There's a saying that no one plans to fail, but I can't help but wonder if I do. I wrote that I had some ambitions for November and I basically haven't had one day where I have accomplished them (or felt more than a tiny tinge f guilt that I haven't). Boo.
On the plus side, my one week money diet was a success! The force to shop was "strong with this one" but I managed to convince myself it could wait to the end of the week. Suddenly it was Tuesday and I literally said out loud "holy shit you did it". It was good to take a break from shopping and yet to focus on stuff at home. I think I avoided some impulse buys that would have been a waste. So, I might need to implement a once/week shop day. That could help with the impulse buying... But may be a bit of a challenge with Christmas.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Money Diet
I am still struggling with a shopping/money spending addiction. The beginnings of my addiction started when I got my first job. I was making lots of money for someone with virtually no expenses (I had a $30 monthly commitment, that's it). My friends and I would routinely blow our cheques in the few Grimshaw stores we had access to, usually on payday.
I never got over that feeling of "richness" of being able to buy just about anything I wanted, whenever I wanted.
I've been "responsible" about it by always making sure the bills were paid, but that doesn't really mean anything when you're also accumulating debt. Not once, but twice in the last ten years I have racked up a sizable consumer debt obligation. Pretty selfish. Especially since its been Tyler's income that has paid off my mistakes. While we have a fairly comfortable lifestyle, we would be considerable more set-up if I hadn't wasted all that money. If we had put that money onto our mortgage, I can't do the math, but yeah big difference!
I owe it to Tyler, Dexter and myself to get a handle on this. While I have improved the amount I spend, the same impulses are there, so I need to work on the root.
I've also decided to start with a one week fast, if you will, starting today. I'll allow spending for basics like food, fuel, but everything else is a no go until next Tuesday, November 13th. Realistically there are no purchases that need to be made in this timeframe so it shouldn't be a problem. If you're an average person, this probably sounds like a normal week to you! Please don't judge, we all have our personal challenges.
To work on the root, if I find myself wanting to purchase, I plan to take a picture and write down the cost. Be interesting to see how much pretend money I'll have spent. However, the main plan is to stay out of the stores for this week!
Wish me luck!
I never got over that feeling of "richness" of being able to buy just about anything I wanted, whenever I wanted.
I've been "responsible" about it by always making sure the bills were paid, but that doesn't really mean anything when you're also accumulating debt. Not once, but twice in the last ten years I have racked up a sizable consumer debt obligation. Pretty selfish. Especially since its been Tyler's income that has paid off my mistakes. While we have a fairly comfortable lifestyle, we would be considerable more set-up if I hadn't wasted all that money. If we had put that money onto our mortgage, I can't do the math, but yeah big difference!
I owe it to Tyler, Dexter and myself to get a handle on this. While I have improved the amount I spend, the same impulses are there, so I need to work on the root.
I've also decided to start with a one week fast, if you will, starting today. I'll allow spending for basics like food, fuel, but everything else is a no go until next Tuesday, November 13th. Realistically there are no purchases that need to be made in this timeframe so it shouldn't be a problem. If you're an average person, this probably sounds like a normal week to you! Please don't judge, we all have our personal challenges.
To work on the root, if I find myself wanting to purchase, I plan to take a picture and write down the cost. Be interesting to see how much pretend money I'll have spent. However, the main plan is to stay out of the stores for this week!
Wish me luck!
Cake Class
Hosted a cake decorating class last night, with a few mommies & Mary. So much fun as always! My cake still needs some tweaking, but here it is so far: super cute penguins & igloo. :-)
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