I don’t know if you’ve figured this out about me or not, but I love shopping. I love exploring and finding unique pieces, whether that be fashion, décor, or just your mundane everyday boring things. I know there are people that hate it, like my Mom for instance, but I don’t know, ever since I was little I’ve always enjoyed it. I love trying out new things, and more recently, I love trying new brands that I’ve never had the chance to before.
As much as I love searching and buying new pieces, I feel like maybe I’ve been overdoing it these past couple of months. I wouldn’t say that I went overboard and gone completely Confessions of a Shopaholic, but I know that maybe I’ve been splurging a little more than I should. I don’t typically spend most of my money on eating out and things of that nature, but I do love picking up some items here or there, especially this year because of the pandemic. And recently, I’ve been telling myself I can make a blog post about it to justify that purchase. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve felt that by buying new items and writing a post about it has become an easy thing to fall back on, and I haven’t been challenging myself enough creatively. While I have loved the things I’ve picked up recently, I just feel it’s been time to take a step back and save some money for a little bit.
I’ve still been saving money in the last few months, but not as much as what I’ve wanted, so this past month I’ve challenged myself to go frugal and only spend money on essentials, like gas, groceries, and other fun things like that. I’ve been doing this for the last two weeks, and I must say there’s been a sense of clarity that has come from it. It’s been nice only spending money when I have to, and not when I want to. As fun as it is to buy something new, it’s been nice having the sense that my money is going towards the future. By taking a step back, I’m not constantly looking for the next thing I want and need, I’m content where I am. Sure there are a couple of things I want, but I feel like I have more self control to say no, I don’t need that right now, it can wait.
Taking a step back and reassessing, not feeling like I’m constantly pulling my card out to buy something new has been eye opening. I’m feeling more present where I am, and not focusing on what the next thing I want or need is. As easy as it is to just tell yourself yes “treat yo’self,” sometimes you have to say no and think of the big picture. I’m a take it one day at a time type of person, so sometimes it’s hard for me to do, but ever since going frugal it has been helping me to think more ahead.
Now this definitely doesn’t mean that my shopping is completely over. I’m still gonna shop, believe me! But taking a spending break has allowed me to rethink my spending habits and adjust accordingly. I don’t need to buy anything right in the moment, sometimes it’s good just to wait. I’m absolutely not going to be going frugal forever, but I think I’m going to give it a couple of more weeks, I guess until it’s driving me crazy! But as of right now, I’m content and there isn’t anything I so desperately need, ok…maybe a new gym bag, but self control baby, self control.
Thanks for stopping by on this random post about money and my spending habits. It can get awkward talking about money because everyone is different and their spending habits are different, but I just thought I’d share what’s been on my mind recently, and that’s been money and taking a step back from spending it.