You Know Jacques!

I have attempted a shopping ban a few times over the past few years, and I have failed.  I don’t think you can go hog wild on ceasing to shop all together unless you have a reasonable outline of what is allowed and what is not allowed, and you check in monthly for accountability.  I am feeling a lot more confident now in my ability to say no to shopping.  Part of the reason for my new found confidence is I realize how unimportant having material things are, and I have been practicing gratitude and I have a good understanding that I have some beautiful clothing, books, and stuff in general.  I honestly don’t need anything, besides my wee family.

Much of my inspiration came from Cait Flanders formerly known as “blonde on a budget” who paid off $30,000 of debt in two years. Reading her book “The Year of Less” opened my eyes to some of the reasons I used to shop so excessively. I would say five years ago I was definitely an emotional shopper.

Here is her book below and I highly recommend:

I have come a long way over the past five years where I would shop for the sheer joy of shopping and being able to have something new.  I wouldn’t even need anything new, and I would just mindlessly buy for the thrill of a deal.  You save 100% of your money when you don’t buy something on sale (I believe the Minimalists created this quote not verbatim).

I believe I have everything I could possibly need right now.  I was going to allow a new pair of sneakers to be added to the allowance list, but my Mom got me a pair for Christmas.  I am getting married June 15, 2019 and I already have my dress, and I do need a few things which I would be happy to borrow if I can, but may just buy if I have to, so these will be going on the allowance list too.  So, let’s see what is allowed.

My Christmas gift which I truly needed and will use below:

Allowance List for Shopping: 

• Necessities (groceries, feminine products, replacement mascara, replacement moisturizer, replacement hygiene products, cat food/litter)
• Gifts for others 
• If it helps the environment & reduces waste (for example, I am planning on buying reusable produce bags so I am not using the one use plastic bags they give out at grocery stores)
• Shoes/sandals for wedding dress
• Cover up shawl for wedding dress
• Might wear a veil for wedding
• Hairdresser appointments
• Second hand shopping for needed items (for example, a picture frame for a painting my friend painted of my two cats)
• Dinner out with friends (no more than once a month; can invite over for dinner too)
• One keep sake from each country Brian and I visit during our honeymoon (October 2019 is what we are aiming for)

Not Allowed:

• Hygiene products unless they are being replaced (including: toothpaste, body wash, soap, moisturizer, make-up, shampoo and et cetera…)
• Clothing (besides items for wedding)
• Books (borrow from library or friends and read the many books sitting on my book shelf which have not been read or completed)
• No more than one dinner out with friends
• No buying lunch no more than twice a month (as I have to be realistic and pay day is turkey dinner day at my cafeteria for a great price!)

 

At the beginning of each new month I will report my success or lack thereof….  The goal in not spending is to focus on paying down my debt, and using plus appreciating what I already have.  I also want to reduce the waste I produce as most of us are aware of the harm plastic is having on the environment, and most especially impacting our oceans and the life within our waters.  I believe the luster of shiny and new is becoming dull as we enter 2019.  As we strive for more work life balance and simplicity we are understanding how having a lot is more of a burden and tying us down with debt, clutter, chaos and confusion.  So, my shopping ban is a little more meaningful to me this year with what I hope to accomplish and my ability to not only improve my life, but the world.  

Plan to spend a lot of quality time with these two:

I will update sooner if I fail, otherwise I will be checking in at the end of the month.

Peace and Love, 

Rachel