Comments on: How to Avoid the Trap of Splurging as a Reward for “Being Good” http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/ 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: PiFreak http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-367098 PiFreak Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:25:07 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-367098 I agree with sleeping in. That's a huge "reward" in and of itself, and something I feel I "deserve" on saturdays after a week of school. (Pulling straight A's, taking college classes, and playing a sport, spending 12 hours a day at school is tiring, then homework on top of it all) However, on Sundays, I get up early again (though still about a half hour later) and start my week early. My "treats" are usually buying fast food (I consume close to 5000 calories a day, though I'm underweight and can't gain weight, my friends joke that I have a tapeworm in me) and spending $3-$4 on a meal. Usually this is done at Taco Bell where I get 2 orders of three layer nachos (79¢ each) and a burrito of some kind (usually an 89¢, sometimes an expensive one up to $2, skipping a nacho) and it all depends on what I feel like I deserve/need to eat. If I'm celebrating a week of being totally undefeated(boys/girls, JV/Varsity, usually 8 games) in water polo, and I contributed greatly to that fact then I'll splurge for that $2 monster burrito if I'm hungry enough. If it's just a treat for making it through school for a few weeks, and nothing more, I'll only get one nacho and a small burrito. All in all, we only eat fast food probably once a week at most (polo season makes it tough) and once a month at the least) spending a few bucks on a meal to treat myself seems reasonable. My goal is that there is less than one of these a week during polo season, and less than 1-2 a month otherwise, and that they stay (usually well) under $5. My last 'treat' was for surviving a grueling 6hour practice/scrimmage, where I had my head beaten in several times($3.56 at Taco bell) and my last before that was for 2 weeks of not missing practice for anything, and I spent $0.50 on lip gloss. I agree with sleeping in. That’s a huge “reward” in and of itself, and something I feel I “deserve” on saturdays after a week of school. (Pulling straight A’s, taking college classes, and playing a sport, spending 12 hours a day at school is tiring, then homework on top of it all) However, on Sundays, I get up early again (though still about a half hour later) and start my week early. My “treats” are usually buying fast food (I consume close to 5000 calories a day, though I’m underweight and can’t gain weight, my friends joke that I have a tapeworm in me) and spending $3-$4 on a meal. Usually this is done at Taco Bell where I get 2 orders of three layer nachos (79¢ each) and a burrito of some kind (usually an 89¢, sometimes an expensive one up to $2, skipping a nacho) and it all depends on what I feel like I deserve/need to eat. If I’m celebrating a week of being totally undefeated(boys/girls, JV/Varsity, usually 8 games) in water polo, and I contributed greatly to that fact then I’ll splurge for that $2 monster burrito if I’m hungry enough. If it’s just a treat for making it through school for a few weeks, and nothing more, I’ll only get one nacho and a small burrito. All in all, we only eat fast food probably once a week at most (polo season makes it tough) and once a month at the least) spending a few bucks on a meal to treat myself seems reasonable. My goal is that there is less than one of these a week during polo season, and less than 1-2 a month otherwise, and that they stay (usually well) under $5. My last ‘treat’ was for surviving a grueling 6hour practice/scrimmage, where I had my head beaten in several times($3.56 at Taco bell) and my last before that was for 2 weeks of not missing practice for anything, and I spent $0.50 on lip gloss.

]]> By: goldsmith http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-365496 goldsmith Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:12:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-365496 I wonder, Trent, whether you could explore a related problem: Buying long-hankered-for durable consumer goods earlier than one can strictly afford them. I really like fine furniture, for example, but I never manage to do as planned and save up for it. I generally buy the item six months to a year early. These are generally long-considered purchases and I am always very happy with them, and I do not spend myself into huge debt (my internal psychological limit for credit card debt, as a single with no dependents, seems to be about half of my monthly take-home pay). Still, the regularity with which I fall short of my own good intentions is annoying me. Anyone else here who experiences this? I wonder, Trent, whether you could explore a related problem: Buying long-hankered-for durable consumer goods earlier than one can strictly afford them. I really like fine furniture, for example, but I never manage to do as planned and save up for it. I generally buy the item six months to a year early. These are generally long-considered purchases and I am always very happy with them, and I do not spend myself into huge debt (my internal psychological limit for credit card debt, as a single with no dependents, seems to be about half of my monthly take-home pay).

