I love spending money!

**Aleta** · 10-13-2007, 09:12 AM

Mistawho: I have found that the easiest way to get past spending like you stated is by staying out of the stores. I definitely spend less money even when I go less to the grocery store.

Also, I go in with a list even if it's Target or where ever and I stick to the list. There have been times when I have seen items marked down to 75% off that make great gifts and holiday presents. But that comes like a surprize to come across it.

The best thing is to allocate so much to your clothes each month and see if you can stay within that limit. Next month, lower the amount. It becomes like a game. You can also try finding mix match clothing that you can interchange. Also, by buying basic colors and just adding a couple of seasonable colors as accessories may help you as well.

**ginene** · 10-14-2007, 06:51 AM

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**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 10-14-2007, 08:56 AM

Well, what else do you love doing? Think about doing other things to enliven and entertain yourself. Things other than shopping. Pursue some interests; develop some new interests....So, are you buying hiker boy-shoes? Go hiking, or at least for some walks in nearby state parks. Are you buying nice office clothes? Wear them to the library to read some magazines related to your career. Are you buying urban cool clothes? Go check out neighborhoods you've never been in.

Sometimes clothes are a little bit about imagining do be something. Start to be some other things instead. A hiker, a nerdy career climber, a man at home anywhere in his own city, a canoer, a swimmer, a skater, a biker, a builder, whatever. Learn something new to do that you think is cool or interesting. This is part of what people mean when they say to collect experiences, not stuff.

**gackle** · 10-14-2007, 06:03 PM

If you have to purchase clothes, try leaving your credit card at home and take only the cash that you have budgeted for the purchase. There is no way to overspend when you don't have the means to do it.

**herm4** · 10-15-2007, 05:48 AM

Try NOT buying new clothes for a month. Put the money you would have spent, into your savings account. Just seeing that money in your savings might be an incentive to continue spending less, saving more.

**shopgirl** · 10-15-2007, 01:16 PM

Every time I start getting the shopping bug I re-organize my closets. I always end up finding a ton of clothes that I haven't worn in a long time but that I still like. Suddenly it feels like I have all new clothes again! If that still doesn't work, I asses what I really need to add to my wardrobe so I am not buying something that is just like something I already own. It helps *some* for me but I also need to just continually remind myself that my credit card bill is more than I can pay already :-/

**Ima saver** · 10-20-2007, 02:02 PM

I just don't go to malls and I really don't care to shop anymore. I buy shorts and jeans on QVC about every 5 years or so.

**QueenOphelia** · 10-21-2007, 07:53 PM

Must be nice to have a lifestyle where you don't need to buy clothes on a some-what regular basis.

Rural vs. city living certainly has many advantages and I guess being able to shop exclusively on QVC us one of them

**Aleta** · 10-22-2007, 07:58 AM

I live in a very big city and I don't buy clothes on a regular basis. It has to do more with making up your mind how much money you're going to spend on clothes that have a short life span with style and also a shelf life on how long it can be worn.

After a while, you just become disenchanted with chasing the latest styles. I like to buy neutral garments that can mix and match. I will buy a couple of things for the season so that my clothing has a recent look to it. I'm amazed at how many times something that I have kept for a while comes back.

**disneysteve** · 10-22-2007, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by QueenOphelia View Post

Must be nice to have a lifestyle where you don't need to buy clothes on a some-what regular basis.

I live in the city and work in a professional capacity. I hardly ever buy clothes. I'd estimate that I've spent maybe $300 in the past year on clothing. When I see people post budgets that includes hundreds of dollars each month for clothing, I always wonder what the heck they are doing with all those clothes.

I have pants that I've had for 5-10 years. I have dress shirts that I've had for well over 10 years. I have casual shirts that I've had for 15-20 years. I buy basic styles that never go out of fashion.

**NoExcuseBudget** · 10-22-2007, 09:34 AM

I don't exactly love buying clothes, but I realize that I need to dress well for my IRL job. So for a few years I would buy nice clothes at discount places. It seemed like I was constantly having to buy more because the quality wasn't so great. One day I needed to buy a dress to wear to a wedding. I stopped in at Ann Taylor Loft (never been in there before) and saw they had a clearance section... I've been sold ever since. I've bought 5 outfits over the past year and they are still going strong. Buying the hight quality on clearance has definately saved me money. Same for the kids... I can buy a pair of pants at Target for them for $11.99 or I can wait till Gymboree has a sale and buy them for $6.99 or less, and they last through both kids.

If you really are a spender and can't stop the habit you need to stay away. Find something else that thrills you and focus on that. Tell your friends and family about your goal to not buy any more clothes and ask for their help. It really is an addiction and you probobly do it for the thrill, huh?

**DebbieL** · 10-22-2007, 11:18 AM

DisneySteve:

I think it is much easier for men in the professional world to get away with what you are doing. Women's styles tend to change a lot more and a woman would look pretty dated in something from 10 years ago, IMO. I'm no fashion junkie or anything, but I do need to spend more on clothing than you do. I try to buy things that won't look too dated next year, and I certainly don't spend what a lot of women do, but it is easier for a man to get away with spending less.

**financeman45** · 10-22-2007, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by Mistawho View Post

I have problems buying expensive clothes! its my addiction.... yet, i'm trying to save money... i know i'm terrible.

I love technology and clothes. I just love my toys!

Do you have a bumper sticker on your mini-van that says "I Shop till I drop!"

**stefan@usaindebt** · 10-23-2007, 05:57 AM

Originally posted by Mistawho View Post

I have problems buying expensive clothes! its my addiction.... yet, i'm trying to save money... i know i'm terrible.

I love technology and clothes. I just love my toys!

I have the clothes obsession thanks to my girlfriend. Never had it before I met her 2 years ago. Now I am often buying $30 or $50 Armani tshirts. But it feels so good when you wear them

I love spending money!