Now I know plenty of people (mostly girls) out there who do this on a regular basis, but I am coming across more and more of us who have a really difficult time spending money on ourselves and I'm just wondering -- how much is too much and how little is not enough. I went shopping tonight with a friend for a bachelorette party on Friday and she said that she hasn't bought herself clothes in years for the most part. And I thought I was bad!
This is what happens when you have a mortgage, furniture to buy and all of that good stuff. But shouldn't there be a reason to splurge on yourself without feeling like you could be spending that money in another, possibly more rationale place?
I'm not sure that I know the answer to this one. Well actually I'm sure that I do not know the answer, but here's what I do know. Any time I buy something for myself, I feel guilty. Or at least 60% of the time...every time (I know you all saw that one coming- sorry...it was wide open). And then I'm always confused when some of my girl friends go out and go shopping and feel great. So again, I ask, how do you find a happy medium with this? For those of you reading this who do not shop, I hope that you start to take long romantic walks on the beach to appease yourselves. Seriously. Get out of the house every one in a while. Even if you find malls repulsive at least there is a food court and pretty much a guarantee of a free sample at one of the chinese food places. I eat that $%^& up every time ;)
Goodnight!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Ok here is my take on shopping...and I am broke so you might not want to listen to me but here it goes:
ReplyDeleteAs long as you can put enough money aside to pay your bills, rent, etc. Maybe put a little away. And then why not spend the rest on YOU. You work hard to earn this money, why not enjoy it a little? I mean, yeah we need to think about our futures..but what about the here and now? You could die tomorrow, so how about enjoying a new pair of shoes or a purse TODAY.
I say if you have it to spend, then spend away. Just don't leave yourself in debt. Credit cards are BAD. But shopping is good, if done correctly. :)
Everyday, I go to the fruit stand by my apartment and I buy myself a single raisin. Just as a little treat to myself. Just to say myself 'Saul, good job today.'
ReplyDeleteIt gets me by.
Well, here it goes:
ReplyDeleteI like to shop. I like clothes, shoes, accessories, all that jazz. And I generally never feel guilty about spending the money. And this is why.
Each month I pay my bills, rent, whatever else needs attention. I'm left with a sum of money that is used towards food, gas, savings and then "whatever." I understand what you are saying about feeling guilty about spending it on yourself. The way I find a happy balance is that when I got out and splurge on myself, chances are I will see something I know someone will like, so I'll get it. It doesn't have to be expensive or anything, but I almost always think of others when I'm out shopping. Or I'll splurge on myself with a nice meal (I mean, I like food, and wine, and such things), which means I bring company with me or have them over (I'm talking not going dutch or anything here, my treat kind of thing.)
Also, as you know, I run a lot of races. A good chunk of my money goes towards the sign up fees for these races as well as fundraising. And because of this, when others participate in charitable events, I will donate to their cause. So it almost works out that for every outfit (not really an entire outfit but a couple pieces) I donate to charity -- whether through my participation or donations to others. And while these do not directly come back to me, I feel like these are also splurges on myself. Signing up for runs keeps me active and healthy. Donating to charity could help me one day if they find treatments/cures/etc.
So that's my take. That's why I don't feel bad. I try to balance and frankly, I do the work, I SHOULD reap some benefit.
Spoil, hmmm...
ReplyDeleteI like to spoil the people around me... It doesn't leave much for myself afterwards. I do plan on it though. It's a plan quite a bit of time in the making, but in the end, I'll probably go the way of spoiling others anyway.
That's just the way I am...