Comments on: An Impulsive Mood

By: Amy K.

Amy K. — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:07:36 +0000

Hi Trent,

I worked from home for quite a while when I first moved, felt very isolated, and the limited contact with others really brought me down. I feel for your snowed-in state.

I suggest taking the kids to the library – our library has a Dads-and-donuts program, which I think it as much for the dads to chat as the kids to play. Kids are an easy introduction to other people. Or, if you prefer adults-only, maybe your local Rotary or Kiwanis meeting. I think you’ve said you’re a member of Toastmasters, right? I’m trying to think of groups I know that meet for lunch, to get your out of the house mid-day ind in to some place warm, rather than the Iowa chilliness.

Good luck finding the right fit for you, and staying warm this winter!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 16:33:39 +0000

Interesting post. I had new headphones on my wishlist for a long time too, but kept holding out (I delay pricey purchases too.) I finally bought a pair of Sennheisers on ebay for around $30. The difference in sound and comfort level is amazing and I’m certain they will last me a long time. Plus, as you probably know, those bud headphones can be damaging to your hearing, so it’s a health investment too. So, I”m just offering a friendly suggestion to buy the headphones and then feel HAPPY for making a worthwhile investment :) How do you feel about using wise purchases as means for a boost? I think it’s OK to feel happy when we buy something if it makes us happy.

By: Tadgh

Tadgh — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 16:17:16 +0000

I know it wasn’t the point of the article, but I’ve had the same problem with iPod ear buds and I found a cheap solution: foam covers. They fit better now and, I think, they sound better. I got mine at radio shack, but since you are trying to stay out of the electronics store, you can google “ear bud covers foam” and find them online for next to nothing.

You have an excellent blog, btw.

By: Allison

Allison — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 07:00:21 +0000

It sounds like you were in need of a little shake-up – a new experience. Instead of driving when you are in an impulsive mood, how about going for a walk? If you are walking you’ll be less tempted to buy something you’ll have to lug home, and perhaps you’ll see new things that spark your interest and imagination, making you forget you were ever bored. Even a short walk can snap you out of the doldrums.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 01:29:10 +0000

I’ve been reading your blog for almost 2 years now, and I have to chime in with many others here that you have certainly reached me and made a difference in my life. During the last three years I’ve made a slow transition from retail worker living with my parents to supporting myself completely on self-employment income doing something I love and working down student loan debt like crazy. Frankly, I don’t think this would have been possible without having learned many of the things that I have learned from your blog, and also from Your Money or Your Life, which I picked up because of your recommendation. So anyway…that’s my two cents on that matter. This is an inspiring post, by the way.

By: Kate in Canada

Kate in Canada — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:09:55 +0000

For headphones that won’t break your budget but still give good sound, my daughters & I all LOVE SkullCandy. Lots of styles, sizes & prices to choose from.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:12:33 +0000

The Consumerist links to an article that speaks to the connection between shopping and dopamine:

http://veryevolved.com/2009/01/how-to-get-what-you-want-understanding-the-biology-of-object-lust/

By: kristine

kristine — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:09:12 +0000

Trent,

You are a good writer. As someone who still has a lot of ties to the publsihign industry, and some inside scoop, I can say it is near impossible to get a book published right now. Granted, your books is in one of the only areas that is expanding right now, but even so, most big houses have informally stopped even reading manuscripts. They are all downsizing, and plan to continue downsizing this year.

So..if you were not a good writer, even if your book was about frugality, there would be NO chance of getting it published. You’ve built up a following that also contributed to that success.

So enjoy your success, and realize that part of your blues may be just the anti-climax that comes after reaching a big goal. That “now what, what does it mean?” feeling. It passes once you are knee deep into the next goal.

By: The Debt Guy

The Debt Guy — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:04:28 +0000

I absolutely am victim to this and it is one of the small changes that I am trying to make to help my current situation out. Glad you fought your way out of it!

By: Karen M

Karen M — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:04:03 +0000

I think the point of the article would have been better served without the self-pity in the first paragraph. Someone who has a blog that reaches thousands of people and a published book should not be despairing about their professional achievements (or perceived lack thereof) on said blog. Unless they are “fishing for compliments” like the comment above says.

I was actually surprised to see a comment from Trent here. Although it was to mention how cold it is in Iowa– just like it is in most of the top of the country right now. This blog has stopped feeling like a conversation about frugality and more like a lecture.

By: SS

SS — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:57:54 +0000

Hi Trent,
Yes. I do this too!!!! I go to the thrift store
and don’t due to much damage. I will not buy
things new anymore such as clothes, furniture.
I bought my car new a few years ago-Jeep. There is nothing like a new Jeep. This is my first new car that I have gotten. I will have it for a long time. They last forever and easy to fix. But, everything else I buy used except cosmetics, etc.
All my furnishings and linens are bought at the
thrift store. I find some great things. I would
suggest doing some charity work. Help out some where and definitely take a walk not drive but
walk in the fresh air to get exercise. Even if
you sleep in your sweat outfit and go out in it
if you feel lazy. Just put on a coat, gloves,hat
and appropriate for your weather. Not if you are
going to get frost bite in some areas I hear they
are like Michigan. Just don’t go out. But if it
is safte take a walk. You will love it. Borrow a neighbors dog and ask if they will pay you to walk the dog. Start a dog walking service.
Exercise, Charity are my recommendations.Fresh Air. Walking is good for you. Hope this helps.

