Hey There,
I swear my pay check just vanishes into thin air each month, (Is this just me?). It literally reaches my account and bounces right back out again. Not only do I spend most of my time spending my money in my head before it hits my account, but I seem to burn a hole into my card each month. With it being a New Year, still living back at home, and still in my student credit card, I thought it was about time I sorted my little piggy bank out.
I’m not sure what I spend my money on. I may buy the odd outfit or cosmetic, but when I really think about it, I’m not spending hundreds funding my shopping addiction. So the only conclusion I have come to is FOOD! It must be food, as my waist is the only thing getting bigger, not the contents of my room….Actually who am I kidding, it’s shopping, (And food). I need to think skinny waist, and dollar bills $$$.
Spending bans just don’t work for me, and anyway I’m looking at this more long term than short term. I’m thinking, spending cut! My plan is to spend less on material things, and more on the memories, while also saving and paying of debts, (I can do this!). Why have ten pairs of jeans when I can go to France for a weekend? Why order a take away when that £30 can go in the ISA. I’ve already broke down my in goings and outgoings, as my first point of budget control, and now it’s time to set my spending cut principles in to place!!
NO IMPULSE BUYS
This is probably going to be my biggest test, as this is probably what I’m worst at. If I see an item of clothing I want, I’m going to leave it, try and find an alternative in my wardrobe, and if not live by a 3 day rule. If I still want it after 3 days, and I mean, I haven’t stopped thinking about it, and I’m visually piecing outfit ideas together in my head, then I can go back and buy it, (Maybe try and find a discount code first).
If I run out of mascara, or concealer, I NEED to replace it, but if it’s a lipstick or eye shadow I need to consider that a luxury. I may have to avoid all high end blog posts these next few months, just for precaution measures. But if I find myself lusting over a high end product, I’ll hunt for a high street dupe first.
ONLY BUY SALE ITEMS
If my favorite jeans get ripped or my boots fall apart, then I’m thinking its OK to shop, not just because I want the pair I’ve seen on a fashion blogger. In most cases I can go on a site like ASOS, and find something pretty decent in their sale, and that is normally ALL year around. And there’s always clothes swapping with friends for those special occasions.
ANY LEFTOVERS GO IN TO THE BANK
Normally by the month end, I’m scraping the pennies together. On occasion I may have the odd £30.00 left, and instead of putting that into savings, I spend it on something random, which probably sits in my wardrobe or make up drawer, never to be see again…Or probably a Chinese which just sits on my thighs. My priorities need fixing up.
TIPS ARE FOR TREATS
In the Beauty world, tipping isn’t as expected or the ‘norm’ as it is with hairdressers and waiters, but I can collect myself a fair amount each week, and with these extra pounds, I’ll be buying any items of my wishlist. As I kinda think of tips as not my money, (If that makes sense).
I’ve already switched my food shop from Sainsburys to Aldi’s, as although Sainsburys is very convenient for me, Aldi costs me something silly like 40-50% less. The only downfall is it doesn’t sell everything I need.
The idea is that I’m changing my spending habits, so I can say ‘yes’ to more social things like holidays and getaways, and ‘no’ to buying for the sake of it. By doing my budget plan each month, I can make sure I am on top of things. I don’t want to end up looking at money negatively.
How will you be saving money this year? Do you have any tips for me? Will you take up any of my tips?
Lots of love,
KBxx
