Once a spender, always a spender?

CreditCardJunkie

So I paid off all my credit cards about 18 months ago, 12 months ago we cleared any joint debt excluding the mortgage. I went self employed and we built some savings (approx 2.5k between us). This is money we don't touch, but don't really add to anymore.

Lately I've found I don't have a penny left very early in the month (excluding household bills, money for shopping, gas etc) and I find myself browsing for stuff that we don't need when I know we don't have spare money for it. I.e. New shoes for LO (even though she has 4 pairs that fit perfectly now and 2 pairs in the next size up). 

This is the behaviour that got me into debt in the first place, buying stuff I can't afford and don't need. DH and I would really like a bigger house in a nicer area and it's never going to happen unless we can save a substantial chunk of money. 

Ideally I'd like to live off DH salary and save mine but I need to take time and crunch the numbers. Starting a diary to make a plan for the new year and hold myself accountable. 

CRANKY40

The shopping thing can be overcome. We had a few things to buy in October/November. I won't bore you with how old my son's bed base was but it needed replacing then the stick blender died, that kind of thing. It would have been easy to keep buying things for the sake of it but I kept reminding myself that there is no more room in this house for "stuff" that isn't essential and the urge to shop just evaporated. 

Try and work on a one in, one out policy maybe? I made the mistake of buying too many clothes for my son when he was small. Now that he chooses his own clothes he is much more selective, buys less and actually has room in his wardrobe. 

CL21

Good luck on your journey - you have the tools to do this as you’ve paid off debt before and so this is just the same except you get to keep the money instead of giving it to the credit card company! And the prize of a new house at the end. 

Cheering you on! 

Four_Seasons

I find it so much harder to save than I did to pay credit cards/loans.  I have recently set up a dd for a set amount (roughly the same as my loan) into a savings account, I am very much an emotional spender but when I am browsing I leave items in the basket for a couple of days now before making a final decision, often when I check the basket I can't remember why I wanted it!! will be cheering you on x

CreditCardJunkie

CRANKY40 said:

The shopping thing can be overcome. We had a few things to buy in October/November. I won't bore you with how old my son's bed base was but it needed replacing then the stick blender died, that kind of thing. It would have been easy to keep buying things for the sake of it but I kept reminding myself that there is no more room in this house for "stuff" that isn't essential and the urge to shop just evaporated. 

Try and work on a one in, one out policy maybe? I made the mistake of buying too many clothes for my son when he was small. Now that he chooses his own clothes he is much more selective, buys less and actually has room in his wardrobe. 

Ohh this is a great idea!

CL21 said:

Good luck on your journey - you have the tools to do this as you’ve paid off debt before and so this is just the same except you get to keep the money instead of giving it to the credit card company! And the prize of a new house at the end. 

Cheering you on! 

Thank you so much!!

Four_Seasons said:

I find it so much harder to save than I did to pay credit cards/loans.  I have recently set up a dd for a set amount (roughly the same as my loan) into a savings account, I am very much an emotional spender but when I am browsing I leave items in the basket for a couple of days now before making a final decision, often when I check the basket I can't remember why I wanted it!! will be cheering you on x

Thank you! Yeah I also love the spend, when it comes it lies unopened for a few days so you know its definitely not a need!

I hadn't been mystery shopping in a longgg time so I went flat out this week and have £60 pending. Unbelievable what you can do when you put your mind to it! 

Strether2020

Hey, I've just read your posts and wanted to say that I really identify with what you say - I'm almost debt free now but really terrified that I'll just slip back. I'm hoping that as others have said here the fact that I get to keep the money I save will be a big motivator!

I don't know if it helps but I've been AMAZED by what great stuff you can get in charity shops - I use the Oxfam online shop and have bought some incredible things at really cheap prices.

Anyway, I'm cheering you on! 

So close to debt freedom... preparing for what's next — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Shineyhappy

If you are a spender and money is a temptation, then you could maybe buy Premium Bonds to keep the money looked up, but safe.