Comments on: My Material Weakness – And My Battle to Overcome It http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:34:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Dana http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-770573 Dana Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:25:14 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-770573 Black purses. It's utterly ridiculous. I keep hoping for the "perfect" one that will allow me to be the most organized woman alive on the planet, I suppose. I'll spend $2.30 on them at Goodwill, $15 at Walmart, $40 at a department store, or $100 occasionally if I find the (yet again) absolutely perfect one. I put a complete stop to it a few days ago. I mean, good grief! A huge box of black purses went to Goodwill, and I am done! Going to keep using the one I have whether I like it or not for at LEAST a year. Gazingus pin. I love the term. Going to remember that one anytime I'm walking past the accessories department at a store. *hanging head and shuffling feet* Black purses. It’s utterly ridiculous. I keep hoping for the “perfect” one that will allow me to be the most organized woman alive on the planet, I suppose. I’ll spend $2.30 on them at Goodwill, $15 at Walmart, $40 at a department store, or $100 occasionally if I find the (yet again) absolutely perfect one. I put a complete stop to it a few days ago. I mean, good grief! A huge box of black purses went to Goodwill, and I am done! Going to keep using the one I have whether I like it or not for at LEAST a year. Gazingus pin. I love the term. Going to remember that one anytime I’m walking past the accessories department at a store. *hanging head and shuffling feet*

]]> By: Karen http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-749808 Karen Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:33:03 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-749808 I take the pledge! One year without buying a single book. OUCH! Trent, how about a check-in, just a brief comment on how it's going for you, say once a week? I know it would help me to walk this talk if I know you're sticking with it! I take the pledge! One year without buying a single book. OUCH! Trent, how about a check-in, just a brief comment on how it’s going for you, say once a week? I know it would help me to walk this talk if I know you’re sticking with it!

]]> By: Mike http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-749564 Mike Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:58:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-749564 Also curious, did you make the year? I usually get my pleasure reading books from the racks outside or clearance area of Half Price or at the bi-annual Library book sale. Also curious, did you make the year?

I usually get my pleasure reading books from the racks outside or clearance area of Half Price or at the bi-annual Library book sale.

]]> By: anca http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-749543 anca Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:15:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-749543 i understand you so well, i also put a stop on buying books. i did it because it is very hard to move when i have so many books, i don't own a home and don't want one ever and besides that i can get a lot of information on a domain and very fast from the internet. i still have books to rid of but didn't buy some since half a year which is a lot for me. i understand you so well, i also put a stop on buying books. i did it because it is very hard to move when i have so many books, i don’t own a home and don’t want one ever and besides that i can get a lot of information on a domain and very fast from the internet. i still have books to rid of but didn’t buy some since half a year which is a lot for me.

]]> By: Steve http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-749528 Steve Sun, 09 Aug 2009 15:42:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-749528 My weakness is coffee "stuff" . . . Coffeemakers, roasters, grinders, beans - green or roasted. Books also, but I manage tha addiction pretty well. My weakness is coffee “stuff” . . . Coffeemakers, roasters, grinders, beans – green or roasted. Books also, but I manage tha addiction pretty well.

]]> By: Lise http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-749047 Lise Sun, 09 Aug 2009 02:51:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-749047 How has the year without buying books gone for you, Trent? How has the year without buying books gone for you, Trent?

]]> By: Screwdriver http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-716116 Screwdriver Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:31:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-716116 Super site! I am loving it! Will surely come back again - taking your feeds also, Thanks. Super site! I am loving it! Will surely come back again – taking your feeds also, Thanks.

]]> By: Kathryn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-705083 Kathryn Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:00:05 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-705083 Gazingus pin - what a great term, I may have to stick it on all my boxes of hoarded Fabric and Yarn. I'm going to pick up the challenge. Here is what I will do: No Craft or Yarn stores. No shopping the Goodwill outlet store -with out a minder. I'll knit, crochet, tat, spin and sew for the year with only supplies on hand. Materials or things I make that I can not use will be first sold, then traded, and failing that donated. I will keep the receipt and actually use them for my taxes this year. I will not pay for any new patterns or books in order to use my materials effectively. I will use the tools and free information at hand. Gazingus pin – what a great term, I may have to stick it on all my boxes of hoarded Fabric and Yarn.

I’m going to pick up the challenge. Here is what I will do:

No Craft or Yarn stores. No shopping the Goodwill outlet store -with out a minder. I’ll knit, crochet, tat, spin and sew for the year with only supplies on hand. Materials or things I make that I can not use will be first sold, then traded, and failing that donated. I will keep the receipt and actually use them for my taxes this year. I will not pay for any new patterns or books in order to use my materials effectively. I will use the tools and free information at hand.