Still, the regularity with which I fall short of my own good intentions is annoying me. Anyone else here who experiences this?

]]> By: Maggie Shaw http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-365376 Maggie Shaw Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:02:13 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-365376 I'm sorry but I have to disagree with "Not only does it cost a lot of money over time, it also reduces the actual good feelings a person gets from the accomplishments themselves." Last year, I made a bet with myself that I would not have soda for one year, except for Ginger Ale when I was sick. When I reached that milestone (right now, it's at almost two years), I bought myself a Burberry trench coat. Yes, it was quite expensive, but I didn't feel guilty for spending that money and my sense of accomplishment was not diminished in any way. In fact, it encouraged me to set more reward goals, such as not stepping foot into Starbucks for one year (I was spending almost $25/week) and competing in the Men's Health Urbanathlon. After all, if I can reach one goal, why not reach them all? I’m sorry but I have to disagree with “Not only does it cost a lot of money over time, it also reduces the actual good feelings a person gets from the accomplishments themselves.”

Last year, I made a bet with myself that I would not have soda for one year, except for Ginger Ale when I was sick. When I reached that milestone (right now, it’s at almost two years), I bought myself a Burberry trench coat. Yes, it was quite expensive, but I didn’t feel guilty for spending that money and my sense of accomplishment was not diminished in any way. In fact, it encouraged me to set more reward goals, such as not stepping foot into Starbucks for one year (I was spending almost $25/week) and competing in the Men’s Health Urbanathlon. After all, if I can reach one goal, why not reach them all?

]]> By: crystal http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-365246 crystal Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:04:21 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-365246 Did this tonight :( EVEN though we didn't have the money to spend. We felt so deprived ALL WEEK. And that ended up spending 14.00 for pizza. BUT - we came off eating out EVERY DAY a month ago. We've been eating at home, except for today and one day last week when my mom took us out to dinner. I'm talking EVERY DAY. We used to eat out 2 meals...NOT anymore. If I could only have ALL the money we have wasted in the last 5 years on eating out. Some of the meals being in the 100.00 range on the weekends when we worked...it was our reward for a long day. We can only start here.. For the most part, treats now are time spent with our dogs and each other. Did this tonight :( EVEN though we didn’t have the money to spend. We felt so deprived ALL WEEK. And that ended up spending 14.00 for pizza. BUT – we came off eating out EVERY DAY a month ago. We’ve been eating at home, except for today and one day last week when my mom took us out to dinner. I’m talking EVERY DAY. We used to eat out 2 meals…NOT anymore. If I could only have ALL the money we have wasted in the last 5 years on eating out. Some of the meals being in the 100.00 range on the weekends when we worked…it was our reward for a long day. We can only start here.. For the most part, treats now are time spent with our dogs and each other.

]]> By: paula d. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-365174 paula d. Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:52:59 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-365174 Suddenly I don't feel so guilty about the $3.17 designer chocolate that I had today! I guess since I am happy with my job too, that I don't feel that I need a reward on a weekly basis. I have to admit, I did get caught up in the yarn sale at work. At least the yarn purchased will make nice Christmas gifts : ) ! Suddenly I don’t feel so guilty about the $3.17 designer chocolate that I had today! I guess since I am happy with my job too, that I don’t feel that I need a reward on a weekly basis.

I have to admit, I did get caught up in the yarn sale at work. At least the yarn purchased will make nice Christmas gifts : ) !

