I think that you've expressed how we have felt about our finances when we first got our jobs, and probably even well before that. It sucks when you realize that you can't be who you want everyone to think you are. When we're posting again, I'll link to this post, along with some of our history.
Thank you for sharing. It's difficult making those spending changes. I'm trying to do the same. A few months ago I too was living check to check. I've made small changes and they are beginning to slowly add up. So keep at it and you'll get there.
Amazing isn't it? I also make a decent living but I'm also living from paycheck to paycheck while some of my less well-off friends are buying homes. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
You're absolutely right about the dangers of binge spending on useless crap when there isn't a little leeway on our frugality. This principle reminds me of my exercise/diet obsessed friend. He has a cheat day once a week where he allows himself to eat whatever he wants -- guilt free. The cheat diet of steak, mounds of pasta and cheesecakes actually helps his training. The cheat day enables him to be good the rest of the week. The biggest benefit is that he'll stay dedicated to the diet/program longer because he isn't tempted to cheat all the time. Great advice Sarah!
my friend was looking for a jacket and found one he liked at Gap. but they didn't have his size. he actually found the exact one in his size on ebay for half the price (brand new).
Just last week I saw some really cool shoes at Macy's. But I knew they were over priced. I tried them on anyway knowing that I wouldn't buy it at Macy's. I went home, googled the shoes (as well as using shopping.com and pricegrabber.com) and found a much better deal for the same shoes at an online store.
The time spent at Macy's was invaluable, though, since you never really know if a pair of shoes will fit you right unless you try them on in person.
Don't forget to price match! Overstock has a best price guarantee, so take advantage if you find the same item cheaper. There are, of course, some restrictions but they seem pretty reasonable -- no sale items, exact model match, yada yada yada.
I really like Overstock's customer reviews. Reading customer reviews is a good idea when you shop for any online store, but it is especially the case when you are shopping on Overstock, where there are some terrible things mixed in with great items.
"When I think about the travelling I'll be able to do when my fiance and I are totally debt-free, or how awesome it will feel when we can buy our first home, passing on buying that third pair of boots is automatic"
Do you have any specific pictures in your mind when you think about this? For me, I like to visualize Zihuatanejo (the beach at the end of Shawshank Redemption) and the celebrity houses I see in Entourage.
Thank you for that beautiful reminder Sarah. I was listening to NPR last night and they did this story about how Hollywood actors and agents use gifts as a way to gauge their importance to the movie studios. In the end, they sullied the meaning of the holidays by turning it into one giant bribefest. Your message is important but too often forgotten.
I think that you've expressed how we have felt about our finances when we first got our jobs, and probably even well before that. It sucks when you realize that you can't be who you want everyone to think you are. When we're posting again, I'll link to this post, along with some of our history.
Unfortunately I only get two checks this month. I got three back in September.
Thank you for sharing. It's difficult making those spending changes. I'm trying to do the same. A few months ago I too was living check to check. I've made small changes and they are beginning to slowly add up. So keep at it and you'll get there.
how to be frugal books should always be in the .99 sale bin.
I'm guessing you are one of those lucky people hmmmm.... ?
Amazing isn't it? I also make a decent living but I'm also living from paycheck to paycheck while some of my less well-off friends are buying homes. Thank you for sharing your perspective.
You're absolutely right about the dangers of binge spending on useless crap when there isn't a little leeway on our frugality. This principle reminds me of my exercise/diet obsessed friend. He has a cheat day once a week where he allows himself to eat whatever he wants -- guilt free. The cheat diet of steak, mounds of pasta and cheesecakes actually helps his training. The cheat day enables him to be good the rest of the week. The biggest benefit is that he'll stay dedicated to the diet/program longer because he isn't tempted to cheat all the time. Great advice Sarah!
Heh. I like the link titles. :)
Try hovering your mouse over each link for a little Sarah-ism.
Great List & Great Website! I found your blog from the Carnival of the Students.
i loved the oculture website....i am going to sign up for the univeristy of chicago lectures. jennifer
my friend was looking for a jacket and found one he liked at Gap. but they didn't have his size. he actually found the exact one in his size on ebay for half the price (brand new).
I do this sometimes at B&M stores as well.
Just last week I saw some really cool shoes at Macy's. But I knew they were over priced. I tried them on anyway knowing that I wouldn't buy it at Macy's. I went home, googled the shoes (as well as using shopping.com and pricegrabber.com) and found a much better deal for the same shoes at an online store.
The time spent at Macy's was invaluable, though, since you never really know if a pair of shoes will fit you right unless you try them on in person.
Don't forget to price match! Overstock has a best price guarantee, so take advantage if you find the same item cheaper. There are, of course, some restrictions but they seem pretty reasonable -- no sale items, exact model match, yada yada yada.
Being poor is just a state of mind.
I really like Overstock's customer reviews. Reading customer reviews is a good idea when you shop for any online store, but it is especially the case when you are shopping on Overstock, where there are some terrible things mixed in with great items.
"When I think about the travelling I'll be able to do when my fiance and I are totally debt-free, or how awesome it will feel when we can buy our first home, passing on buying that third pair of boots is automatic"
Do you have any specific pictures in your mind when you think about this? For me, I like to visualize Zihuatanejo (the beach at the end of Shawshank Redemption) and the celebrity houses I see in Entourage.
Check to see if your pop up blocker is blocking it. Cheers!
The link works for me. Try this one (goes to the same page): http://personalshopper.com/jsp/SweetDeals/
seems to be broken. Is it an expired deal?
I found your link from the Carnival of the Vanities website. They generally point me to interesting posts and yours definitely did not disappoint. Ben
Thank you for that beautiful reminder Sarah. I was listening to NPR last night and they did this story about how Hollywood actors and agents use gifts as a way to gauge their importance to the movie studios. In the end, they sullied the meaning of the holidays by turning it into one giant bribefest. Your message is important but too often forgotten.