I’ve always been somewhat of a shopaholic, making online and in person, purchases left, right and center and while I’m always on the lookout for vouchers/ promo codes I will hold my hands up and say that I spend a lot. I toned down on my makeup and beauty spending a little while back but I still seem to spend far more than I need to which isn’t good. Clothing, a pair of shoes, new candles, homeware, comics, books, takeaways and so much more.
I’m pretty good at managing my money never owing credit and I have money for future holidays usually saved quite far in advance but I knew something needed to change. I want to buy nice new things for my flat like a new sofa and stuff like that’s pretty expensive so I’m putting myself on a spending ban. Okay, I’m only starting with two weeks, and that’s mainly because I know I’ve got a weekend break away and the Film and TV Convention in the later part of July but two weeks will give me a good idea as to whether I can manage it and how much I notice it.
I’ll be allowing myself to spend money on food shopping, although no sneaky extras from Tesco will be allowed. If this works I am hoping I can budget myself a lot better for the month’s ahead and only allow myself splurge money on occasions so it feels more special. For me going to Westfield and spending £300 in a day isn’t a big deal anymore but I want it to be. I already have a wishlist for beauty, skincare and fragrance products to stop impulse buying and to ensure that I know the things I want to treat myself with when the time comes so hopefully I can do something similar for all areas later on.
I love doing shopping bans. I’ve done a few other the years and they’ve made a huge difference. I tend to do it whenever I have a huge goal and want to reach it faster. Good luck with yours!
I’ve never done one per say, but I have thought about it. I should stop thinking about it, and just do it!
I just thought about that. I really have too much stuff and I keep buying more. Make up is a weakness, as is clothing.
I try to minimise unnecessary spending as much as possible but haven’t put myself on a ban exactly! Good luck with it – you got this!
This is a great idea. I haven’t really put myself on a spending ban but rather just budget. However, a shopping ban would be a good challenge, especially to save for specific vacations and such!
It’s tough when your heart is always yearning to shop but it must be done if you want to save. I have done this before and I’m sure you can do it! You’re going to reap the rewards of that spending ban afterwards. It’s worth it for sure.
I am not a super big shopper so this might be easy for me to accomplish. Good luck and I am sure you will feel better about yourself.
I think this is a great idea! We do spending bans periodically and it really helps you to see what you spend that isn’t necessary.
This is great! We have been doing a no buy for a while now and it is so nice to have that extra and you also really learn what your needs are vs your wants.
I’ve never put myself on a spending ban because I’ve always been pretty good with money. When I notice that I am spending a little too much, I just stop myself.
I haven’t don’t this ever, and while I had a trouble managing my money before, I am more careful now and budget everything to not have an errors. this does sound great.
I have put myself on a spending ban before. Sometimes my husband and I just go a splurge happy and need some time to decompress.
I have put myself on spending bans many times, especially if I have an upcoming trip that I want to save up for or if I just need to take a break for wanting to have more stuff I don’t need.
I actually do this quite often. Sometimes out of necessity and sometime just because.
It’s always a great idea to be money wise on spending and to have a good discipline on setting your budget and sticking on it. Spending ban sounds right.
It’s like you’re reading my mind! My husband recently left his longtime job and started his own company… we’ve been planning for this for a while, but I’m DEFINITELY on a spending ban!
Caitlin •
I need to follow your lead. We’ve been a little overzealous with our summer fun and our spending has gotten out of control. A spending ban sounds like a good idea to get us back on track, our budget atleast.
I go through phases with putting myself on a spending ban. Usually after a spending spree and I feel guilty for spending extra money. 😉
That’s a great way to bet used to being more mindful of your purchases. I’m sure we all could benefit from a break!
I would love to go on a spending ban for the summer. Wait I mean I would love to put my family on one! We need to save money this summer!
I think this is a wonderful idea. I think I’m going to do something like this after we move in July, perhaps do it in September, October, November! What a great idea.
I always seem to do this when there’s already no money left haha. But it’s such a good thing to do and pretty practical.
I actually understand what you are talking about! I also try to do my groceries shopping when I am really full. I don’t by too much food that I don’t really need.
I would love to put my hubby on a spending ban. not sure he would like it though haha
I always budget as is hard to pay all the bills if I splurge on luxury items , sometimes I wish I had an auto replenish bank account and then I could spend as much as I want.
I am on a permanent spending ban, as I have to prioritize rent over luxury items LOL. Good luck with your spending ban and hope you get that sofa that you want!
Way to go girl! The fact that you have no credit card debt is awesome and something you should definitely be proud of. It’s amazing how easy it and fun it is to shop online! My shopping tendency is with makeup, but I’ve been buying less of it now than before.