't take my own very well!!

Re the toiletries thing, you'll know MSE is under your skin when you derive sad pleasure from finishing of a bottle of lotion/conditioner/delete as applicable which has been lurking in your bathroom unopened for years!

Re the shopping trip, make a list for christmas and stick to it. Realistically unless you are super woman you cannot have everything bought already?!! Just be sure and guide her into the places you need to go and avoid clothes shopping! Tell her you've got the list and are sticking to it, no need to say why.

And will there be lunch? Preplan somewhere cheap n cheerful, or raincheck on that part and meet after lunch and leave when shops shut at tea time. I hear starbucks do a great cinnamon latte, that'll do for a rest!

LizTaylor_2

mookybargirl - the shopping trips are usually alone or with my daughter (she occasionally comments but usually just tags along and says nothing).
I am going to try this weekend and not go near the shops. If I can do it this weekend maybe I can do the next one and the next one...

LizTaylor_2

Mazz3374 - no I haven't done all my Xmas shopping but quite a bit. I still need things like cards etc. and maybe some cheap new earrings for my work Xmas party. I just have to be determined.
I think I can wriggle out of lunch or go for a cheap one. She's a good friend, she'll understand.
Thanks xx

Shineyhappy

Why dont you ask your daughter what she would like to do? You could arrange to go feed the ducks or go to a zoo or something that would take your mind off shopping? Or spend the day in the kitchen making cakes or giving each other beauty treatments, maybe even make some simple home made ones?

The weather is great for kite flying and you could always ask on the days out board about cheap ideas for things to do in your area?

As regards your friend what about having lunch at yours because the shops will be too crowded to have a relaxing day out?

LizTaylor_2

How do I get to the Grocery Challenge? Probably me being dumb but I can't find it!

LizTaylor_2

I just cancelled 4 appointmets for various treatments that really aren't necessary!

chevalier

well done you are on a roll today. Best of luck sticking with it. I am the complete opposite of you. I really really hate clothes shopping!

LizTaylor_2

chevalier - yes on a roll and I really want to stick to it. Feel a bit low now but only about the beauty treatments really. I love having them! Still I'll probably just be glad to get the time back into my weekend. My plan is to go the gym instead (membership already paid for for another 6 months) and my car is filthy so me and No.1 son can wash it together - he will get a bit of cash for his efforts!
Might count my change jar tonight!
By the way - how do you set up the bit at the bottom of your replies (like some of the others do too) with a synopsis of where you are up to etc. I want to do it too! LizT x