What are the triggers that send you out shopping, especially something for yourself? Are you more likely to talk yourself out of going or do you give in and go? Do you justify your purchases to others? Do you have a "cohort in crime"? (someone who encourages you to spend). What tricks do you use to keep from over-indulging? Have you ever purchased anything that you regretted later?

Toni B.:

What are the triggers that send you out shopping, especially something for yourself?

 

Boredom for me.

Toni B.:

Are you more likely to talk yourself out of going or do you give in and go?

I tend to find some excuse for going most of the time... but do talk myself out of it too.

Toni B.:

Do you justify your purchases to others?

Yes... that way I can convince myself too.

Toni B.:

Do you have a "cohort in crime"? (someone who encourages you to spend)

My sis used to be one... though she actually the other day mentioned something that I had given thought to buying (a new digital camera)... I talked myself out of it while talking with her.

Toni B.:

What tricks do you use to keep from over-indulging?

Limit myself on price and doing just one item (if possible).

Toni B.:

Have you ever purchased anything that you regretted later?

um, from age 15 to age 30 (mostly), anything in that time frame pretty much (time of being a shop-a-holic)

 

 

 

 

 

I talked myself into going to Williamsburg on Wednesday to have a nice lunch and to get a new watch.

I don't splurge that often because, frankly, most of the food I purchase at Harris Teeter and that I prepare tastes better than what I would get at most restaurants. It's also less expensive than eating out.

Yes. I regret buying a pair of SAS sandals last Spring. They just don't fit as comfortably as that style used to. I think they changed the design ever so slightly.

My shopping partner was Mom. She loved to shop and to find a bargain. She stopped shopping in 2005. In early 2007 she entered a local nursing home. I truly miss going shopping with her.

Toni B.:

Do you have a "cohort in crime"?

Yep, my husband and my Mother. My husband encourages me to treat myself and so does Mom. I know they do it out of love and concern that I forget about taking care of me and my own emotional needs when I am working hard to be frugal for my family.

Toni B.:

What tricks do you use to keep from over-indulging?

Since we have lived without credit cards for years, we could only spend the funds we have. What I do however is set budgeted amounts that allow for small splurges. I often shop with cash so I have to keep in mind that I can only spend what I have then there isn't more, even if I do have more funds in the bank.

 

Toni B.:

What are the triggers that send you out shopping, especially something for yourself?

Usually it's a combination of warm weather and a few too many DIY shows over the winter.

Toni B.:

 Do you justify your purchases to others?

I usually just tell anyone who comments that I'm saving 2-3x as much by doing it myself

Toni B.:

Do you have a "cohort in crime"? (someone who encourages you to spend).

My Home Depot cc and the sales people in the store.

Toni B.:

Have you ever purchased anything that you regretted later?

 

Yes but I always return them.

Usually a perceived need or want - it's sometimes hard to tell the difference!

For example, last week I started a new job with a 3-mile commute. I'm driving a full-size pickup and that is a terrible abuse of it since the engine/transmission never gets warmed up and that will kill it in a few years.

If the roads weren't so narrow, windy, hilly and high speed I'd consider a bicycle, but doing that would leave me with a life expectancy of about 20 minutes, so that's out. So I went looking at motorcycles, thinking of something in the 250 cc range or even a 150 cc scooter, which I test drove. That doesn't have enough acceleration or top end speed for a 2-mile stretch of road so that won't work. The $1,500 price makes it attractive, but it's Chinese and the warranty is for one year on engine and transmission only. Not good. Lately I have been underwhelmed at the quality of Chinese goods so I'll pass on that.

Next I looked at a 650cc Suzuki (the smallest that shop had) but at $4,300 it was a bit much, so I next considered a 250 cc Honda Rebel at $3,200. I am sorely tempted but have learned in the past not to make snap decisions when I am "sorely tempted". Craigslist doesn't have much in the way of small commuter motorcycles either - everyone who has one apparently wants to keep it.

However winter and rainy weather will inevitably come, so practicality dictates that I'll probably end up with a used car for about the same amount or even less. If I buy a car that runs for $2-3k and it runs for five years I'll have gotten my nickel's worth.

But a motorcycle sure would be a lot more fun in the nice weather....

I've set up my own limit to splurging by living 15 miles out of town.  Once I'm home I have to ask myself is it worth a tank of gas or more to eat out, shop a sale, or whatever.  I socialize or shop in the afternoons, after work (when I'm in town anyway). 

I give in to my urge to splurge - when I'm on vacation or visiting!  My son knows me and my desires and when he was talking about my upcoming visit to Grand Rapids he mentioned taking me to Costco!  Isn't he a good son?  The practical part of is that I work full time and plan an errand or two each day after work.  Mostly groceries, library, everyday type stuff.  I never shop for fun except when I'm on vacation or on black Friday.

I went shopping last Tuesday in Michigan City to the "Light House Place" mall. It's an outlet mall. Normally I don't buy much there because even designer clothes, discounted, are often too expensive for my budget. They do have a bath and body works outlet store. My favorite scent, which I have ever paid full price for, has been discontinued. I found the body wash, normally $12.50, for $3.13 a piece. I got a few other items to use for special occassions as well. All in all I spent $25 for what would have cost me $100 at full price. I came home pretty happy. I only go to this mall about once every few years, so it was worth it to me.

 

thrift stores and deals!    the well is only a $1, good deal etc.  2 for 1 's etc  that is what sinks me.  or if I am in a blue mood for no real reason.   I love my deals.