My buying wish list just keeps growing. I’ve got children’s items, personal items, overseas travel, toys and gadgets that keep my list growing long and tall. I’m also squeezing out some cash for a workshop I want to do in a month. Also lots of thngs to spend my extra money on.
I put them all on a list, and then at the end of the month, I look at what I have saved, and if I want to buy anything on the list. I try to buy something for myself every month – even if it is very small. A latte, or new lipstick counts if I’ve got a tight month. Buying something every month helps keep me motivated. I’ve been knows to buy books at the second hand store – or clothing at ridiculous sale prices – and it all helps to make me feel like I’ve got a bit of extra. I’m careful though, some months might only be $10.00 in the whole month to spend.
Other months I might have hundreds of dollars saved, and then I look at my list and decide:
Do I want to buy the DVD recorder, or continue to save the money toward a trip to Central America?
So far, I keep delaying my purchased to save toward my trip next year. I think someone once said that delayed gratification is one sign of maturity.
Once I hit my savings goal for my vacation, then as I save I can go back and buy items on my list.
I love my list. Hubby and I both have our items listed and the priorities keep changing. Recently we got a very good deal on a piece of furniture, and we had the money saved, so we went ahead and bought it, even though it was supposed to be a purchase later this year. When the sale price came up we were prepared. It was on our list, we had money put aside for items on our list. It was just a matter of changing priority that month.
Having alist and working it this way takes the impulse out of spending. If I’m at the store and see something I really want, I have to go home and talk it over with hubby and put it on my list.
Eventually, if I still want it, it’ll be mine!
Saving my Pennies
One Tip to Jolt You!