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MOMA

August 20th, 2007 at 01:31 am

1. The "someday/maybe" list...things I want to buy go on a list (some items are on paper, but mostly I just add things to my "wish list" at amazon.com). Only if I keep on thinking about buying things after a long time do I usually buy them.

2. Consider buying used. I buy most of my books and furniture used, and a good portion of my clothes and some of my appliances. Lingerie, walking shoes, and electronic devices are the main categories of durable goods that I always buy new.

3. If I can get it for free, I do so. I make a lot of use of the library! And if I can borrow a rarely used item from a friend, or rent it for a day (eg., heavy duty steam cleaner), or barter for it (minor home repairs for tax assistance), those are also ways of getting things without shelling out $$.

4. If I'm going to give in and buy something new, I check out prices on the internet, and I also check to see if a coupon code is available. Today I ordered "yoga toes" for some persistent foot problems I've been having--they're about $50 on the web, but a quick search garnered me a $15 coupon code, so the cost is $35. (And given the good reviews these get--albeit without any formal scientific evidence--I'm hoping these hope me avoid more expensive trips to the podiatrist, orthotics, etc.

5. Keep track of what you spend regularly. I *do* struggle with the spending demon, especially insofar as spending too much on groceries and eating out. Keeping careful track of these categories is somewhat helpful in keeping my spending in line...I tell myself that I can wait another 10 days or whatever until it's time to refill the food budget envelope again (given that the larder is full). Since it's usually a relatively short time to wait, I can do so without depriving myself of my favorite indulgenes.

6. And, as others have said, pay off the credit cards monthly and put something aside for savings every month.

3 Responses to “MOMA”

  1. Amber Says:
    1187577386

    My favorite from this list is buying used, you can not beat this

  2. boomeyers Says:
    1187580297

    Wow! What a great list! Smile

  3. fern Says:
    1198782264

    I am very much with you on your list, the whole thing.

    About a year ago i just decided that much as i love to spend a sunday a.m. browsing at border's, i can no longer justify buying new books. They're just way too expensive.

    I've also been buying used clothing here and there, mostly from necessity due to a modest income.

    I'm afraid though, cus this has happened before, that when my income rises, my spending rises. I give in to all the temptations i've been staving off for so long when i start my new job. I may give in to some of those temptations cus totally depriving myself forever is nearly impossible, but i mostly hope to keep spending at current levels so i can invest/save that much more. I'm on a schedule to retire sooner rather than later, so no time for getting bogged down!

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