]]> By: Amateur http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-365137 Amateur Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:15:22 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-365137 It's hard not to spend while being outdoors. The only way of saving money is being home with a stocked fridge and plenty of home-related things to do. I don't quite get why people like to shop on their days off, recreational shopping does not really make sense to someone like me. The stores are usually crowded and when it's a sale, it looks like a madhouse with everyone and their corresponding stroller pushing and shoving their way around displays and aisles. It's the little things that count like the woman and her pretzel, it won't break bank to buy a $3 pretzel but she didn't technically walk away from a mall with nothing or an empty feeling. It’s hard not to spend while being outdoors. The only way of saving money is being home with a stocked fridge and plenty of home-related things to do. I don’t quite get why people like to shop on their days off, recreational shopping does not really make sense to someone like me. The stores are usually crowded and when it’s a sale, it looks like a madhouse with everyone and their corresponding stroller pushing and shoving their way around displays and aisles. It’s the little things that count like the woman and her pretzel, it won’t break bank to buy a $3 pretzel but she didn’t technically walk away from a mall with nothing or an empty feeling.

]]> By: saro http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-365075 saro Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:38:02 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-365075 I am trying to wean myself off of thinking like this. I've been fighting the 'must by a book' urge at the bookstore. Instead, I went down to our local library and splurged - lots and lots of great books for free! I am trying to wean myself off of thinking like this. I’ve been fighting the ‘must by a book’ urge at the bookstore. Instead, I went down to our local library and splurged – lots and lots of great books for free!

]]> By: Frugal Vet Tech http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-365069 Frugal Vet Tech Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:23:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-365069 Interesting post; made me think. I've been trying to get away from the "I deserve it" mentality. I swing back and forth between the "I can buy this, I deserve it" mentality and the "It's silly to pay $x for this thing I will really enjoy, even though I do have the money". @Pam (#20): I like the idea of thinking of it as a "treat" rather than a "reward" (or as something that's "deserved"). I could go with "I'm going to treat myself to X" instead of "I deserve X". Hmmm... Interesting post; made me think. I’ve been trying to get away from the “I deserve it” mentality. I swing back and forth between the “I can buy this, I deserve it” mentality and the “It’s silly to pay $x for this thing I will really enjoy, even though I do have the money”.

@Pam (#20): I like the idea of thinking of it as a “treat” rather than a “reward” (or as something that’s “deserved”). I could go with “I’m going to treat myself to X” instead of “I deserve X”. Hmmm…

]]> By: Francine http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-365068 Francine Sat, 30 Aug 2008 21:21:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-365068 When did shopping become a pastime? I remember being dragged to the store as a kid. My brother, sisters, and I hated it. Since I have no extra money right now, I am not looking at the Labor Day sale papers. What a relief! Some will point out how much more I could be saving, but my boyfriend and I each have $10 a week set aside as "walk-around" money (for the occasional coffee, etc) It keeps me on budget, I am not miserable, and I am less likely to "binge" on unplanned purchases. I have friends who have so much money each month set aside for something they enjoy - movies, clothes, DVDs, etc. Once it is gone for that month, it is gone. They do not feel deprived. Best wishes and Happy Labor Day. When did shopping become a pastime? I remember being dragged to the store as a kid. My brother, sisters, and I hated it.

Since I have no extra money right now, I am not looking at the Labor Day sale papers. What a relief!

Some will point out how much more I could be saving, but my boyfriend and I each have $10 a week set aside as “walk-around” money (for the occasional coffee, etc) It keeps me on budget, I am not miserable, and I am less likely to “binge” on unplanned purchases.

I have friends who have so much money each month set aside for something they enjoy – movies, clothes, DVDs, etc. Once it is gone for that month, it is gone. They do not feel deprived.

Best wishes and Happy Labor Day.

