Comments on: Budgeting gave me the permission to spend

By: Clothes shopping stresses me out | Frugal Living Tips & Money Saving Ideas | Living Well on Less

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:33:28 +0000

[...] week, Kacie at Sense to Save wrote about how budgeting gave her permission to buy new clothing. Like Kacie, I hate to spend money on clothes. I take care of the ones I have and typically wear [...]

By: Mrs. Money

Mrs. Money — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:38:42 +0000

UGH, I hate clothes shopping! Want to come and go with me? :)Mrs. Money's last blog post..‘Fess up Friday

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:55:25 +0000

Kacie, you are so strong-willed. Clothes are my weakness. I think I am an emotional shopper. (Some people are emotional eaters, heck I’m probably one of those too, but this is more on-topic…)

I don’t know how I could go so long without buying new things, but I do think I’ve found a way to curb my habit while still getting my shopping fix. Instead of going out on big shopping binges, I usually buy myself about one new item a month. I try to schedule the shopping trip after a really tough week so it feels like a little reward, and I try to buy something I’ll get plenty of use out of or that needs replaced in my wardrobe.

Of course, every now and then an occasion comes up that requires me to bend the rules (about 3 weeks ago I had to buy a business suit for an interview, and that went well over my monthly-fun-clothes-shopping-allotment), but for the most part, this works and keeps me from blowing huge sums every time I hit the mall, while still allowing me the pleasure of browsing the stores.

You’re an inspiration, Kacie. Also, Johnny is 100% adorable. Also, I may have some frugal wedding-planning questions for you in the future, our budget is getting tighter and tighter every time I look at it.

Thanks!

Rachel

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:07:35 +0000

I’m actually in the same boat right now! My office is really casual so most days I just wear jeans to work. It’s great for my clothing budget, but it doesn’t force me to buy nice things every now and then.

I have a business trip coming up in a couple weeks, and I just realized I have no nice business casual clothes to wear to the conference. As much as I hate spending money on clothing, it looks like I’ll have to make some adjustments to the budget to get some new clothes.

My plan is to get nice professional stuff that’s also comfortable and casual enough to wear to work on regular days. I hate spending the money, but I have to remind myself that it’s been almost a year since I bought new clothes. Hopefully it won’t be too expensive!

Karen’s last blog post..Giving time instead of money

By: Kacie

Kacie — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:41:32 +0000

I have seen lots of sales in a variety of stores. And % off coupons in newspapers and online, etc.

Get something that’s within your budget, and make sure it’s the highest-quality, best-fitting thing you can find. That’s way better than a poorly made garment that won’t make it through the season, in my opinion.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:39:47 +0000

It’s all joint. We have our own debit cards that are linked to different checking accounts, but they’re all linked together so we can transfer money from one to the other instantly.

My personal accounts from before we were married are closed, and his personal account is now our joint one.

By: megscole64

megscole64 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:16:52 +0000

Good for you! Sometimes it's better to spend a little bit more and get things that fit well and will last. I think when I get further along in pregnancy (and if I still have my job) I'll spend a little extra on some nice clothes that are comfortable and make me feel good. :) I'll have to start budgeting once I find out about the job situation.megscole64's last blog post..New Designs During Trying Times

By: SonyaAnn

SonyaAnn — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 02:01:42 +0000

I understand all to well about loosening the purse strings. Its very hard to go from one mind set to the other. And I hate to spend money that I have in our "funds." Even if the car needs repairs and I take money out of the car fund, it still bothers me. But I understand the whole frumpy mom thing. I was just thinking that I need new wedding/funeral clothes. Are there a lot of good sales out there? I usually hit the clearance racks but I noticed if I buy really high quality pant suits, they look better and last longer. So I was thinking about hitting a high end store and maybe getting a simple black pant suit that I could keep for a while. Any thoughts?SonyaAnn's last blog post..Baby Gift

By: Christina

Christina — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:59:56 +0000

I totally agree! When you’ve worked so hard to train your brain to be frugal, it can be a challenge to allow yourself to splurge on yourself. But it is a healthy thing to do… and all that hard work is what makes that splurge possible.

Thanks for a great post.

By: Tanya

Tanya — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:40:07 +0000

I think you made a wise decision....I totally agree you need to take good care of yourself first and foremost!!Tanya's last blog post..A Few Freebies....