Why is it that every time there is a commercial on for some talking baby, princess kitchen or barbie my daughter looks at me and says, "mommy I need that." She thinks she NEEDS everything. Have I instilled this in her? Her dad? Who knows, but I don't like it one bit. I used to buy Ellie something during almost every grocery shopping trip in the hopes that it would keep her happy long enough to let me finish up in peace. It was never anything big... usually a pair of those cute $1 hello kitty socks at Target or a couple dollar baby doll... but I am not doing it any more!
Over the years I have been like Ellie. I think I need something when really I don't. I'd justify it in my head and just go buy it. I've stopped doing that or I guess I do it on a smaller scale now. It has gone from Coach purses to Caribou vanilla lattes 2x a week.
Times have changed. When Greg and I met we were financially pretty good. We were renting, had few bills and could really buy as we pleased. Then we bought a house, got married and got pregnant all within 7 months of each other. We weren't prepared for the last one. We didn't save enough for me to be off for 12 weeks when I was only getting paid for 2 of them. As a result we bought all our groceries and paid way to many bill on our credit cards. Then I went back to work and the cc bills started pouring in. We couldn't afford them among our other bills, student loans, utilities, mortgage, daycare, etc. So we ended up borrowing some money from my parents to get even and since then have been slowly digging ourselves out of this hole. We are on a plan to be cc debt free in 3 years from now. Since February of 2007 we have not used a single credit card. That is HARD! We have totally had to live within our means. Paying bills first, getting groceries second and often times not having enough to put anything into savings... but we are getting by... we still have our house, we've never had the tv, phone or electricity shut off... we are making it... and I am proud of us.
There are times when I (we) hate it... when we just want to go to the mall and shop... but we can't and we know it. I'm not gonna lie, I've been known to go to Target for toothpaste and diapers and leave spending over $50. The last time I did it though I heard about it from Greg and it won't be happening again. We've now started to take an "allowance" of $20 each per pay period and that is our money to spend on coffees, kwik trip stops, lunches out, etc... and let me tell you $20 doesn't last very long when you like $4 coffees. :( We've also made changes in how often we eat out and in our grocery shopping - the target brand food is just as good as the name brand! I rarely buy clothes for myself and when I do I go the the 50-75% off racks at Target to get whatever it is I need. The lower gas prices have really helped too. We are literally paying half in gas today as we were 2 months ago. That is huge.
Since winning that $100 at the casino on Thursday I have gone to Target. I bought this blanket... well, I can't find it at Target dot com right now, so you don't get to see a picture after all... but let me tell you, this blanket is marvelous! I'm in love with it. If you have a Target in your area it is $39.99 and is on an end cap. They have them in dark brown, cream, burgundy and a pale green/blue (which is what I bought). I also splurged on Crest white strips... which I've wanted forever and didn't feel like I could buy because they were SO not necessary! $35 man, they better work!
I am very proud of how far we've come. We still struggle at times and have a long ways to go... but if it weren't for the help we've received from family (if you read the last post) there would be times when we'd be up a creek without a paddle.
It's been telling the difference between a need and a want that has gotten us in this trouble in the first place. I think I finally know the difference. 30 years old, wouldn't ya say it's about time?
6 comments:
I know EXACTLY what you mean. We are spending way too much money on frivolous things. And instead of withdrawing $20 per week, my husband withdraws $100 per week. Isn't that insane? But when I try to talk to him about it, he gets all defensive. Of course, I do my fair share of spending too. If I could just find a bag of money...
It's not just you. It is the age. Both of ours do the same thing. Seth will even say that he needs girl toys. I remember my sister doing the same thing and I am sure I did as well. We just remind them that we don't always get what we want and that they need to ask for those kinds of things for their birthdays and Christmas. Last year Eli and I spent way too much money on the kids. This year, we got them things they needed with a few toys as well. Nothing over board by any means. They get spoiled enough with toys from the rest of the family.
Good for you guys and your weekly budget! I really really want us to start a budget, but Jason just started with the Army again, and we'll be moving soon, so SO many things are up in the air right now as to what our expenses will be.
I am sure it would help us out if I stopped going to Dunkin Donuts (for coffee) so often....
GOOD FOR YOU GUYS!!! Let me know how those white strips cost...we are tight right now too due to the holidays...and J taking off here and there to hunt...BLECK I hate feeling worried! We need to get K dog some winter boots, and that means target...so hard to go and not shop...but I splurge enough ..it is just such a blancing act...once in a great while I AM going to drop 80 bucks on my hair!! But I don't buy spendy make up or clothes so it is okay =)
I'm loving your layout by the way...it's so festive! :)
I'm happy you guys are working to turn things around. We went through this a few years ago. Good luck! If you need any help, just let me know. I'm pretty good at math :-)
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