]]> By: D.B. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364976 D.B. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:41:27 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364976 Thank you for writing this post. I used to justify overeating and sweet treats or take-out food because I "deserved it" after a hard week. Now that I am trying to lose weight and practice frugality, I am more aware about what I spend and what I eat. I've been able to set and stay under or close to budget on grocery shopping and dining out for 6 months now. It's hard to defeat those long-standing habits and brain messages. I'll remember your story to help me through the temptation. D.B. Thank you for writing this post. I used to justify overeating and sweet treats or take-out food because I “deserved it” after a hard week. Now that I am trying to lose weight and practice frugality, I am more aware about what I spend and what I eat. I’ve been able to set and stay under or close to budget on grocery shopping and dining out for 6 months now.

It’s hard to defeat those long-standing habits and brain messages. I’ll remember your story to help me through the temptation.

D.B.

]]> By: Robyn http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364969 Robyn Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:27:11 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364969 I never found rewarding myself to be a good motivator. It is sort of like buying yourself a Christmas present. If it isn't a surprise what is the point? Robyn Recritique.com Restautrant Coupons, Freebies and More. I never found rewarding myself to be a good motivator. It is sort of like buying yourself a Christmas present. If it isn’t a surprise what is the point?

Robyn
Recritique.com
Restautrant Coupons, Freebies and More.

]]> By: Mary Burkey http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364962 Mary Burkey Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:14:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364962 For those of you that "reward" yourselves with new books, audiobooks, DVDs, or CDs - reward yourself with a FREE public library card instead! Take advantage of the fantastic resources available from your tax dollars at work. You don't even need to set foot in the library - check out your local library's website for downloadable videos, audiobooks, and eBooks on every conceivable topic. Not to mention the concerts, discussion groups, storytimes, teen activities, craft programs and more - all for free. Check out what's waiting for you! Mary Burkey http://audiobooker.blogspot.com/ For those of you that “reward” yourselves with new books, audiobooks, DVDs, or CDs – reward yourself with a FREE public library card instead! Take advantage of the fantastic resources available from your tax dollars at work. You don’t even need to set foot in the library – check out your local library’s website for downloadable videos, audiobooks, and eBooks on every conceivable topic. Not to mention the concerts, discussion groups, storytimes, teen activities, craft programs and more – all for free. Check out what’s waiting for you!

Mary Burkey
http://audiobooker.blogspot.com/

]]> By: Nathalie Lussier http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364954 Nathalie Lussier Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:57:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364954 Oh yeah, it happens to do more than we think it does. It starts out innocently, but it can turn into a real vice. I think it's easier to just buy things we need, and budget for things we think we might want. It's all about this: Curb your consumerism, spend TIME doing things you love. That handles the reward and the money aspects. ;) Oh yeah, it happens to do more than we think it does. It starts out innocently, but it can turn into a real vice. I think it’s easier to just buy things we need, and budget for things we think we might want.

It’s all about this: Curb your consumerism, spend TIME doing things you love. That handles the reward and the money aspects. ;)

]]> By: Christine http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364927 Christine Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:33:01 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364927 I used to do a lot of "treating myself" and would be stunned when the credit card bill arrived at the end of the month, not even remembering many purchases. I've since realized that spending was symptomatic of my being very unhappy at my previous job. When I started my new job, I made a resolution to control my spending on these "rewards," but it turned out to be really easy since I am so much happier in my current position and I no longer feel like I'm "getting through" each week and deserving a reward. I used to do a lot of “treating myself” and would be stunned when the credit card bill arrived at the end of the month, not even remembering many purchases. I’ve since realized that spending was symptomatic of my being very unhappy at my previous job. When I started my new job, I made a resolution to control my spending on these “rewards,” but it turned out to be really easy since I am so much happier in my current position and I no longer feel like I’m “getting through” each week and deserving a reward.

]]> By: "Mo" Money http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364907 "Mo" Money Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:04:36 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364907 The way to handle this problem is to set up a category in your budget. This is money that you have allocated before hand, and can be spent for anything you want. Putting the money in an envelope is better still. You will know how much you have available, and you don't have to account for it. The way to handle this problem is to set up a category in your budget. This is money that you have allocated before hand, and can be spent for anything you want. Putting the money in an envelope is better still. You will know how much you have available, and you don’t have to account for it.

