It happens to me all the time.
I gradually become more and more free with my spending until I’m on the verge of compromising my investing goals. It starts with the little things, a pack of gum purchased at a convenience store instead of at Costco (at three times the price). Then I forgo the brown bagging it and eat lunch out one day as a “treat.” Oh, and there’s a new romance novel. Yes, I could borrow it for free from the library but just this once… Before I know it, I’m burning through my two week allowance in a couple of days.
I think a lot of us have this problem. I think that might be why most North Americans are in debt. We don’t spend in big chunks, we build up the spending until we can’t pay for it all.
Luckily, I have the cash allowance restraining me. I also have a once a year money panic as the hubby and I prepare for my summer writing time off (on Thursday, thank goodness). January, after the holiday spend, is another period of natural spending pull back.
But I must still deal with spend creep. What do I do? I go cold turkey. No “treats” for a week or two. This forced deprivation resets my expectations. Like a purging or fasting. Still wanting to feel like a princess, I look for other free ways (like borrowing 30 books from the library). These creative solutions are like games for me. How to do it for less.
Then I start small again.
Is it the best solution? I don’t know. I know it does work for me. What do you do?