Need some motivation please!

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 12-08-2009, 02:37 PM

I suddenly have a case of the I wants/I needs. We lived on a super tight budget for several months and now we have a little breathing room. Suddenly there are so many things I could use/need. Boots, long underwear to get me through the winter (it is now my job to walk the dog every day AND I am trying to keep up with my running all winter, but am not equipped for being out in such cold), a new sweater because all of mine seem to be faded, stretched out, etc. You get the idea. Some of these things are more "needs" than others, but basically I am fighting the urge to spend money on myself and need some motivation not to. Help me stay on track please!

**Greebo** · 12-08-2009, 02:45 PM

What do the numbers in your signature mean?

**JenMarie** · 12-08-2009, 03:36 PM

Sounds like you might need to spend a little on yourself. Long johns are pretty inexpensive. All the stores are having big sales now. I've seen sweaters for under $15. Can you ask for some of these things for Christmas presents? Does anybody get you gift cards for Christmas?

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 12-08-2009, 04:01 PM

Staying protected from the elements is a need...not a want. Can you go to a second hand store and buy 2 sweaters?

**ladytoysdream** · 12-08-2009, 04:04 PM

How about checking about a thrift store first ? See how much of the stuff you need , you can find there first. Our local two always seem to have a large quanity of sweaters. You can probably get 2 or 3 for the price of 1 new

**Greebo** · 12-08-2009, 04:08 PM

Sounds like you need a clothing budget.

**kmonokwe** · 12-08-2009, 04:23 PM

I think so, too. You need to allow room in your budget for clothing needs for yourself. (I know a lot of moms who budget for their husbands and kids' clothes, but not for their own - shame on them!) If you don't really have the cash flow to make the purchases right now, I agree with the others - thrift stores are a great option if you're willing to look. And many department stores have great sales, like kohls and jcpenney. I keep my clothes budget in my sink fund, which means if I don't spend the money in any given month, it stays there and builds up. Which is great for those times we all go through when your great frugal track record gets derailed by "the wants".

**Karen1** · 12-08-2009, 05:41 PM

long underwear for the cold
boots for the bad weather
a sweater

you can get this very cheap actually....shop thrift stores for clothes, all kinds of sales on long underwear and boots right now....wait about 2 weeks and the stores will be giving away the items practically.

sure you should spend some money on yourself. you need it buy it, just get the best deal you can and then stop! and save that extra money if you can for bad times again.

**Imarachne** · 12-08-2009, 06:59 PM

Wait a day or two, then decide which on the list is realllllly needed. Buy it and wait a couple days, pick out the next thing. Thrift stores , as they mentioned, are good for the budget.

**MaryCarney** · 12-08-2009, 07:10 PM

Greebo's right (as he sometimes is). You need a clothing budget!!

**NewLeaf** · 12-08-2009, 07:18 PM

I am going through the same thing. I needed some things for myselft. My bff bought me a fleece jacket for my present. My mother paid for my hair highlights for Xmas. I can get by w/ the few pairs of jeans I have and a couple of sweaters, but after Christmas I'll buy myselft a nice sweater. Maybe my dh will even get me one for Christmas....
I usually go to the thrift stores because I can get some nice clothes for less money.

**Greebo** · 12-08-2009, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

Greebo's right (as he sometimes is).

I swear I'm going to add to my sig:
"Sooner or later, everyone agrees with me."

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 12-08-2009, 09:44 PM

OK, I knew Greebo was going to say that - but I needed the kick in the pants. I have decided I should wait until after Christmas before buying anything. Maybe I will get some money or something I need as a gift. Also, we are expecting an $80 giftcard to sears, so I think I will earmark that for needed items - but thrift stores are an option I haven't explored in awhile, so I will do that too. We do have a clothing budget, but it isn't ever enough to cover everything. I wish we could up it, but there isn't room in the budget. right now it is normally $20 a pay check, but if something comes up that someone needs (shoes for the kids) then I will try to up it, but that doesn't happen often. thanks for the support everyone! I think the temptation might have passed for now. It is just always a struggle to resist everything.

**Greebo** · 12-09-2009, 06:40 AM

Well it sounds like your clothing budget needs to get bumped up a little.

Faded clothing - hey suck it up unless you need it for professional reasons. But if it isn't fitting or you're freezing to death, you need to have enough room in your budget to be warm!