]]> By: Pam http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364898 Pam Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:40:43 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364898 A good thing to do is to look at such things as "treats" instead of "rewards". It's a treat - something special. And treats can be most anything. And sometimes the most mundane act - buying food for instance - can be a real treat. My favorite "treat" of the week is going to the Farmer's Market. I recently took my college-aged son with me (his first time). He moaned and groaned the whole time we drove there. "The grocery store is so much closer.", he whined. Oh how his attitude changed when we got there! Local musicians playing their music, friendly vendors, being outdoors on a sunny day, the rainbow colors of fruits, flowers, and vegetables. We bought corn, blueberries, green beans, tomatoes, and so much more, our arms laden with treasure! That night he told his father when he shared how enjoyable this was he added "And we bought the whole world for less that $20!" Perspective is everything. That in itself is reward. A good thing to do is to look at such things as “treats” instead of “rewards”. It’s a treat – something special. And treats can be most anything. And sometimes the most mundane act – buying food for instance – can be a real treat.

My favorite “treat” of the week is going to the Farmer’s Market. I recently took my college-aged son with me (his first time). He moaned and groaned the whole time we drove there. “The grocery store is so much closer.”, he whined. Oh how his attitude changed when we got there! Local musicians playing their music, friendly vendors, being outdoors on a sunny day, the rainbow colors of fruits, flowers, and vegetables. We bought corn, blueberries, green beans, tomatoes, and so much more, our arms laden with treasure!

That night he told his father when he shared how enjoyable this was he added “And we bought the whole world for less that $20!”

Perspective is everything. That in itself is reward.

]]> By: nuveena http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364885 nuveena Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:24:23 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364885 Ever since I started watching my finances and living more frugally, I've been paying extra attention to commercials. This probably sounds odd for someone who is trying to learn to save more and spend less, but language and the psychology they use is very clever. The word "deserve" is used a lot. "Indulge" is another one. I really believe that we've been so used to being marketed to for so long that we all have that sense of entitlement because we've been basically programmed by marketing and advertising to think we deserve things we really don't need. It's okay to use rewards to motivate yourself. For example, I'm trying to use a reward to get my husband to go back into the gym. I stopped going because I had a particularly severe muscle spasm in my hip and when I was working my way back to the gym after recovering from that, I broke my toe. (The toe is healed, and I'm working my way back to the gym. Hopefully, I don't break anything else.) When I didn't go, my husband stopped going, even though he really had no reason to. The reward is a backpacking trip, because that's something he's always wanted to do with me, and I've never gone backpacking. But as it was mentioned in earlier comments and this post, when you really think about it, it's a bit much to always be rewarding yourself for accomplishing things that are part of ordinary life. Ever since I started watching my finances and living more frugally, I’ve been paying extra attention to commercials. This probably sounds odd for someone who is trying to learn to save more and spend less, but language and the psychology they use is very clever. The word “deserve” is used a lot. “Indulge” is another one. I really believe that we’ve been so used to being marketed to for so long that we all have that sense of entitlement because we’ve been basically programmed by marketing and advertising to think we deserve things we really don’t need.

It’s okay to use rewards to motivate yourself. For example, I’m trying to use a reward to get my husband to go back into the gym. I stopped going because I had a particularly severe muscle spasm in my hip and when I was working my way back to the gym after recovering from that, I broke my toe. (The toe is healed, and I’m working my way back to the gym. Hopefully, I don’t break anything else.) When I didn’t go, my husband stopped going, even though he really had no reason to. The reward is a backpacking trip, because that’s something he’s always wanted to do with me, and I’ve never gone backpacking. But as it was mentioned in earlier comments and this post, when you really think about it, it’s a bit much to always be rewarding yourself for accomplishing things that are part of ordinary life.

]]> By: Camilla http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364774 Camilla Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:07:19 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364774 I never even honestly thought about it really as a problem. Just..something that you were almost supposed to do. It's amazing how many forced habits people get into not even realizing that it's not required. I'm glad you touched on this. Helpfull. I never even honestly thought about it really as a problem. Just..something that you were almost supposed to do. It’s amazing how many forced habits people get into not even realizing that it’s not required. I’m glad you touched on this. Helpfull.

