To Buy or Not to Buy

[KiwiJo09]

Tomorrow, the hubby and I have the whole day together and I impulsively suggested that we should go buy new clothes (that we both need). After thinking about it, I'm having second thoughts. We still have debt to pay off. We still need to build up our emergency fund. But we both need clothes. Hubby's have holes in them, and my jeans are starting to rip.

I guess my question is, at what point are you spending on necessity versus spending carelessly? Should we go buy clothes or continue to save and pay off debt? Or should we do both?

He's talking about taking money out of our emergency fund to buy these clothes in addition to the extra money of my paycheck.

Should we buy clothes and only use the extra money from my paycheck or go all out? HELP ME!!!!!!!

[marvholly]

A reasonable amount of clothing at a reasonable cost IS a necessity. Figure out what you can afford. Go to stores that have decent quality at a decent pprice, generally on store brand items. In my area these are usually JC Penny & Sears, + sometimes Kohl's. Hit the clearance racks. Look for coupons. See if you can get a better 'deal' online.

[buildmybudget]

Plato's Closet is another place where you can get quality used clothes pretty cheaply. As MHolly said, look for bargains and seek out coupons. Challenge yourself to get what you need while still paying down your debt. Best of luck!

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by marvholly

A reasonable amount of clothing at a reasonable cost IS a necessity.

I agree with this. We all need to have decent clothing but it doesn't need to cost a lot of money. Jeans are $5 at Goodwill. Check your local thrift shops. Plato's Closet is good for teens. Ebay and Craigslist are great, especially for kids' clothing. For new stuff, end of season sales and the clearance rack are terrific. Outlet stores can be, too, but you need to know what things are worth as the outlets aren't always cheaper than regular stores with good sales or clearances.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Need clothes for work. Don't go to work with holes in your clothes. You don't have to spend a fortune but having decent clothes says a lot. And you can get clothes from goodwill or hand me down from friends. I did that during my maternity. Lots of used clothes, who knew?

[MonkeyMama]

Shop secondhand. Problem solved.

That said, I think I paid about $30 for $500 worth of clothing at Kohls this year. Have gotten some good sales/coupons/deals.

I think it's essential to think outside the box a bit, for most people to avoid debt.

[clintdavis]

Also check discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Max. You can find some good quality clothes at a bargain. Before going to ANY store though, you and your husband need to sit down and make a list of the exact clothing items you intend to buy. For example, he needs 2 pairs of slacks, 3 dress shirts, and 1 pair of jeans...etc... Be intentional with y our shopping, have a plan, make a list, decide and agree together, and live or die by that agreed upon plan and list. You are at war with the retail industry today! You can do it!

[mcfroggin]

Outlet malls and Ross are excellent.

[snafu]

While you're reviewing your closet to figure out what you need to buy... throw out anything shabby, ripped, stained, hole-y. If you have apparel in excellent condition that you no longer wear, consider taking those to a consignment shop. If you have stuff that no longer fit or a fabric or color you dislike, drop them in a box/bag and take it to a thrift shop to bless someone else.

The basic rule is for every new item, an old item goes. Everything in your closet should fit, flatter and be wear-able

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by snafu

While you're reviewing your closet to figure out what you need to buy... throw out anything shabby, ripped, stained, hole-y. If you have apparel in excellent condition that you no longer wear, consider taking those to a consignment shop. If you have stuff that no longer fit or a fabric or color you dislike, drop them in a box/bag and take it to a thrift shop to bless someone else.

The basic rule is for every new item, an old item goes. Everything in your closet should fit, flatter and be wear-able

All good advice. Also, if you have anything that you like and fits well but is damaged somehow like missing a button or snap or needs to be rehemmed or has a seam that opened, get it fixed. It should be cheaper to have a local tailor do the repair (if you can't do it yourself) than to replace the item.

[Simplicity-]

Great advice in this thread. I notice you are in FL. FL is the king of discount stores, and outlet malls. Something to watch for when shopping at these places.

Obviously you should be paying significantly less than a retail store. Also check the clothes out good and try them on, most of these places have horrible, if ANY return policy.

I agree with everyone though as they stated, when your apparel is getting warn it is no longer a want, as it becomes a need, or must have. Saving money, and paying off debt, should never leave you un-presentable to the mass public.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Remember dress for the job you want, not what you have. LOL. Or is it not longer applicable?

[SteveBlissLaw]

I echo the "clothing is a nessecity" comments

[nick__45]

Nice Wrangler jeans are about 10 dollars per pair at outlet stores. Good shirts are about 6 dollars even at places like Areopostal though it's not a very durable brand. Kohl sells good shirts for under 10 dollars all the time. You two could get away with nice clothes for under 100 dollars each and the clothes should last 5 years. That is reasonable spending and if your job requires that you are presentable then it is a must. However, people pay money for new clothes with holes in them so holes are victorious battle scars.

If you live near a JR outlet mall/superstore you must try it. They have great clothes for cheap and Wrangler jeans they carry are top notch quality and more comfortable than the junks from mall brands.

[couchrobt]

Live frugally and just spend on things that you need rather than want. Get those items that makes sense. Spend wisely.

[Bluezy]

You are not spending carelessly if you both get new clothing at reasonable prices. You must have nice clothes to work in and you don't have to spend a lot to get nice clothes if you go through outlets. Try Marshall's, Kohl's, JC Penney's and Sears. Also, if you or your hubby have a birthday or anniversary coming up, ask family and friends to get you gift cards to buy your new clothing with.

Best of luck to you!

[landon.bruno]

Its not bad to buy on somethings you really need. You can have a good time spending acceptable amount of money with your hubby. Have a great time

[ecoadapt]

A reasonable amount of clothing at a reasonable cost IS a necessity.

Very well said! I would like to point out that it's never a question on 'price tag' but it is on how you 'wear' your clothes on!

[wincrasher]

Don't forget Costco!

They have lots of apparel items at cheap, cheap prices. Jeans are usually $12. Same with shirts. Tennis shoes are $15. I buy lots of stuff there and have been happy with the quality.

[moneybags]

I see Plato's Closet mentioned a few times here. I have no luck there. I find the clothes over-priced and worn out. Maybe it's just my store.