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Spending Triggers

February 18th, 2014 at 11:41 pm

I had a No Spend Day (personal) today (I did buy something for my business, but that's not discretionary), but I thought a lot about what my spending triggers are.

A lot of you know me by now, and know that I am not a big spender. And you also know that when I do spend money I didn't need to, I feel super guilty. I'm trying to avoid those guilty feelings, and only spend when I actually WANT to and for things that are meaningful to me.

So... what are those spending triggers?
- When I'm in a store (this is the first trigger) I tend to buy things that
- are on sale (another trigger - I really just need to stay out of stores of all kinds) that I don't really need
- Candy or a sweet drink (usually premade iced tea) - I get the sugar craving at about 2, and if I don't have a little square of chocolate or something, I am liable to walk down to the plaza and get a candy bar or a lemonade from the little restaurant which is less than a block from the office.
- My daughter - I end up getting her little treats that she probably doesn't need. It's better if she doesn't come shopping with me. Bear in mind that she never asks for anything; I'm the one who suggests things. This is how I know she really doesn't need anything.

Do you have triggers like this for extra spending? Are there situations you avoid?

Posted in Frugal Living, Frugal Shopping | 8 Comments »

8 Responses to “Spending Triggers”

  1. Miz Pat Says:
    February 18th, 2014 at 11:52 pm 1392767574
    1392767574

    Anytime I take my nephews (who live with me) out shopping, I want to get them stuff. And if we take a day to go on a Day Trip, as we did recently to Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, I can really get in trouble.

  2. Miz Pat Says:
    February 19th, 2014 at 12:04 am 1392768255
    1392768255

    Anytime I take my nephews (who live with me) out shopping, I want to get them stuff. And if we take a day to go on a Day Trip, as we did recently to Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, I can really get in trouble. I spent $25 on Japanese Candy, $30 on lunch, $18 in a Japanese Grocery Store, and $35 in the museum store.

    Hangs head down in shame.

  3. Buendia Says:
    February 19th, 2014 at 12:07 am 1392768461
    1392768461

    No shame! At least you're spending it on kids/experiences! I forgot one of mine: Easter. F still believes in the easter bunny; I just like to do it big, with both candy and little toys in the eggs!

  4. Miz Pat Says:
    February 19th, 2014 at 12:18 am 1392769124
    1392769124

    You should have seen all the chocolate i got them at Christmas. Actually, they were pretty excited for young adults (22 and 25)

  5. snafu Says:
    February 19th, 2014 at 01:56 am 1392775003
    1392775003

    I had a huge epiphany several years ago when our house sold very quickly in a ghastly market and our plan to buy a condo became urgent. Suddenly there was too much stuff! A huge list of items were sold, re-gifted, donated, recycled or trashed to sync with reduced square footage. When we initiated a 'new item in old item out' to keep stuff from overtaking space, impulse buying stopped. Saving benefited most as DH and DSs only replace items that are wrecked. They seem to be more interested in selling gizmos than buying the newest, latest electronic gadget.

    I've squelched impulse spending by keeping a list of items that will likely be needed in the next 4 months and possible price range. We all need to reward ourselves as we nurture everyone we care about. Our climate is so dry we all carry water and it's easy to carry a snack box sized Crasins or breakfast bar in a handbag or tote. If you prefer bring lemonade or sweet tea, in a BPA flask but find ways to reward yourself for all that you accomplish.

  6. Buendia Says:
    February 19th, 2014 at 02:09 am 1392775772
    1392775772

    I like the list idea! I don't buy stuff so much, though... it's mostly food! I am going to try to carry things with me just in case. I do carry water, and that is fine and preferred to tea or lemonade. I only get the tea or lemonade in lieu of candy! It's when I need something sweet. It's not even like a drink. I'm going to figure out what I could carry that will satisfy the sweet tooth but isn't candy. I'm usually ok with a few chocolate chips mixed with pecans (which I carry in a tupperware). Raisins and walnuts would be good...

  7. rob62521 Says:
    February 19th, 2014 at 02:22 am 1392776575
    1392776575

    Snafu, you are quite organized.

    Some spending triggers for me are food sales when I feel like my pantry and freezer are getting bare.

  8. Looking Forward Says:
    February 21st, 2014 at 05:27 am 1392960459
    1392960459

    I agree with all your triggers. :embarressed:
    Sales.
    Sweets.
    Kids/Family.

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