Money Spending Mistakes
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I have been wanting to make a new post for a few days now, but every time I come to update, I shy away. The truth is I’ve been making quite a few money mistakes lately. I’ve been spending too much and it is making me feel horrible! Much of the spending was done while we were on vacation. I told Mr. Money how bad I felt about it, and he told me “relax, we’re on vacation. You can spend a little extra.” Granted, it really wasn’t that much money, but it was more than I had planned on spending. Here are a few surprises:
- $30 each way for luggage on the airline. Horrible!
- $2 for a soda or water on U.S. Airways. Not nice!
- $260 to board our dogs (a necessity)
- Around $280 for spending on things while we were in Colorado.
There are some things I wish we had done differently. I wish we had set aside money specifically for this trip. I think we would have been better off had we used cash, or even bought a pre paid debit card. Having our checking account accessible was a bad idea. But, it’s all said and done, and I need to get over it and move on.
Here’s my next guilty admission: I want to spend more money! I have been trying to “green” our house and life and all I want to do is go to Whole Foods and our local health food store and buy natural laundry detergent, shampoos, conditioners, and food! I also think that part of my problem is that when I am home alone, I get bored and want to go out shopping and spend money. I think that I need something to do, or to spend money to satisfy myself. I need to work on this.
Help me jump back on the frugal bandwagon! What are some things you do when you feel like this?
Put a moratorium on eating out. That is how our family “reins in” our spending. (but we don’t enjoy it !)
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You need to find a frugal hobby – something that takes your mind off spending. Perhaps start writing a novel!
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Hey, Mrs Money, your husband was right. You were on vacation. Live a little occasionally without punishing yourself for it.
Just as well we have our spouses for a bit of balance in life eh?
We lash out with the $$’s every December/January when my mother-in-law comes to stay with us. Talk about wasteful at times!! You’d be horrified!
But we just think of it as our reward for being so careful the rest of the year and his mother has a great holiday with us.
Then, come February, we’re back to budgeting again.
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I really need to have a budget. I have wasted so much and now I am trying to get myself under control. Better late than never. Right!I have made a recent new investment and I am calling it Great Days Ahead. So, I will be coming back to see if there is some good advice for me. Also, to tell you how I am doing.
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Mrs Money Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Yes! I still am bad about budgeting. Please let me know how you are doing!
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I just saved money on a friend’s 60th bithday party. I spoke to all the guests, all good friends, and all agreed that at this age none of us need another “gift” that we probably will never use. Instead, we all helped out our hostess and everyone brought a truly lovely dish to share.
Non-cooks were assigned self-made (MUCH cheaper) floral arrangements or beverages.
By friend – the Birthday Girl – was in on the jist of the arrangements later said that NOT having her friends buy her gifts made her much more comfortable and relaxed at her own celebration.
We all need to re-evaluate, be creative and brave, and grow up a little.
Have Fun!
D. in San Diego
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