How I'm Tricking Myself Into Spending Money
JK. This is more "how I'm assuaging the guilt I feel when I spend money, even on well thought out purchases." That was too long of a title, though.
I loathe shopping - the exception is for outdoor gear at REI. The experience of in-person shopping makes me cringe, and I don't like spending money on unnecessary things.
After what was likely too much deliberation, I decided to buy two things last week:
-a casual watch so I don't have to look at my phone to check the time (must read: How to Break Up With Your Phone) Requirements: water-resistant, wipeable, less than $50. Price: $34.00
-a bag to replace the six year old one I have now with a broken zipper. Requirements: gray or black; able to fit my water bottle, Kindle, and a snack (the things I never leave home without); less than $50. Price: $43.47.
The watch and purse I decided on met all of my requirements, but I still felt guilty spending the money. Do I really, truly need these things? I should be saving the money instead.
BAM. I gasped. (For real). I can do BOTH! I ordered both items... and then transferred $77.47 into my emergency fund.
I did this again few days later after going out to eat with a friend. I couldn't wait to transfer the $17.16 into my savings account on the subway ride home! Green curry, my taste buds and emergency find thank you.
Maybe this wouldn't work for people who need to reign in their spending because you're getting positive feedback for doing the thing you're trying to avoid.
But, I know I'm an overly cautious spender so this won't create a bad habit for me. Now the occasional meal out and planned purchases don't give me anxiety. I've already spent the time assessing the necessity of it, researching options, and making a decision that aligns with my values.
In saving the same amount of money I've spent on something, it's like I'm giving myself permission to enjoy the purchase. And damn, does it feel good!
I loathe shopping - the exception is for outdoor gear at REI. The experience of in-person shopping makes me cringe, and I don't like spending money on unnecessary things.
After what was likely too much deliberation, I decided to buy two things last week:
-a casual watch so I don't have to look at my phone to check the time (must read: How to Break Up With Your Phone) Requirements: water-resistant, wipeable, less than $50. Price: $34.00
-a bag to replace the six year old one I have now with a broken zipper. Requirements: gray or black; able to fit my water bottle, Kindle, and a snack (the things I never leave home without); less than $50. Price: $43.47.
The watch and purse I decided on met all of my requirements, but I still felt guilty spending the money. Do I really, truly need these things? I should be saving the money instead.
BAM. I gasped. (For real). I can do BOTH! I ordered both items... and then transferred $77.47 into my emergency fund.
I did this again few days later after going out to eat with a friend. I couldn't wait to transfer the $17.16 into my savings account on the subway ride home! Green curry, my taste buds and emergency find thank you.
Maybe this wouldn't work for people who need to reign in their spending because you're getting positive feedback for doing the thing you're trying to avoid.
But, I know I'm an overly cautious spender so this won't create a bad habit for me. Now the occasional meal out and planned purchases don't give me anxiety. I've already spent the time assessing the necessity of it, researching options, and making a decision that aligns with my values.
In saving the same amount of money I've spent on something, it's like I'm giving myself permission to enjoy the purchase. And damn, does it feel good!
Comments
Post a Comment