]]> By: mstump http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-377118 mstump Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:07:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-377118 Books, electronic parts for projects I want to build but never have time and eating out are my vices. I've declared a moratorium on electronics until I finish a couple projects and have been going to the library more often. As for eating out we traded down to Trader Joe's frozen foods for times when we are too tired or too busy to cook ($6 vs $25+). Some of the other commentators have mentioned library sales which in my experience have been very good investments. I collect rare books written by Victorian era explorers/adventurers and have found several rare books worth upwards of $30k at the local library fundraising sale. Books, electronic parts for projects I want to build but never have time and eating out are my vices. I’ve declared a moratorium on electronics until I finish a couple projects and have been going to the library more often. As for eating out we traded down to Trader Joe’s frozen foods for times when we are too tired or too busy to cook ($6 vs $25+).

Some of the other commentators have mentioned library sales which in my experience have been very good investments. I collect rare books written by Victorian era explorers/adventurers and have found several rare books worth upwards of $30k at the local library fundraising sale.

]]> By: jacqueline http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-376881 jacqueline Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:10:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-376881 im also a bookworm! i cannot imagine myself not buying any books but since i sell used books online, maybe i could also sell some of my personal collection? :( im also a bookworm! i cannot imagine myself not buying any books but since i sell used books online, maybe i could also sell some of my personal collection? :(

]]> By: Shannyn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-369323 Shannyn Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:54:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-369323 My weakness is stationary. I find that you can purchase really cute stationary for cheap (sometimes a dollar!) and I have over a shoe box full. My weakness is stationary. I find that you can purchase really cute stationary for cheap (sometimes a dollar!) and I have over a shoe box full.

]]> By: Sarah G http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-365049 Sarah G Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:42:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-365049 I'm adding ITunes to my no books for a year pledge. When this was first posted, I took a look at my ITunes library - yikes! All those 99 cent songs really add up - and I'm not one to wander around all day with my white earbuds in place - I only ocassionally use my IPod for walking the dog. So far,so good, but quitting ITunes cold turkey has been much harder than not buying a book - although I have been tempted by both several times already. I’m adding ITunes to my no books for a year pledge. When this was first posted, I took a look at my ITunes library – yikes! All those 99 cent songs really add up – and I’m not one to wander around all day with my white earbuds in place – I only ocassionally use my IPod for walking the dog. So far,so good, but quitting ITunes cold turkey has been much harder than not buying a book – although I have been tempted by both several times already.

]]> By: Kelly http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-358910 Kelly Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:28:50 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-358910 I too am a book addict, but I consider that a good thing. In a world of shoe addicts, clothing addicts, meth addicts etc, what could be better than a habit of books? I hit used bookstores, yard sales and thrift stores and buy new books only occasionally. Go a year without buying a book? No way. I too am a book addict, but I consider that a good thing. In a world of shoe addicts, clothing addicts, meth addicts etc, what could be better than a habit of books? I hit used bookstores, yard sales and thrift stores and buy new books only occasionally. Go a year without buying a book? No way.

]]> By: tobie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-358622 tobie Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:12:34 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-358622 My family has taken much inspiration from Trent and the Simple Dollar. Last month we rented out our 3000+ sq. ft. home and are renting an 850 sq. ft. apt. I no longer have to mow the lawn or clean 4 different stories. We also make a monthly income for someone else paying our mortgage. Our goal: not to buy any non-food items for the next year! I know that we have at least a year supply of cleaning products, laundry detergent, all haircare products, gifts (I stock up on items when on sale and buy in advance). I would like to see how empty my cupboards can get in the next year. Next year we'll be leaving the country to teach English while our children are still young. We hope to show them the world without all the materials we consume in America. Best, tobie My family has taken much inspiration from Trent and the Simple Dollar. Last month we rented out our 3000+ sq. ft. home and are renting an 850 sq. ft. apt. I no longer have to mow the lawn or clean 4 different stories. We also make a monthly income for someone else paying our mortgage.
Our goal: not to buy any non-food items for the next year! I know that we have at least a year supply of cleaning products, laundry detergent, all haircare products, gifts (I stock up on items when on sale and buy in advance). I would like to see how empty my cupboards can get in the next year. Next year we’ll be leaving the country to teach English while our children are still young. We hope to show them the world without all the materials we consume in America.
Best,
tobie

]]> By: Bruce http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-355228 Bruce Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:23:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-355228 I have the same addiction. Over 2000 books and (the size) finally got my attention...I calculated that if I read two books a week I would have 20+ years of reading. So I've tried a few things. One is "Book parity". This helps on the size of the collection, not so much on the $$$ spent. Simple: one book comes in, one must leave. The best thing was to use the phrase "store it at the store" as a mantra, and not just for books. Anything I want (vice need)? Store it at the store until the day or minute I need it. For books, that means I have a very long wish list at Amazon. OK. I can look at it and prune off things that were faddish. Nice. Finally, the other thing that led to this (and I don't recall reading a post about it) was "satiability". So I had a lot of books that I would troll the 'stores for. Then I found abebooks.com. And bought everything I ever wanted in the way of used books. Pretty cheap, and way cool. But then I realized -- was it enough? What was enough? It helped me realize that I had a more general problem: if you don't know when "enough" is, you have a problem, and it ain't a money one. I'm still "recovering"...but more books leave than come in (by 3:1 ratio), and I focus on READING what I have...not just skimming or caressing. I have the same addiction. Over 2000 books and (the size) finally got my attention…I calculated that if I read two books a week I would have 20+ years of reading.

