When do you feel like spending money? What are your triggers? I can tell you exactly what mine are:
1. Reading cute blogs with DIY projects. I spend money on the supplies which I may or may not actually use.
2. Seeing the new thing my friend just got. I want one too…
2. Social shopping. I’m more apt to spend money when I’m with other people who are spending. I’m at my worst when I’m shopping with my best friend….my husband. We’ll buy stuff together that we wouldn’t dream of buying alone.
3. Feeling sorry for myself. Stupid thoughts like, “Everyone else has ___ but I don’t.” Or worse, I’m not providing well for my kids unless I get them____.
4. Feeling empathetic for a fund raiser or new biz.
5. Overwhelm/Chaos — I’m tempted about things like deli pizza, fast food, paper plates, and purchased gifts when I’m too busy and overwhelmed to make the things myself. Also, if I’m disorganized I tend to buy the wrong thing/food when I’m at the store.
6. Surprises: last minute birthday party, bake sale, school treat day…
So for every one of these and the few more I might think of, I need a plan of action. What will I do? How will I cope?
1. Pin the projects for later…or limit my reading this month. I’m going to need the extra time to list all my stuff on Craigslist.
2. Thou Shalt Not Covet. Practice being happy for her and being happy for me for the great progress I am making this month. Plus, I can always put the item in my amazon wish list.
3. Practice gratitude. It’s hard to feel sorry for myself when I realize how blessed I am.
4. Not this month. “I really want to help you, but I can’t do it for 4 weeks. Can I order then? No? Please ask me next time, I just can’t this month.”
5. Have some items on hand for fast to fix meals that will keep us out of fast food joints and delis. Taco night, simple spaghetti, and Mackerel Patties are on standby for crazy night.
6. Last minute things will be dealt with from stash…at least for the next 31 days.
Print your worksheet here: Spending Freeze Caution Slippery Ahead
AmaZon.com. That’s going to be my biggest challenge. No more fun kitchen gadgets for awhile.
Kim, I love Amazon too, lol. I was just going to look something up there. It’s just for 31 days though. You can get it in February….if you still want it by then. I’ve found if I wait a little bit, I figure out I really didn’t want it after all.