Uneven Results Lately - Vent

[daughter of pearl]

Here are the frugal things I feel good about in the past few days:

-planted rosemary and basil on the balcony, and they are growing nicely!
-selling books today for extra debt repayment
-have not spent any grocery money since Thursday, and don't anticipate any spending in that area (except for a couple of stockpile items) for the next week.
-have gotten some great yard sale deals (seven pieces of clothing for under $15)

Here is the thing I feel bad about in the past few days:

-because I have arthritis in my knee, my doctor told me to buy Birkenstocks...getting past the ugly factor, they are screamingly expensive...I searched to find them on sale and with taxes in, I still had to pay $90 (which in my world should represent 5 or 6 pairs of shoes!!)...I know they last for years, and will make my life easier and pain-free, but it was wrenching to hand over so much cash...on the other hand, six months ago, I would have just thrown them on the credit card, and worried about it later...at least this time, I paid cash.

Thanks for listening!

[TigerGirl1226]

As for the Birks, try QVC. They have Birks and another line that they make called Birki's. Some are available on Easy Pay. Basically get them now pay over a few months. Won't make them cheaper, but maybe lessen the blow a little.

I have 2 pairs of Birks, one closed in and one open toe. They are pretty much all I wear.

[nodmicks]

Hugs!~ Your health and less pain is worth $90! Hey it might help you feel so much better you find new ways to be gazelle!

Just a side not. I had the chiro suggest therashoes . They are awesome and under $40!

[krbshappy71]

I think you are doing GREAT!!! I totally would have wanted to throw that non-planned-for shoes event on the credit card but you DIDN'T! That is really changing behaviors. I am so weak when it comes to unexpected stuff, I get all defeated. I feel like I can't possibly plan for everything so screw it.

mmmm rosemary and basil...good idea. I have told myself that I wont buy any more natural plant spices that I can grow myself after I use up what I have in stock. (the stuff in stock is probably ancient anyhow)

[JanieD]

$90 may seem like a lot to spend on shoes, but definitely worth it to be pain free. Honestly, good shoes cost more & I'd consider it an investment in your health. I've actually looked for good quality shoes recently. The prices begin around $85 & go up from there. At least you could pay cash & are saving in other areas.

[mek42]

You should feel good about being able (and choosing to!) use cash. Life sucks sometimes. Do you make lemonade or just stand in the way of the lemon juice rain, getting it all in your eyes?

[Grainlady]

I wore my first pair of Birkenstocks for 17-years, so they were well worth the price. I was going to have them resoled, but I found a new pair at a thrift store to take their place, and I've been wearing these for 8-years. You might also check Amazon.com for Birkenstocks.

[shoiji]

It sounds as if you are doing very well. $90 is probably going to be worth it health wise. I am frugal in some areas so I can splurge in other areas. It all works out in the end.

[IntlMom]

seriously~you are doing great.... $90.00 for Birks sounds like the norm to me. I wish I could still wear them, but I have nerve issues in my feet that don't like Birks anymore.

[lisaflex]

not the most stylish shoe, but, i do have a pair that i wear ALL the time! so comfy once you break them in!

buy the cork sealer and use it regularly to help prolong the cork. they can be resoled. i have had mine for 4 yrs and they are still in great condition! dh laughs at me...he hates them! he wore them while in college....

i paid i think $98. so, even only 4 yrs into it....not much per year! i expect them to last at least another 5 yrs or so.

hope they make your issue better!

[cashcow]

Daughter of Pearl, you will love your Birkenstocks! I have been a loyal fan of these shoes for the past 20 years. I used to be a teacher and wore them all the time since I was on my feet for eight plus hours a day. They are well worth the expense!

Good job on paying cash for them instead of putting them on your credit card.

Oh yeah, I also love Dansko clogs.

[frugal is fun]

another birkenstock fan here! I had my first pair for more than 10 years and my second pair are going on 8yrs. Definitely worth the investment.

I love them the most with socks in the fall. I know, not a fashion statement but O so comfortable!

[freebs]

$90 is way cheaper than $200 plus for z coil shoes~

[Libby]

I guess for those that can wear this type of shoe - it does do wonderful things. For me...my arches didn't alight with the mould of the shoe and they actually did more damage to me. Instead my dr told me to stick with runners or sport sandals with a decent arch support.

What works for one person may not work for another. My gf can't find a Croc that fits her foot but she can wear Birks and Crocs love my feet. Go figure

Consider it like medication, you need it or else you may need something more drastic later. Take care of yourself now

[hollyhill]

You are doing great!
Even with the shoes it illustrates your new frugal mindset and it was cash not CREDIT!