Last night I realized that I need to implement a shopping ban, ASAP.
Sunday was one weird slippery slope. I was feeling kind of sad about not owning a home and was feeling impermanent and not like a “real” adult. So, in an effort to get reinvigorated about my current living situation, I went trolling the internet for inspiration. 2 hours on Pinterest led to 3 more spent on various art websites. With 5 hours under my belt, I had gone from aspirational browsing to spending $165 on things for my wall. One wall. And then I realized: My shopping habits in the last couple months are in direct conflict with this major goal in my life.
I’m a single person. I can spend what I want on whatever I want. I don’t have to answer to anyone or worry about joint finances, and believe me, that luxury is NOT lost on me. The freedom of renting is not lost on me, either. I could pack up and move across the country with a moment’s notice. But the thing is, I’m really more of a lay down roots kind of girl. I always have been.
I want to be reallyreallyreally ultra crystal clear because I think this post is sounding more severe than I want it to: this is not an addiction�{dirty word, right?} but I am using shopping as a crutch. As a band-aid solution for some other circumstances in my life. Even�though I’m shopping with purpose {decorating that wall has been on my to-do list for 2 YEARS, holy wow}, I think I’m mostly shopping because I’m trying to fill some kind of void. Because I need something to be excited about, because somehow it makes me feel less sad, less lonely. It makes me feel better.
So this month is for reality checks and shopping bans. Girlfriend needs to get some balance back.
And just so I don’t totally freak my parents out: financially I’m fine, guys! I’m just not as balanced as I should be. And tell you what else: my wall’s going to be mighty cute in the next couple of weeks, that’s for damn sure.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Girrrrlllll, I am so with you! NO. MORE. ((unnecessary)) SHOPPING. The only thing I can justify are my Poshmark purcahses because I had credit. The new Michael Kors watch on the otherhand? fml.
Can’t wait to see your new goodies though!
<3 Amanda
FashionableeMe
definitely christmas in the office this week!
I totally understand the excitement of waiting to get something in the mail that has been ordered. I say, instead of banning shopping all together, you need to just tone it down a bit. Become the best on-line bargain shopper that ever was. Throw brand names to the wind and find replica’s that are inexpensive but just as fun. No more Michael Kors etc etc. You can do it. You love to shop and you are good at it so keep it up.
This post really made me think about and reevaluate my shopping habits. Lately I have become somewhat addicted to online shopping… and while I didn’t really think there was a problem with this (like you, I’m financially able to buy these things and it’s not putting a financial strain on me or my husband), now I’m wondering why I need to buy all of this crap? Am I using it as a crutch to fill some sort of other void, too? Because I certainly don’t need most of the stuff I’m buying, and it is actually in direct conflict with how I WANT to live my life – less clutter, less attachment to material objects, etc. – so why am I constantly purchasing so much stuff?
Anyway, of all this is to say that I think your No Shop November goal is a wonderful idea, and it’s inspired to me hopefully make some positive changes of my own!
thanks for the positive feedback. day 2 and it’s already tough!
Sometimes I feel like I need to have a shopping ban, too. Even though I’m making more money than I had been before, I need to remember that SAVING most of that is more important than getting new STUFF! I want to move back to an apartment soon…and constantly getting new things (even if it’s just little things) sure isn’t helping. I’d probably go crazy just banning shopping altogether, though. I think for me setting a budget or limit of some kind would be easier to stick to. Great post, thanks!
Maggie, thanks for sharing! I am terrible with budgets 🙂 which is why I’m trying to go cold turkey to recalibrate my habits. It’s worked before, so it will work again. The shopping frame of mind is so easy to get into, especially when there aren’t short term negative consequences! Good luck on your journey!
I’m SOOOO glad you posted this! I can definitely relate, as I’ve been overspending while settling into my new place. I need to remind myself that just because I can buy something doesn’t always mean I should. I think I’ll join you in a little shopping hiatus of my own!
keep me up to date on your progress heather! and if you need someone to talk you down off a ledge, just tweet me! 🙂
I wouldn’t worry so much about owning something — especially in SF. Know it’s always been a dream of yours but the cost/benefit analysis often does not come out as you’d expect. (You’re probably overvaluing the utility of planting roots vis-a-vis the pure financial comparison.) You’re often better off just locking in a low rent (hello rent control) and saving as much as possible, giving yourself — as you said — the most flexibility. Either that, or find a sugar daddy 🙂
Anyway, hope all is well! Long time no talk. Kudos to Facebook news feed for actually showing me this post.