By: Moneyblogga

Moneyblogga — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:30:28 +0000

Sorry, but I think you have to allow yourself some “fun money”. Do you do that? You’ve been on your straight-n-narrow financial path for some three years now, I’ve been on mine for a year and it gets tough to keep telling myself that I can’t buy anything. I think you know enough now to determine where to draw the line and a purchase of something that makes you feel good here and there isn’t going to break the bank at this point. There is a difference between buying something that you will use/can afford and buying three of the same thing and filling your house with crap you don’t need. I’ve been on both sides of the fence and buying stuff for the sake of it is a symptom of a much larger problem. So you’re not perfect – none of us are.

By: Kaycee

Kaycee — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:21:52 +0000

Trent,

I love your blog and read it everyday. I even go back and read some posts over and over again when I need motivation. You have really helped me start to dig myself out of the financial hole that I created.

Please don’t ever think that what you write has no impact.

By: KellyB

KellyB — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:21:42 +0000

Trent,
Your posts touch MANY people (myself included) and many also consider you our favorite blogger. Just look at some of the posts above! If you don’t already, make a file of some of the most positive responses to your blogs, so you can go to it when you’re down and re-read the uplifting comments. You may also want to make a vidwo of your kids doing something funny so you can watchit and lift your spirits when needed. We all love you Trent! Keep up the GREAT posts.
Kelly

By: Lisa

Lisa — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:19:52 +0000

One of the reasons I truly appreciate your writing is that you can be so honest about not being perfect.

When I’m feeling down I read a LOT and that leads to buying more books. Books are good for you, right? At least that’s the line that makes it very easy to rationalize buying them. That and I buy them on sale. Its not *quite* an addiction . . . but there is definitely a trigger there.

By: Seth

Seth — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:16:52 +0000

The Apple headphones are crap. You should get some new ones. Spend $20-$150, but replace them. You won’t regret it.

By: beloml

beloml — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:03:14 +0000

North Face makes high quality cold weather gear, too. I wear my husband’s hand-me-down parka and it looks brand new. He got it for his 17th birthday, and he’s about to turn 40.

By: EngineerMom

EngineerMom — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:38:38 +0000

Great post!

As for exercising outside, I live in the Twin Cities, so I feel your pain! My husband and I made a very intentional purchase of good-quality cold-weather gear for this very reason. We both like to walk and run outside, and the only way to keep doing it through the winter here is to invest in the proper gear.

REI has several “scratch and dent” sales throughout the year, through which you can get some good gear for much less than it would normally cost. Each store also has a bulletin board in the entrance where people can post available and wanted gear. One of my coworkers got a really nice ski jacket from a poster for about $25 because the poster had lost weight and it no longer fit.

LandsEnd and LLBean are also good sources of quality gear – clothing, boots, etc., that are actually worth the price you pay for them. My mom is still wearing her LLBean down parka, and she bought it when I was in middle school! (I’m now 26)

Hope some of this is helpful to getting you out of the house.

Good luck in the icy weather!

By: f1owerprincess

f1owerprincess — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:36:15 +0000

When I get bummed out like you did, I do the same thing. It’s what my mom has always told me to do, go out around people and maybe buy a small something. I go out to the mall or the library. Sometimes I buy something, but my purchases are always relatively small ($25 or so) and give me a little pick-me-up, like a new lipstick or book. I thought a lot about this the last time it happened. It was before Christmas and I bought a couple things for gifts. I realized that part of the reason to go out is to be around other people. Like I said, I go to the mall. I can be all gloom & doom at home, but I don’t think many people can go to the mall or the library, where there are so many other people, and walk around scowling and feeling miserable. Well, you can feel miserable, but when you walk into a store and someone welcomes you, responding in a polite-not-bummed-out-friendly voice is required, and just a little bit of that can help you calm down.
I read The Happiness Project blog and she has written that people should try to act like they want to feel. This is true and I think this is why going to the mall or library or being with others is so helpful. Just being around other people, even if you don’t have a conversation or much interaction, can really help you adjust your attitude.
I guess that retail therapy can cause a problem, especially since it does not tie into the frugal life, but for me going out and sometimes spending $20 can be that boost every once in a rare while that I don’t get bummed nearly as often.

By: Daniela

Daniela — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:59:39 +0000

I do this as well, but i add food to the mix. I have been struggling with spending and eating for years now. when i get upset i go to the store or to a restaurant i really like but isn’t in the budget and i get something yummy and fastening and i eat way too much