Join Early Retirement Today
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-09-2007, 03:42 PM   #41
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,015
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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"!
Achiever51 is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-09-2007, 04:39 PM   #42
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 718
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

I just don't like to spend money. Not sure if that is a cure for you :
Mwsinron is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-09-2007, 04:42 PM   #43
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Cut-Throat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 1,172
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mwsinron
I just don't like to spend money.
What do you do with it?
Cut-Throat is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-09-2007, 04:51 PM   #44
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 718
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cut-Throat


What do you do with it?
Stick it in things that make it bigger.
Mwsinron is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-09-2007, 04:51 PM   #45
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
audreyh1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rio Grande Valley
Posts: 38,007
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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
__________________
Retired since summer 1999.
audreyh1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-09-2007, 05:09 PM   #46
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 582
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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.
__________________

WM is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 06:21 AM   #47
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 699
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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.

bpp is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 08:04 AM   #48
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Cut-Throat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 1,172
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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.
Cut-Throat is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 10:31 AM   #49
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 927
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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.
Caroline is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 10:45 AM   #50
Moderator Emeritus
W2R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 47,473
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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.
__________________
Already we are boldly launched upon the deep; but soon we shall be lost in its unshored, harbourless immensities. - - H. Melville, 1851.

Happily retired since 2009, at age 61. Best years of my life by far!
W2R is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 11:50 AM   #51
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
kaudrey's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Alexandria, Va
Posts: 1,053
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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.

__________________
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less travelled by...
kaudrey is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 01:32 PM   #52
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,252
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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.
LOL! is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 04:51 PM   #53
Full time employment: Posting here.
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 501
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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??
Enuff2Eat is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 05:28 PM   #54
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,252
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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.
LOL! is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 05:32 PM   #55
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
audreyh1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rio Grande Valley
Posts: 38,007
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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
__________________
Retired since summer 1999.
audreyh1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 06:32 PM   #56
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 133
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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

rw86347 is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 07:51 PM   #57
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 63
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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
Siv is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 08:29 PM   #58
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 184
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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 !

Delawaredave is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 09:11 PM   #59
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lawn chair in Texas
Posts: 14,183
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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...
__________________
Have Funds, Will Retire

...not doing anything of true substance...
HFWR is offline   Reply With Quote
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??
Old 04-10-2007, 09:31 PM   #60
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Spanky's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 4,455
Re: BUYING is such an addictive behavior and is there a cure for it??

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
__________________
May we live in peace and harmony and be free from all human sufferings.
Spanky is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Quick Links

 
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:30 PM.
 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.