Neither do I!
Stopped to return some Christmas items at two stores I have not been to since December. I ignored the big “final clearance” signs in BBB and did not tempt myself by walking through the sale area at the GAP. Only 3 more holiday returns to go! I know it is 2/1 but at least I did a real return of items I had bought for others, and decided against, rather than exchanging those items for things for myself. O:-)
That the spirit @Cheeringsection. It’s something I really struggle with also
Thanks @deb922 !
I try really hard to ask myself 2 key things for mindful spending
If I buy this clothing, what article of clothing am I going to throw away?
If not clothing…”where am I going to store this?
I don’t really need to join this support group because I rarely buy anything, except home improvement stuff, but that’s part of my job. Unfortunately the garage is full of leftover stuff that just needs to get hauled away to the dump but I cannot part with it. . I need to get over to the Bag a Week thread!
Made it through day #1! Of course, an Amazon package and a Nordstrom Rack package arrived today, purchased prior to this thread so maybe it was the “thrill” of those purchases that made today easy, lol.
I’m in…but I’m already sort of in after surgery. Can’t drive, and I have sort of lost the impulse to buy when uncomfortable. But I’m feeling better and can browse the Internet. I find that when you stop purchasing stuff not needed, it’s easier. It’s not just clothing. It’s seeing a beauty blog with new eyeshadows, but I already have tons. Or other beauty and skin products.
I’m going to use everything I already have until it’s gone. I’m not shopping for any new winter clothes.
I think this will be fun and empowering.
I like this whole idea of just not buying things because it should help me save a little money!
i’m still cleaning out my tubs after the “haven bedroom” thread. I really appreciated that thread, and will like this one too. I love the idea of cleaning out the freezer well. i have a ham and a turkey; will go for it this upcoming week.
My New Year’s resolution was to unsubscribe from all of those websites where you “save” money on stuff–Gilt Groupe, Groupon, Rue la la, HauteLook, and Zulily. I found that I was buying stuff (mostly clothes) just because it was marked down and most of the time it wasn’t anything I needed or liked. Also, I found that I ended up returning purchases, especially with Rue la la. That’s my big step toward mindful purchasing. I have an all or nothing personality and often it’s better for me to just cut stuff out completely than to try and moderate.
@coralbrook - that leftover construction stuff is dangerous!!! As I posted in the Bag a Week thread, we took a ton of what was mostly construction leftovers (2 houses we owned) to the dump from the shed where Mr. stockpiled it. A few pieces of rebar, some drainage pipes, some random boards, and the list goes on… When it gets weighed at the dump and you pay $100 to throw it out, yikes! But it did make Mr. about mindful spending at home improvement stores. Some things we threw out would have been returnable if he actually thought about taking them to the store within their return window, but he though that they could be useful…
February 2 and I’m in a bit of a dilemma. I got a new iPhone last week (in January!) and have been investigating getting a new running “belt” to put my phone in when I’m exercising. I was looking at Bondi belts on Amazon previously (in January!). They were around $34. I didn’t act so this week I just made my current TJMaxx black/plastic see through belt work (I did have to hole punch out the phone “on” button from the plastic on the belt so I could access phone features!). It works - not perfectly but it works.
Well, I was just in our hospital gift shop (I work on a medical campus) and they just got in a supply of Bondi belts for spring. $29.99. I can see them in person and there is one I really like. I FEEL THE TUG!!! I didn’t have my wallet with me so I did walk away…but I am struggling with if I should go and get it. It’s cheaper than online, I can see exactly what I’m getting and I LOVE one of the patterns.
I’m going to mull over it a bit. The compromise might be that there is also a headband I really like down there…maybe I get the belt but NOT the headband…
I would classify the belt as a necessity. It improves your exercise and protects your new phone. The headband, OTOH, is not if you already have some that work just fine. 
@abasket, the struggle is real! :((
Did you get the plus or regular size?
I didn’t buy it yet cause I’m a good girl!!! But I think I will - didn’t notice - what’s the difference? I did put my phone in it to make sure it was secure.
It had 2 pouches and you could pull a flap over the top for security.
Both sizes are the same in the bandi belt.
Sorry, I wondered what size iPhone you decided on. I wasn’t clear in my post.
8+ ! So far I’m glad.
I am in already without really knowing it. Both December and January have hit my community hard with natural disasters and it has made shopping or buying anything seem unimportant. On the other hand I am seeing the impact on local businesses when people stop shopping and dining out. My goal for February is if I need something I’m going to try to buy it local.
I’m also trying to be mindful when I do purchase something -do I need it now. I thought of this thread yesterday. I went to the showcase store of Ugg, Teva and Hoka. They had most of the new spring collection on display. I can buy through a family member at 40-65 % off retail depending on the item and where I buy it. I saw several of the new styles of Hokas in cute colors and several Ugg sandals that I considered buying. I stopped myself by doing a mental inventory of what is in my closet. I’ve got a pair of Hoka running shoes I haven’t even opened yet. The pair I’m wearing I’ve only had a month, I don’t need another pair now. The sandals were cute but it’s January (though this week you would have thought it was summer). I also had to remind myself that the shoes aren’t going anywhere. When spring comes they will still have sandals.
@abasket your homemade solution sounds perfect, and very in the spirit of this challenge!
I"m very mindful of spending right now…especially since our travel budget will be astronomical this year. Seems we will be gone almost every month due to wedding, retirement party, Dad’s 80th, family reunion, anniversary, and a number of milestone birthdays, including my own. These events will be great for memories…I’ll remember more than some “thing” that I don’t really need and won’t really miss…
DIL offered me an extra coupon to a store we both like. I’m sure I could have easily found something to use it on, but I really don’t NEED anything from there right now. I politely said, no thank you and suggested she give it to a friend. Feeling good!