So I’ve tried a few things. One is “Book parity”. This helps on the size of the collection, not so much on the $$$ spent. Simple: one book comes in, one must leave.

The best thing was to use the phrase “store it at the store” as a mantra, and not just for books. Anything I want (vice need)? Store it at the store until the day or minute I need it. For books, that means I have a very long wish list at Amazon. OK. I can look at it and prune off things that were faddish. Nice.

Finally, the other thing that led to this (and I don’t recall reading a post about it) was “satiability”. So I had a lot of books that I would troll the ‘stores for. Then I found abebooks.com. And bought everything I ever wanted in the way of used books. Pretty cheap, and way cool. But then I realized — was it enough? What was enough? It helped me realize that I had a more general problem: if you don’t know when “enough” is, you have a problem, and it ain’t a money one.

I’m still “recovering”…but more books leave than come in (by 3:1 ratio), and I focus on READING what I have…not just skimming or caressing.

]]> By: Nicole http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-353337 Nicole Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:29:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-353337 Fear not - this is doable. My weakness is clothing and shoes. Since graduating from law school six years ago, I've spent $1000 to $3000 few thousand dollars a year on clothes and shoes. My New Year's resolution for 2008 was not to buy any clothes or shoes for one year. I have made it to Mid-August and have stuck to my resolution. One thing that happened was I was forced to wear clothes that had been benched for a few years, but were still sitting in my closet. Likewise, this may inspire you to read any books that have been gathering dust on your shelves (I know i have plenty of those too). Fear not – this is doable. My weakness is clothing and shoes. Since graduating from law school six years ago, I’ve spent $1000 to $3000 few thousand dollars a year on clothes and shoes. My New Year’s resolution for 2008 was not to buy any clothes or shoes for one year. I have made it to Mid-August and have stuck to my resolution. One thing that happened was I was forced to wear clothes that had been benched for a few years, but were still sitting in my closet. Likewise, this may inspire you to read any books that have been gathering dust on your shelves (I know i have plenty of those too).

]]> By: Paula http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-352749 Paula Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:17:09 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-352749 I just categorised my spending for the last two months and discovered that 20% of my student income is spent on extra food. While some of this money went towards supplementing the household pantry, I'm guessing that most of this spending was unnecessary. I'm going to cap my weekly spending on extra food and work harder at taking snacks from home. A little forward-thinking might save me a lot of cash! I just categorised my spending for the last two months and discovered that 20% of my student income is spent on extra food. While some of this money went towards supplementing the household pantry, I’m guessing that most of this spending was unnecessary.

I’m going to cap my weekly spending on extra food and work harder at taking snacks from home. A little forward-thinking might save me a lot of cash!

]]> By: Inyx http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-352436 Inyx Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:25:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-352436 Thanks for the info on Paperbackswap! I joined after reading about it here, and love it! I've already listed a ton of books and found some titles that I've been wanting to read, or add to my collection. Now if only media mail wasn't so slow... (I also mentioned TSD when I signed up, since they ask where you found out about the site.) Thanks for the info on Paperbackswap! I joined after reading about it here, and love it! I’ve already listed a ton of books and found some titles that I’ve been wanting to read, or add to my collection. Now if only media mail wasn’t so slow…

(I also mentioned TSD when I signed up, since they ask where you found out about the site.)

]]> By: Kevin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-352291 Kevin Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:42:45 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-352291 Trent - My wife and I have decided to join you in your challenge and try not to drink any soda for a year. It's going to be hard for sure, but we are looking to the $$ savings and health benefits as a big motivator. We also plan on using the "chain" motivation method to help us along by marking every day we are successful on the calendar in our kitchen. Thanks for giving us the kick in the butt we need to get going. Kevin Trent -

My wife and I have decided to join you in your challenge and try not to drink any soda for a year. It’s going to be hard for sure, but we are looking to the $$ savings and health benefits as a big motivator. We also plan on using the “chain” motivation method to help us along by marking every day we are successful on the calendar in our kitchen. Thanks for giving us the kick in the butt we need to get going.

Kevin

]]> By: Carolina Little http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/comment-page-4/#comment-350909 Carolina Little Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:29:28 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/05/my-material-weakness-and-my-battle-to-overcome-it/#comment-350909 i try to buy books cheap, then resell them back for money or credit. also, try asking for specific books or book store gift cards for your birthday, christmas or any holiday or ocassion where you are expected to receive a gift. i try to buy books cheap, then resell them back for money or credit.
also, try asking for specific books or book store gift cards for your birthday, christmas or any holiday or ocassion where you are expected to receive a gift.

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