Resisting Temptation

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2008
Resisting Temptation
13
Tue, 11-03-2009 - 8:20pm
I don't know what it is, but I feel like I have been so tempted to spend money on frivolous things lately. I really wanted to go to Starbucks today to buy a "fancy coffee". Also I have been admiring my girlfriend's nails and have been pondering a manicure. I realize that I can make coffee at home, or do my own manicure for free. But, I am really struggling not to blow some cash.
As I am writing this, I really think that when I am working out my budget for next pay cheque (I get paid on Thursday)I need to put in some money to spend on myself. I think I need to treat myself or I risk completing not following a budget what so ever.
Do you have any indulgences that you allow for yourself? When you pay off your debt, do you think you will indulge in anything that you deprive yourself of now? Have you cut anything out of your budget that you really miss?


Edited 11/3/2009 8:22 pm ET by sillycanadian





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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
Tue, 11-03-2009 - 9:30pm

You must allow yourself some indulgances. Even if it is a $4 coffee you know you can make a home.


I love diet coke.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2005
Wed, 11-04-2009 - 8:33am

Going out to lunch with friends. I really miss just making a phone call and planning a lunch date with my girlfriends.

I do still go on occasion but usually it's when they invite me and offer to treat. So I maybe go three or four times a year.

stacy

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Wed, 11-04-2009 - 9:31am

I think that you must must must have some money set aside that you can do what you want with. Otherwise you are going to drive yourself completely insane.


I think I am going to start putting aside 25% of "found" money (bonuses, Christmas presents etc) as ME money. This way it won't blow my budget and when I feel the need to splurge a little, I can. I also set aside $10 a week for ME money. I generally let it accumulate and then when I want to go to dinner or buy a shirt I can!


Hope this helps!


Bex -


"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift -thats why its called the present."


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Wed, 11-04-2009 - 10:05am

It's so funny that you

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 08-24-2007
Wed, 11-04-2009 - 12:40pm

I, too, think you need to get that coffee and allow yourself a few indulgences.

Kate


empty purse

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Wed, 11-04-2009 - 1:13pm
Thanks Kate.

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Wed, 11-04-2009 - 7:54pm

It seems like a splurge and treat to me although the cost is not that much.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-27-2009
Thu, 11-05-2009 - 7:59am

I admit that most of my indulgences are unplanned. I am actually very bad with budgets and, while I do believe sanity actually costs, I do not reliably set money aside to do so. I greatly acknowledge that the few times I have the opportunity to be social, I must indulge (as how often do those opportunities come my way!). However, I have trouble making a set budget for anything, let alone my indulgences.

I can say what my indulgences are, though. I do switch around but a few regulars pop up: books (clearance section at Indigo Books, love!), a television season (at times, dirt cheap at Walmart), music downloads and a new lipstick. Perfume also is high on my list, but only gets indulged in once or twice a year since so many places are scent-free.

Lipstick is my easiest to justify: I wear makeup to work and hide a lip "defect" under lipstick, so it is an essential part of my makeup routine. And there is a wonderful high from a new lipstick that can make the ugliest girl feel, well, sexy! Great boost but over-priced. When did they become $10 a tube?

Music downloads are also great. I have an account on a site that allows you to make a wishlist, so when I hear I song that I end up humming, I put it on my wishlist. Then, when I am feeling low, I'll purchase either a portion or the whole list according to budget. I also get a funky high from this because who doesn't get pumped from a good playlist? My new purchases are all songs I already love and I show up to work (or home) all pumped and happy. I also justify this sometimes because I have a 1.5 hour bus ride each way and cannot get a seat, so my hands are busy holding my bags and the railing. Music is my only entertainment for that long (FYI, I tried daydreaming and I missed my transfer ;)

But the music one is great because it is not only a guaranteed hit (only favourites downloaded, after all) but it can fit my budget from ~$1.50 (one song) to ~$40 for my whole wishlist if it's been a while. So I may not be good at budgeting indulgences, but I am good at picking reasonable ones ;)

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Thu, 11-05-2009 - 10:51am

Much to my surprise, I walked into my in-laws house a couple of weeks ago and they had bought a Wi.

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


Avatar for cathiann
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Thu, 11-05-2009 - 11:11am

Frequent lurker here to say you have to allow yourself an indulgence now and then or you will never stick with your plan.

Surviving Middle & High School

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