BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

[Achiever51]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords Most of the stuff I have is for the purpose of caring for the rest of the stuff I have...

Boy, is this true! We've got a garage full of "stuff needed for other stuff"!

[Mwsinron]

I just don't like to spend money. Not sure if that is a cure for you :

[Cut-Throat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mwsinron I just don't like to spend money.

What do you do with it?

[Mwsinron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cut-Throat What do you do with it?

Stick it in things that make it bigger.

[audreyh1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by modhatter Many people on this board have been sucessful it seems in living a frugal life style and denying themselves all the latest and greatest toys available out there. I simply like "new technology". I don't care about fancy cars, or clothes, or expensive restaurants but do have a hard time not spending money on new technology. Go figure.

Not necessarily extreme frugality. Rather more like streamline your priorities. If you only spend money on the very top priorities, and waste little on the rest, you're likely to come out way ahead financially and not feel deprived at all. And under that scenario you can probably afford to buy the best of the top priority stuff and still come out ahead.

IMO not overspending is more about making wise choices than anything. And recognizing the true cost of owning something (pssst - it's not just the initial $$$ spent).

We do not deny ourselves upgrading computers every 2 or 3 years and buying top quality, or having the latest camera body every 2 years. Why - because those are some of the things that make life worth living for us - we use the heck out of them, so why not have the best if we can afford it? Fortunately the older stuff can be sold on eBay and recoup 50% or better of our original cost.

But fortunately for us the "stuff" on the "must-have" list is very, very short. We only buy the things that really make a difference in our quality of life.

Audrey

[WM]

Another book that I found very helpful is Karen Kingston's "Clear your clutter with Feng Shui."

It will be a bit new-age for some, but I found it very helpful for looking at my stuff in a new way. And I was already not prone to collecting "stuff." The book is meant to help you clear out your home of things you don't need, but I think is also helpful going forward in helping you think about whether or why to buy new things.

[bpp]

Next time you get the urge to buy something, buy a mutual fund, or stock or bond. Which can also become addicting, actually, but shouldn't be damaging.

[Cut-Throat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mwsinron Stick it in things that make it bigger.

If you don't like to spend it, not to worry; Your heirs will take care of that 'problem' for you.

[Caroline]

I heard somewhere that the act of wandering the aisles shopping actually produces "feel good" wavelengths in your brain. (Alpah waves)

Anyway, the "cure" was to put your brain into that space in some other, less expensive way. The suggestion was that a long walk, a sauna, a couple games of solitaire, etc. would produce the same effect.

I like this idea better than the "cold-turkey" "just do it" "gut it out" approach...

Another thought... when I wanted to stop spending so much at Starbucks I got a big glass vase, put it on my desk, and tossed $3 into it every time I made coffee at home instead of going out. It was a great visual representation of just how much I'd been throwing away on my daily habit.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caroline Another thought... when I wanted to stop spending so much at Starbucks I got a big glass vase, put it on my desk, and tossed $3 into it every time I made coffee at home instead of going out. It was a great visual representation of just how much I'd been throwing away on my daily habit.

I love it!! What a great idea. And when your vase fills up, you can add the money in it to your nestegg and watch it grow.

[kaudrey]

I just don't like to spend money. Not sure if that is a cure for you.

----
I'm with you, mwsinron. I spend money on going to events or traveling, but other than that, I really don't.

I was dragged to a mall with a friend last month, and we were stopped by a kiosk lady trying to sell nail-care products. I let her demonstrate on me, and I actually liked the result. So then comes the hard sell, and I say I am not interested. We go back and forth for a little while, and she finally says, "why don't you want to buy this?"

My response: "Because I don't spend money." My friend was cracking up.

[LOL!]

About the only things I like to spend money on are mutual funds and ETFs. So if I have the urge to go shopping, I can usually find some asset class to purchase.

[Enuff2Eat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOL! About the only things I like to spend money on are mutual funds and ETFs. So if I have the urge to go shopping, I can usually find some asset class to purchase.

what do u do for fun or for food??

[LOL!]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enuff2Eat what do u do for fun or for food??

For food, I eat, but I make my spouse pay. For fun, I travel, ride my bike and coach/play competitive sports. I also have my employer pay for most of my travel and fun.

[audreyh1]

To me money itself is not valuable. It's a means, not an end.

If you have enough money where you don't have to work or worry about most financial catastrophes - that "buys" an inordinate amount of personal independence and freedom which are themselves highly desirable.

Money can buy some really neat experiences, although you can have some really neat experiences without spending much money at all. In this scenario money is more that you have the flexibility to spend it when it will enhance the experience.

Money can buy stuff. Most stuff is a wasted purchase.

Money can be used to help further things you believe in. Being able to gift money to causes you believe in can be very rewarding in itself.

Audrey

[rw86347]

Here is what I do...

1) Avoid TV ... The best and the brightest make effective commercials.

2) Avoid shopping.

3) When you want something try and see how cheaply you can aquire something. Make it a challenge/compitition.

Recently I wanted a new desk for my bedroom. So I found a crate made from 3/4" plywood, and used it for the top. Then I used metal from an abandonded sign for legs. After painting, welding, and urethane it acually looked great!!! It cost $0. I then splurged on a new pen and notebook for a job well done.

It amazes me how often I can get things close to free. You just have to tap your head ... "think! think! think!" Just like Winnie the Poo.

I also try and get other to depreciate the things I want. Like my daughters clothing is always used.

rw

[Siv]

You guys are bad influence....since becoming a member I felt like I've been influencing my husband as well not to spend and just be happy with what we have for example we work together so we always have lunch together...now we find this simple place, not so expensive but food is as great. For dinner when we're not cooking, we also go to reasonable place, not the fine dining type. And actually it's been very pleasant...the company is all it takes, simple meal with happy heart works magic.

Er...but be careful, there's the fine line between simple and stingy...sometimes I wonder if I would eventually become stingy for not liking to spend money. You know the outside view for someone who doesn't spend

I gotta admit buying is addictive. Buying stuff is different than buying funds, you get to touch it...with funds you can only see your excel file showing increases

[Delawaredave]

There's a cure: active hobbies and a meaningful life.

People are so lazy that consumption (food and stuff) has become a hobby/sport in itself.

Cycling: I see people spending all their time buying multiple bikes, accessories, upgrades, clothing - and they never ride !

The road bike I use today I bought in 1985. Get good gear, maintain it, keep it forever.

Get out there !

[HFWR]

I have a 10-spd racer (Fuji?) I bought at a yard sale 15yrs ago for $35 bucks + new tires and a seat.

Have a 12spd "mountain bike", found on Craig's List for $30 + a kickstand...

[Spanky]

stop watching commercials.
avoid shopping centers.
stay away from Best Buy or similar stores.
spend more time walking, biking, etc.
visit your local library more often.
put a stop sign (that says no shopping) on top of your ceiling