Ok so lets face it, we all have our issues right?!?! Mine just happens to be spending money on "the little things in life". I love to grab a t-shirt or a new candle while grocery shopping, going to Barnes & Noble to buy a new book, or getting a new charm for my bracelet. This is an addiction that has developed over a period of about 8 years...basically since Nate and I moved to Texas. But lets make sure that I let you know that it is NOT an addiction that has turned in to a financial issue. It is just something that our lifestyle here in Texas allows me to do...but that is ALL about to change.
I did not grow up in a rich family. We made due and my parents always tried their hardest that their kids did not go without. I remember coming home on Friday's getting ready to go to Blazer's and my mom would have a new outfit ready for me from Fashion Bug! I never really had money of my own BUT I did learn what NOT to do when it comes to finances and your credit from my parents <---- a valuable lesson for life! |
Here in Texas, Nate and I have been blessed with two great jobs where we are able to pay our bills every month on time, save some money, put money in our retirement, and then also enjoy life. By no means are we rich ---> lets get that straight right here and now! We sacrifice when it is needed. But my problem has been that I have been able to buy these small things in life that make me feel good or so-called happy due to our blessings and hard work. I do not feel that I NEED to do this in order to be happy, it is just that I had not been able to do it when I was younger like some kids who grew up with wealthy parents and now it has become apart of my life... not really worrying about getting a shirt at the grocery store or stopping at the mall for a new charm.
BUT that is needing to change and it needs to change yesterday! Moving to WA, I resigned from my position at the hospital and even though I have applied to various jobs in WA, I have not lined anything up. At this time, we have talked about me not working when we first move up there so I am able to get the house in order and take some pressure off of Nate while he is in training. But that means we are on a tight budget with everything.
It will be difficult. I know you may be thinking, "jeez Briana, its not that hard to NOT buy something. A million people have to do it every day because they just can't afford it, get over yourself". And I completely agree! But lets say that you have made something a part of your life that you do not really think about and all of a sudden need to stop. Lets say every morning you go to Starbucks and grab a coffee. That may be $5-$6 a day? STOP! Right now! STOP IT!
Or even worse, you smoke :X STOP... RIGHT NOW... STOP IT!
Harder said than done, right? Some people, if they just stopped smoking, could buy a brand new car for the amount they spend on cigarettes in a month!
Spending money can be an addiction. Although, I (in my defense and as a sort of excuse) I have not made it an addiction to where it affects our finances or has us in debt; I only spend what I have left over or what I can....
Which makes me feel that once we are in WA it won't actually be that hard for me. I am always used to not spending if I do NOT have the money to do so?
BUT that is needing to change and it needs to change yesterday! Moving to WA, I resigned from my position at the hospital and even though I have applied to various jobs in WA, I have not lined anything up. At this time, we have talked about me not working when we first move up there so I am able to get the house in order and take some pressure off of Nate while he is in training. But that means we are on a tight budget with everything.
It will be difficult. I know you may be thinking, "jeez Briana, its not that hard to NOT buy something. A million people have to do it every day because they just can't afford it, get over yourself". And I completely agree! But lets say that you have made something a part of your life that you do not really think about and all of a sudden need to stop. Lets say every morning you go to Starbucks and grab a coffee. That may be $5-$6 a day? STOP! Right now! STOP IT!
Or even worse, you smoke :X STOP... RIGHT NOW... STOP IT!
Harder said than done, right? Some people, if they just stopped smoking, could buy a brand new car for the amount they spend on cigarettes in a month!
Spending money can be an addiction. Although, I (in my defense and as a sort of excuse) I have not made it an addiction to where it affects our finances or has us in debt; I only spend what I have left over or what I can....
Which makes me feel that once we are in WA it won't actually be that hard for me. I am always used to not spending if I do NOT have the money to do so?
I also feel that this tends to be more of a girl issue. Am I right? Am I being sexist? Do guys have an issue with spending money when they shouldn't? I mean I know they can spend money on their video/iPad games but many girls like to get their hair and nails done, buy new make-up, buy in to diet fads, new clothes or shoes for THIS season, etc. I do feel that society has somewhat of a responsibility in this because it is what makes us girls feel we HAVE to buy them <--- so we are attractive enough, skinny enough, fashionable enough to compete with other girls or to get a guy. But that is a whole different topic that is not intended for this rant!!! |
But spending money on the small things can go far beyond buying items for myself. I like to make our house a home which includes decorating it which then means spending money! We all want our house to look nicer, have more storage, be more organized etc. That can lead to the addiction; always wanting to rearrange or freshen up the house. Buying holiday decorations... Have ya'll seriously noticed HOW EXPENSIVE these little knick knacks have become!?!?! It is just ridiculous. My mom has a good strategy of buying decorations AFTER the holiday when they are all marked down 50-75% off! She then just saves them for the following year.
Choosing what stores you shop at can also help. I am NOT a bargain shopper. Going to stores where the clothes are all mixed together makes me have anxiety. I just feel disoriented and become frustrated. But stores like Marshalls and Ross can help save a HUGE amount of money. And thankfully, I do love me some Target for all things that aren't daily jeans <------ just can't do it :X But thankfully as long as I keep my weight down I have jeans to last me a lifetime.
Another way that I plan to save money is getting back to my weekly meal planning and grocery shopping. That seriously can save a TON of money; making sure there are left overs as well for Nate's lunches/dinners for work.
See, I do have a plan. I just have to make sure I do not stray from my pre-planned grocery shopping list when I go to the store ;)
Well, everyone wish me luck that I can curve my appetite for the small things in life and just focus on what I have which is more than I need.
Choosing what stores you shop at can also help. I am NOT a bargain shopper. Going to stores where the clothes are all mixed together makes me have anxiety. I just feel disoriented and become frustrated. But stores like Marshalls and Ross can help save a HUGE amount of money. And thankfully, I do love me some Target for all things that aren't daily jeans <------ just can't do it :X But thankfully as long as I keep my weight down I have jeans to last me a lifetime.
Another way that I plan to save money is getting back to my weekly meal planning and grocery shopping. That seriously can save a TON of money; making sure there are left overs as well for Nate's lunches/dinners for work.
See, I do have a plan. I just have to make sure I do not stray from my pre-planned grocery shopping list when I go to the store ;)
Well, everyone wish me luck that I can curve my appetite for the small things in life and just focus on what I have which is more than I need.
If you were to write a blog like this what would yours say? Comment below inserting your information: Hi my name is ______ and I have a _______ problem ?!?! Let it out and be freeeeeee :) I promise it will make you feel better! because I feel better and more confident that I can do this after reading this blog! Cheers and 'Dolla Dolla Bills Ya'll* |