Last weeks theme was all about being in the present. It was about remembering to be mindful, and even delved into videoing my fridge. It was about paying attention, and being in the moment.
Another area of my life, where I pay attention, is with finances. We’re talking money. In particular spending money.
Now seemed a good time to publish a repeat of a popular post. It’s a couple of years old but still worth a read if you haven’t seen it previously.
It’s always bitter-sweet looking back at my archives. Some posts I read and think that maybe writing isn’t for me. On the flip-side, occasionally I read an old post, and think ‘Boy did I write that? That’s pretty good’. When I read the good posts it’s almost like reading someone else’s words. If you blog you might know what I mean. Unless you’re awesome of course, then all posts are great 😉
Here’s the link to The Simple Guide To Conscious Spending.
If unsure whether to take the time to read, I can proudly share that even a BBC Consumer website thought it was worth a read. You can see how that came about here.
And over to you. Do you agree with conscious spending? I’m sure I haven’t covered all bases in my post, so please do share in the comments below how you approach spending decisions.
So glad you reposted this Jo! Your timing is impeccable as ever 🙂 We have decided to start saving for a trip to visit family in the UK in Dec 2015 which is a big undertaking from down this end of the world! Travelling doesn’t come cheap! So we are on a mega savings drive, seeing as how we have to save $8000NZ by next may/June so we can buy our tickets! I am even contemplating getting back on the blogging bandwagon for some moral support! You have some wonderful tips that I will definitely be using (and may, in fact, print this off and stick it to the inside of the pantry…)
So glad you reposted this Jo! Your timing is impeccable as ever 🙂 We have decided to start saving for a trip to visit family in the UK in Dec 2015 which is a big undertaking from down this end of the world! Travelling doesn’t come cheap! So we are on a mega savings drive, seeing as how we have to save $8000NZ by next may/June so we can buy our tickets! I am even contemplating getting back on the blogging bandwagon for some moral support! You have some wonderful tips that I will definitely be using (and may, in fact, print this off and stick it to the inside of the pantry…)
Jo i remember reading that post the first time around and it struck a cord with me so much. The whole reason i stopped spending as i was sick of the binge/declutter cycle, not to mention the wasted money. I’m not a bargain hunter, i can usually find what i want at a price im willing to pay when i need it. No stocking up, or buying for fear of missing out (fomo!!) Boxing day sales bring me out in a rash and having spent 3 years working for next when my children were babies made me realise how people impulse buy crap they don’t want or need. The by product of buy when we need it is that there is more money to spend on experiences. We have a mediocre income and when discussing our sons 18th birthday plans we decided we would love to spend it, as a family in New York. After doing the math, we can afford it!! We figured that there are not going to be many more occasions where he wants to come on Holiday with us so this would be a lovley way to spend his birthday. Our eldest son who is 19 this year has already told us he wont be coming away with us again, it’s just not cool 🙁 Your so right Jo money is not the be all and end all, but it definetly gives you choices, The ultimate Prize in not consuming. Thank you Lovely well written post. Your right to be proud and i love that you have the same thinking as myself. Sometimes i feel like im the only fish in a big pond swimming in the opposite direction.
Sharron x
Jo i remember reading that post the first time around and it struck a cord with me so much. The whole reason i stopped spending as i was sick of the binge/declutter cycle, not to mention the wasted money. I’m not a bargain hunter, i can usually find what i want at a price im willing to pay when i need it. No stocking up, or buying for fear of missing out (fomo!!) Boxing day sales bring me out in a rash and having spent 3 years working for next when my children were babies made me realise how people impulse buy crap they don’t want or need. The by product of buy when we need it is that there is more money to spend on experiences. We have a mediocre income and when discussing our sons 18th birthday plans we decided we would love to spend it, as a family in New York. After doing the math, we can afford it!! We figured that there are not going to be many more occasions where he wants to come on Holiday with us so this would be a lovley way to spend his birthday. Our eldest son who is 19 this year has already told us he wont be coming away with us again, it’s just not cool 🙁 Your so right Jo money is not the be all and end all, but it definetly gives you choices, The ultimate Prize in not consuming. Thank you Lovely well written post. Your right to be proud and i love that you have the same thinking as myself. Sometimes i feel like im the only fish in a big pond swimming in the opposite direction.
Sharron x
I’m not an impulse buyer, quite the opposite. I sometimes need my husband to talk me into buying something that I need or love because I feel guilty spending money on myself. This did remind me of some advice my brother gave me when I was looking for my first (used) car: there will always be another one. If someone is pressuring you to buy because this one might be sold out from under you, it will be ok. You will find another one just as good. This was really comforting to me.
I’m not an impulse buyer, quite the opposite. I sometimes need my husband to talk me into buying something that I need or love because I feel guilty spending money on myself. This did remind me of some advice my brother gave me when I was looking for my first (used) car: there will always be another one. If someone is pressuring you to buy because this one might be sold out from under you, it will be ok. You will find another one just as good. This was really comforting to me.