Feeling deprived....sort of down

**Jaded** · 07-30-2007, 09:05 PM

After having to save so much of my takehome for a couple of months to pay insurance, and now having to do almost as much to pay back taxes, I'm feeling deprived. I need summer clothes almost desperately. I only have two pairs of decent shorts, and 3 decent shirts. I do have two pairs of jeans someone gave me that I can cut off and hem, but I just want to BUY MYSELF SOMETHING NEW!! I spent all my "spend on me" money on my trip to see my son in Chicago, and had to buy some clothes for that, so my budget for selfish things is shot.

I know it's awful, because I'm $100 away from paying it off, but I want to go out and charge some clothes! I won't, but I want to. I'm so tired of doing without everything. I see people all day long in nice clothes, with nice cars, then I go out to my ratty, rusty old bucket of bolts, and drive to my run down house and put on my ratty old clothes, and I just feel so sad.

Should I add another $50 to the charge card by buying myself something? I just want one new outfit, and it can be from Wal-Mart for all I care...off the clearance rack. I just want something NOT from a thrift store!

**sunshine** · 07-30-2007, 09:19 PM

Hang in there and resist adding the the credit card!

Tomorrow, the clothes will not be new any longer -- but the old car, old house will still be there. . . then what? Buy more new clothes?

Stay strong -- this feeling will pass and you'll be so happy to have resisted the urge.

**frugalfarmwife** · 07-30-2007, 09:20 PM

Aww hugs hun, I know the feeling (about to climb into my old truck and go to a job I'm NOT enthused about tonight)

I'd go for one SMALL item on clearance somewhere to make you feel better. Have a Kmart nearby? Our store has summer clothes SUPER clearance right now, I'm talking $3.00 for really cute shirts!

kj

**frooz** · 07-30-2007, 09:33 PM

Use a reward system. Pay off a debt and splash out on something new. It works for me!

**Jaded** · 07-30-2007, 09:56 PM

Thanks for the support, guys. I'll be o.k. I think I'm sad because I get a bonus in three days, and I'll have to spend it all on taxes! It just makes me angry that all my extra money is going to taxes and insurance, when "The queen has no clothes!" LOL

I'm gonna go to Freecycle and see if anyone has any patterns or material they want to give me. Maybe I'll get lucky, and I can make some clothes.

**Missourimom** · 07-30-2007, 10:03 PM

I'm so happy to hear you're not caving in and using your credit card.....even if it's "only" $50.00.

When I get in moods like that, I think of how truly blessed I am. Instead of thinking about your old house or ratty clothes.....try thinking about how blessed you are to have a home and the clothing you do have. You have more than a lot of people.

I try hard everyday to think of my blessings and it really is rare that I feel deprived. It does happen occasionally, but it's rare. I hope you feel better soon.

**Dixie** · 07-30-2007, 10:14 PM

You're $100 away form paying off the card? That's great! Don't cave in now.

**ohsandohs** · 07-30-2007, 11:10 PM

You are doing so great with paying off your debts - please give yourself lots of credit for that.

I try to remember to reward myself when I reach an important goal - and halfway to having your credit card paid off is a fabulous place to be.

Here are some no-money-spent treats that might help pick up your spirits (if you have supplies on hand - don't go buy anything!)

Take a bubble bath (or just a soothing hot bath if you can't tolerate bubble bath) with a cup of hot tea (or glass of iced tea), candles and a book (if you can see to read!).
Take a walk and really take in your surroundings - the trees, sunset, wildflowers, people's landscaping. (Keep your eyes open for loose change and aluminum cans, for some found money!)
Give yourself a manicure.
Give yourself a "spa day". Do it all - leisurely bath, deep-condition your hair, shave your legs and then moisturize your whole body, and do the pedicure and manicure. You WILL feel pampered, even if you did it yourself.
If you like baking, then bake something!
Turn on some soft music, light some candles and read - or do the same while you eat your dinner.
Make some popcorn and watch a classic movie, or a library video.

They're little things, but they help the urge to spend pass for the time being.

My newest favorite quote: "Get rich quick - count your blessings." There's nothing more true than this. (It might have even been here that I saw this, so thank you to the originial poster!)

Blessings,

Michelle

**TreasureFinder** · 07-30-2007, 11:38 PM

Even if you decide to splurge, now or in the future, it doesn't have to be $50. I needed some new t-shirts, and checked out stores in my area (Jewel, Walgreens) that have piles of t-shirts on sale for only $1.00. I only found one in my size (most are larger), but I'm thrilled that I got what I wanted, brand new, for that little money.

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-30-2007, 11:47 PM

I am glad your not caving in and putting more debt on the CC. You should be proud of that. I say hang in there and things will get better one the debt is paid off, then you should have a spend on the queen moment.

**tbs727** · 07-31-2007, 09:58 AM

Good for you! You made the right decision.

**i.m.cheap** · 07-31-2007, 11:49 AM

I agree with others that said check out the clearance racks. Set a budget of $10, and pay cash. I have seen many items for less than $5. My Walgreen's also has all of their summer shorts and tees for $1.00 now.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 07-31-2007, 04:13 PM

You're doing great! Hang in there just a bit longer...it's almost paid off!!

How about a candy bar for a reward? Chocolate eases all pain.

**Dancing Lotus** · 07-31-2007, 04:37 PM

I completly understand how you feel. But you will feel better about yourself if you hang on tight and wait. Maybe you have a long sleeve shirt that you could take the sleaves off of. Remove the sleeve at the seam and use the spair fabric to make a ruffle around the armhole.