]]> By: Kristine http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364763 Kristine Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:50:17 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364763 I have taken this idea to the extreme, and have been much happier for it. There is a group that started in Southern CA called "The Compact". The idea is to stop the relentless flow from factory to landfill. It was started by professionals very concerned for the environment, trying to shun mindless consumerism, as opposed to necessary consumerism. There are now factions all over the country. To join, all you have to do is take a vow not to buy 1 more "new" thing for a year, except for food or medicine. It is to break the consumerism "habit". you talk about. So far I have been doing great. I ony apply it to myself, not my family-though I will only buy them necessary things, say, like school supplies, or bassoon reeds. My lapse was a bunch of file folders and blank CDs for myself to prepare for school (I am a teacher). I worked full-time over the summer, and knew that developing the content of my lessons was a better use of my limited time than networking for the second hand or hand-me-down supplies. (Like all initiatives, it has to make sense or you stop.) And Hubby made the purchase, so I did not get any "purchase high". Recreational shopping has disappeared from my vocabulary- Barnes and Noble was my weakness as well. I have also joined the freecycle network, and found that just about everything I could need or want is already out there, and being passed along. You just have to be patient. So if I really want to splurge, I scan the freecycle posts for something fun and unecessary. And I get more staisfaction now passing along what I no longer use, than I ever did buying anything. I find I now spend much more quailty time with my kids playing games, hanging out, and doing anything but shopping! I have taken this idea to the extreme, and have been much happier for it.

There is a group that started in Southern CA called “The Compact”. The idea is to stop the relentless flow from factory to landfill. It was started by professionals very concerned for the environment, trying to shun mindless consumerism, as opposed to necessary consumerism. There are now factions all over the country.

To join, all you have to do is take a vow not to buy 1 more “new” thing for a year, except for food or medicine. It is to break the consumerism “habit”. you talk about.

So far I have been doing great. I ony apply it to myself, not my family-though I will only buy them necessary things, say, like school supplies, or bassoon reeds. My lapse was a bunch of file folders and blank CDs for myself to prepare for school (I am a teacher). I worked full-time over the summer, and knew that developing the content of my lessons was a better use of my limited time than networking for the second hand or hand-me-down supplies. (Like all initiatives, it has to make sense or you stop.) And Hubby made the purchase, so I did not get any “purchase high”.

Recreational shopping has disappeared from my vocabulary- Barnes and Noble was my weakness as well. I have also joined the freecycle network, and found that just about everything I could need or want is already out there, and being passed along. You just have to be patient. So if I really want to splurge, I scan the freecycle posts for something fun and unecessary. And I get more staisfaction now passing along what I no longer use, than I ever did buying anything.

I find I now spend much more quailty time with my kids playing games, hanging out, and doing anything but shopping!

]]> By: resonanteye http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/comment-page-1/#comment-364744 resonanteye Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:21:06 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/08/29/how-to-avoid-the-trap-of-splurging-as-a-reward-for-being-good/#comment-364744 I splurge at the used book store. I couldn't imagine spending more than a few dollars there, twice a month. I don't usually do it to reward myself. To me, sleeping in is the reward I deserve. Sleeping in, and not doing the dishes for a day! And $200 is close to my yearly clothing budget. To spend that much every week- I can't even imagine who has the time to wera that many clothes, or read that many books. This makes me feel extremely frugal in comparison! I splurge at the used book store. I couldn’t imagine spending more than a few dollars there, twice a month. I don’t usually do it to reward myself. To me, sleeping in is the reward I deserve. Sleeping in, and not doing the dishes for a day!

And $200 is close to my yearly clothing budget. To spend that much every week- I can’t even imagine who has the time to wera that many clothes, or read that many books.

This makes me feel extremely frugal in comparison!

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