Starting today, I'm giving up my wants.
After a particularly high credit card bill last month--for many valid reasons, including a trip to Disneyland and some medical bills that needed to be paid, but for also some pretty invalid ones, including shoes--I took a close look at this month's statement (so far) and highlighted everything that didn't need to be spent. I'll cut it to you straight, it was $410.92. That's not thousands of dollars or an impulse tv purchase or anything but it's a plane ticket, it's an extra car payment (and then some). It's a lot.
Now that Christmas is looming and my birthday is a mere nine days after that, there's no reason to spend $410.92 on anything I don't need. Gifts are coming! Gifts for others need to be bought! We still have a mortgage!
So, deep breath, through the end of the year, no more wants. That means no more shoes, no extra Blathering outfits, no impulse home decor purchase. I've done this before, with a lot of success, and I'm doing it again. This doesn't include some things that might be included on your wants list. Spending time with friends and the occassional family dinner out is considered a need, in my book, even if you think my book is made of lies. Still, whenever possible, I'm going to opt for the cheaper social option. Hosting a happy hour in my yard instead of at a pricey wine bar. Making a picnic family dinner, etc.
One other thing I'm going to start implementing is a work-out jar. Every time I work-out, I put a $1 in the jar. At the end of the year, that money is mine to spend guilt-free. (Please let it be more than $5.)
Want to join me in this no wants adventure?