I’m Spent
September 7th, 2010 § 16 Comments
‘Ello!
I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend. Labor Day was a very big deal for me this year because it marked the end of an era.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Summer Spending Challenge is officially over.
In case you’re just catching up, let me give you the skinny. In May, I decided I needed to take further control of my debt and my spending habits by prohibiting the purchase of anything material – clothes, shoes, jewelery, etc. I challenged my readers to join me, but given what feedback I did receive – panicked emails telling me of a purchase some of you just couldn’t resist – I think the only other person who made it through was Andrew (and he paid off his debt entirely!)
It wasn’t easy, especially right out the gate when I thought I was going to have a panic attack in The Limited. I was so used to getting whatever I wanted (within some reason) whenever I desired that when I stripped that luxury cold turkey, being exposed to others doing it shot my nerves within minutes.
I was fortunate enough to receive several pieces of clothing as gifts throughout the summer – a few tank tops and t-shirts, a dress and a skirt – but it paled in comparison to what I’d normally buy.
I’m not complaining, though. In fact, I’m celebrating. I paid off two of my credit cards this summer and as far as I’m concerned, they’re never leaving their comfy little slot in my wallet again.
You might think that when I realized yesterday was Labor Day, I’d spring out of bed, coupons and savings card in hand, itching to go to the mall.
Sorry, but you’d be wrong.
The only place I ended up going was Kohl’s and I was actually in search of a slip for a new dress my Mum bought me last week. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I decided to wander the store a bit and see what I’d been missing out on for almost four months.
I slowly walked the aisles, humming along to the music, reaching out to touch the fabric of beautiful shirts, sweaters, skirts. I scoured racks for my size, pulled the hanger out, admired the piece and moved on. The thrill was gone.
Until I found something I’d been searching for.
I believe the name of the piece I bought is “flyaway sweater.” I admired one similar on Alex during our road trip – a light sweater perfect for layering with long panels in the front meant to wrap or simply throw over your shoulder.
Just my luck – or rather as it always seems at Kohl’s – the sweater was on sale and homegirl had a coupon. I bought two. I seem to always be freezing at home so I wore it all night and I’m wearing it now. This is what we call an investment piece. I’m secretly very excited to wear it on a plane. There’s something about wrapping myself in a soft sweater that is just so comforting.
I’ve still got a long way to go with the debt monster. I’ve got a plan and I’m looking forward to doing the happy dance – or heck even some fist pumping – with each card I pay off.
The greatest thing about this challenge, though, isn’t the lighter stack of bills. It’s proving to myself I can be strong-willed and accomplish something. It’s simplifying my life even further. It’s keeping that will and knowing the difference between maxing out and maximizing my dollar. The rush of shopping and finding a great deal is still, well great, but so is the deep gratitude for the once overlooked things in my life without a price tag.
Have you ever challenged yourself to accomplish something totally outside your comfort zone? How did you do?
Anyone make it through summer on the challenge with me?
Summer Spending Challenge
May 26th, 2010 § 19 Comments
Welcome back! Thanks for returning after my hiatus. I am kicking things off in a new light – - -> ch-ch-check it out!
There’s a lot going into this decision for me and it’s a big one! I’ll be going into more detail as to what helps me and possibly sharing my favorite summer pieces?? Let me know what you’d like to see! Are you in???!! And if you are, what should we call this?? I think it could really take off into something HUGE!!!
PS props to Gracie at Girl Meets Health for the inspiration!
Name that tune
November 18th, 2009 § 7 Comments
Hi guys! Short post – glad to get feedback on my debt video! I think I must have had too much time on my hands (I was off yesterday) and I spent waaay too much time thinking about it because I had a horrible dream about money!! It involved me shopping, using my debit card to buy gorgeous clothes and scarves, all the while knowing I was overdrafting my account! Ahh!
Speaking of dreams, I am obsessed, seriously obsessed with all of those dream books, dictionaries, etc. I don’t care how accurate they are! It just amazes me some of the things my mind thinks up while I sleep.
Another weird thing that happens every morning when I wake up is that I have a different song in my head. Sometimes, it’s one I have been repeating on my iPod, and other days it is just straight up random.
Like today when the theme song for the 90s show “Hey Dude!”
Remember that? You probably hadn’t thought about it in a long time. Which is why I was totally like, “Whaaaaat?” when that was the song my brain had chosen.
Maybe my psyche is anticipating the trip to Texas next week?
Because for about two hours straight I surely was not listening to country, but rather this:
Ah-MAZE-ing! This man’s music has taken from some pretty developmental times in college through post-college crazy life (loved listening to him to unwind on the train rides home) and back to the Burgh. Although I do not appreciate the crap he put my girl Jen Aniston through (allegedly) I do appreciate lighting some candles and just mellowing out.
What are some of your favorite kinds of music? I love mellow stuff but also rap and r&b for runs/motivation, country (country girl by heart, city girl by dream), 80s music for singing in the car and dancing at the bar and classical for when I am writing and studying (well when I was in school).
I am always open to suggestions – especially good stuff for running! Fast beats = good moves. Please comment or email me!
Happy Hump Day!!
The beginning of the end
November 17th, 2009 § 11 Comments
A few weeks ago, I told you about my addictive personality. It was at this time I began an experiment with my finances. I told myself if I could go two weeks without using my best friend Chase Visa, I could make a bigger commitment to myself to get out of debt. Fourteen days came and went without using and it my body did not spontaneously combust like I imagined it would without the security of falling back on the card.
It was also at this time that I experimented with the cash vs. debit card debate my mind struggles with every day. I am adamant in my habit of never having cash unless A) I am going out (not a good idea to use the card for rounds at the bar -lesson learned the hard way) or B) I am going somewhere that takes dough only (which is another issue I get, um, passionate about. One too many times I have told a business/restaurant/etc. “It’s 2009. Who doesn’t take cards!” Only it’s not said so nicely.)
So when I accidentally had some cash on me, I wanted to see how long I could hold on to it.
I actually didn’t want to use it. Instead, I preferred to stare at it, in my wallet, like some kind of daily reward for being smart about my finances. I treated those bills like gold, people. I avoided impulse purchases and used it for necessary things that were well-thought out. It’s so easy to just swipe, swipe, swipe and I can definitely purchase without thinking twice.
So last week, I did something big.
I know you’re probably wondering, “Why didn’t she just cut it up? Or take it out of her wallet and just not use it?”
I don’t want to get rid of the card completely. Closing accounts is not good for credit and some day I will have a much lower balance and want to use the card again. I realize it may not work after living in my freezer for months, and that’s OK. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.
I’m not taking it out or hiding it because I know that simply will not work. I have self-restraint, but not that much.
Plus, it’s a visual reminder. Every day when I get out ice for my Green Monsters or make pb&j waffles before my runs, it will be there. Staring me in the face. Like I said, I need a little reward staring me in the face every day.
And, if there should occur an occasion where I need it in an emergency, I have a back up plan. People went years without credit cards and some still do today. Plus, an overwhelming percentage of people in my age bracket have $10,000 or more in credit card debt. That’s one statistic I don’t want to be a part of.
What about you? Are you struggling with debt or another pricey addiction? What did you do to overcome it once and for all?
