Two Questions for the Spenders...

[Landwatch]

Whenever I feel like spending money on buying something that is not a need, I start off a debate with myself, while I keep walking away from the thing. This has helped me a lot many times and later I compliment myself with a nice hot chocolate fudge with nuts. This way I spend less and even feel wiser;-))

[mahanda]

wanting to please my children and grandchildren usually trigger my spending sprees--i rarely splurge on myself.
instead of money i am trying to spend time instead
for the kids i do walks to park or library, bus rides to waterfront
if i feel the urge come on for myself, i take the time to care of whatever i already have - today i cleaned the handing light fixture in the livingroom and put a couple pictures in frames i had sitting around
d

[bishop]

I think you said you have an allowance for yourself, right? That's a great step...when my wife and i started our budget, we put in "blow" money, because we knew we were going to spend some money on something, so we better plan on having some cash to do it with (so as not to screw up the rest of the budget). We set an amount each month, and half was hers/ half was mine. We could spend it or save it for a bigger purchase, for ANYTHING, without feeling guilty or having to ask the other if it was ok to spend the money. Knowing it was there to just spend, helped, because we did not feel we were completely denying ourselves.

[Rick01]

There are a number of things that can trigger spending. Depression, boredom, or a host of other situations!

Keep yourself busy and keep your mind on other things. You should treat yourself every so often so as to reinforce good behavior. Save up for the treat!

I agree, and I think there may be some of that here. I've dealt with bi-polar for years. When I was younger, I would go on small shopping sprees to get back into the high zone. Doesn't work for me anymore though.

[Caoineag]

I think you said you have an allowance for yourself, right? That's a great step...when my wife and i started our budget, we put in "blow" money, because we knew we were going to spend some money on something, so we better plan on having some cash to do it with (so as not to screw up the rest of the budget). We set an amount each month, and half was hers/ half was mine. We could spend it or save it for a bigger purchase, for ANYTHING, without feeling guilty or having to ask the other if it was ok to spend the money. Knowing it was there to just spend, helped, because we did not feel we were completely denying ourselves.

Yup, that's why I have recently given myself an allowance. Originally my budget had no splurge money so I would feel denied. I agree that an allowance helps alot.

[mike8822]

Self control. I was like that online a long time ago.

What really works is taking up new hobbies. I have so many blogs now that I spend my time doing that.

I also play chess a lot online and watch TV sitcoms all the time now. It does help in getting off the spending if you keep busy with other things.

[brownbear]

This is a tough subject for me coming from a background of spending and marrying into a life of cautious spending and money saving. I think I can say that for most people we all by our very nature "want" things. I agree with bishop that when you give yourself an allowance this can help you achieve the goal of buying something for yourself. I often remind myself of the "freedom" I experience by having less debt. This means sacrifice which by my very nature is not easy. Good luck with your impulses and struggles Caoineag. I think that the very fact that you posted shows that you want to be better than you already are. Rock on!

[lovcom]

There was a time when I would "buy" my way back to "happiness". Man, what a BAD "investment"! ;-)

I'm better now, but regret the many buys I made in my youth.

Self medication :-(