You know it's bad when you stop dreaming about it.

The past few months I have been trying to be more conscious about my spending. We've never really had a budget, per se, but since the summer I've kept a Goodle Docs spreadsheet and tracked all my spending. Much like a food diary, a spending diary really causes you to ask yourself when holding a potential purchase in your hand (or seeing it in your online shopping cart), "Is is worth it? Will I be happy about this at the end of the month?"

Now the next part The Sister will not like.

I have really cut back (next to nothing, really) in my clothes, shoes, etc. spending. I completely cleaned out my closet (well, she'll like that part) to see what I want/need in terms of clothes. I tossed out all that didn't fit, was no longer my style, even things that still fit but I didn't feel great in.

The truth is? I still have alot left. (Note to self: YOU DO NOT NEED PANTS.)

Now, I have BEEN shopping. I found I had three pairs of brown pants that I could not wear because I did not have a pair of heels to wear them with (none were the correct height). I shopped around and found a great deal on a pair that I love. I do like the feeling of browsing, trying on, and not settling for items that are ill fitting or not the right color.

My efforts are paying off - my monthly totals have dropped. It's not like I ever spent a HUGE amount, but a couple of things here and there add up. I also have been avoiding Target like the plague. You really can't walk out of there for less that $200.

And just when I thought I had really left old habits behind, I find it has not truly left my system.

Last night I had a dream about shopping. An actual DREAM were I shopped and PURCHASED things. Who has heard of such a thing?

This latest development has confirmed I've moving in the right direction.

Either that or I'm bat-shit crazy. It's a toss-up, really.

Comments

[Molly]

Good for you, seriously.
I've been shopping a lot lately, and I'm feeling like it's time for me to BACK AWAY from the credit card. I've been thinking about setting a period of time for NO NEW CLOTHES, but the thought makes me feel a little panicky ... which definitely means I should do it. ;)
And I hear you on Target. I needed to pick someting up there a couple of weeks ago, and I sent my husband! He can actually go in and just buy what he went there for. Incredible.