I’m not going to deny it, I like to shop. Over the years, I have learned to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle. As a result, I am now a much more mindful (and less frequent) shopper. However, I do have one big weakness when it comes to spending. It’s my Achilles heel if you will.
In my late teens and early twenties, it was clothing, shoes, and inexpensive jewelry for my wardrobe. Today, it’s toys and kid’s clothes.
Yes, spending on stuff for my kids is my biggest money weakness. All the parents in the house, throw your hands in the air! I know you feel me.
They’re just so easy to buy for, and so easy to please. Plus, let’s be real- kid clothes are super cute! I find myself feeling about 5 years old when I enter the Disney Store- mermaids and sparkles and mickey, oh my!
My husband, though probably not totally willing to admit it, is just as guilty as I am. We see something that we know our kids would like, and we’re both drawn to it to like moths to a flame. It’s only natural to want to make our little ones happy. However, we’ve gotten really good at resisting the urge to buy all the things!
All I have to do now is think of the toy bins overflowing with little plastic junkies that have taken over our lives. 99% of the time, that’s enough to stop me from buying. I have bought so many children’s books from the Goodwill, we could start our own mini-library.
Now that my daughter is getting bigger, she’s interested in arts and crafts, so that’s where I’ll spend a few dollars here and there. I don’t feel guilty buying a $1 craft kit or a sticker book if it’s entertaining for her.
Identifying your spending weaknesses is the first step to getting stronger. Once you know what they are, then you can start to analyze how important they are to you. If your weakness is something like Essie nail polish, decide if it’s really worth it to you. Do you really need it? Do you really want it? Does it make your life better?
For me, I weigh most of my purchases like this, because I want to stick to our budget and our goals. I try to focus on the big picture. Every once in a while, it’s okay to give in to my weakness. I indulge my kid (and myself) with a little plastic princess that will join the masses in the toy bin, or a book that will probably disappear onto a shelf for the next 6 months. But hey, that’s okay. We all get a little weak, sometimes.
So tell me-what are your spending weaknesses?Â
I’m not even a huge fan of kids myself, but there is something adorable about kid’s clothes, especially girl’s clothing. I was just in Target an hour ago and passed the cutest holiday dresses for toddlers. OMG. I don’t think I have a particular weakness to anything, but I could easily nickel an dime myself with a bunch of small purchases…magazines, candles, beauty products…
When I was younger I spent my money on clothing, vacations and jewelry but the real good stuff. I so wish I made better choices back then! Nowadays I am not so keen on shopping but if I do, I tend to still buy quality over quality but at the lowest price I can reasonably find.
Take out pizza! It’s just so easy and tempting!
And, just about anything for my kids that I think they would like…but we are also trying to weed out toys right now, so I haven’t been buying much lately.
Oh yeah- pizza’s just too easy!
I actually despise shopping. My spending weakness is happy hours. I’ll always find a reason to go out – I’m lazy, tired, want to meet a friend, etc. I’m glad I don’t have kids, because I would soooo get caught up in the trap of buying them tons of things I’m sure.
I know what you mean- I used to spend way too much on drinks out.
My son was a spending weakness for me for a while and I realized it was just me buying things for him that I wished I had as a child, so I was acting out some sort of issues from my childhood. When he was around 3, I got a hold of this spending and now that he is such a big part of his own spending, I find that I can balance it much better.
I love Disney princesses, so I know that I get excited to buy her things just because I want them too! I’ve gotten much better about it, though 🙂
By far, my worst two spending habits are books and fancy coffee.
Kindle books. Audio books. Regular books. I know you can go to a library, but it’s so easy to click on Amazon and a lot more work to get the exact book I want through the library.
I love fancy coffee drinks, yet I never make them at home for myself. It’s a habit to break some day.
Your toy bins are my closets. Shoes are my weakness! I can pass up purses and other accessories, but I love unique shoes. I recently moved and my closet was downsized. I don’t physically have room for any more pairs, and I think about that when I even consider buying.
Baby clothes are really cute, and I don’t even have kids! I can’t help but “aw” over the little shoes, dresses, and suits. Hm, my biggest spending weakness used to be cosmetics. Makeup, skincare, and haircare items were things I went a little crazy with. I’ve cut back my spending in most areas, so I would just have to say sweets when grocery shopping! It’s hard to pass up chocolate. =)
I agree!
For little stuff: junk food. For big stuff: home reno supplies.
I hate to tell you, but I don’t think I have a spending weakness of any significance. I used to spend too much on nights out with the boys drinking and shooting pool, but those days are long past. Today I buy very little besides groceries, gasoline, and home utilities. I like to spend money on experiences, but we don’t go overboard on that, I think.
Hey, sounds good to me!
I’m not much of a shopper anymore, but I am guilty of spending a lot of money on junk food and convenience foods. Like, when I’m grocery shopping I’ll pick up more snacks than I will fruit! And sadly, snack foods aren’t cheap (and obviously aren’t very good for you).
Yes- I can’t shop when I’m hungry or I’ll grab too many snacks and sweets!
It’s important to remember why we work, and if spending money on your daughter makes you happy, why not? Particularly if it’s all within your budget. The point is you have a plan and you stick to it so spending is never a problem.
That’s true, but I also don’t want to spoil her too much 😉
I just have to stay away from the toys aisles because I know I will find 14 things to buy for my 3 year old that we don’t need. I’m practically giving toys away all the time! Books are good though, so I would keep that part up! And at goodwill they can’t cost more than a quarter!
Now that I have a child (mine is 3, too!) toy shopping is really fun again.