How do you learn to spend again???

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
How do you learn to spend again???
12
Sun, 01-17-2010 - 5:04pm

Well, I am in the best financial position of my adult years. I still have debt (car, student loans that my dad pays, mortgage and appliances) but everything else is (finally) paid. I will be getting a large tax refund this year (somewhere between $2000 and $3000 that will pay off the appliances and fully fund all savings)


One of the things I gave up in my quest to be debt free was my gym membership. I have an opportunity to buy one through my work for about $340 for the year. That is the lowest price available (including the YMCA and Rec Centre) and is the same gym my friends go to.


I have the cash available to do it but it means that I won't be able to increase my savings by that much.


Bex -

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-24-2007
Sun, 01-17-2010 - 5:16pm

I struggle with this all the time and was having a conversation with my daughter about it on Friday night.

Kate


empty purse

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2008
Sun, 01-17-2010 - 5:45pm

Maybe think about it as being less than $7/week to socialize with your friends and possibly make some new ones! Throw in the benefit of keeping active...well worth it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-2008
Sun, 01-17-2010 - 6:44pm

Bex,


I'm not implying that any of my remarks apply to you, only to gym memberships in general.


I have countless friends who really regret their gym membership contracts and are anxious for their memberships to expire.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Sun, 01-17-2010 - 6:54pm

Thanks for your thoughts!


I can't go on pay as you go because of the nature of the deal (its a special through work). I am not concerned about using the gym because when I had


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Sun, 01-17-2010 - 8:41pm

You spent money on both a car and new appliances this year, so I doubt you have really lost the ability to spend, you are just more cautious and less free wheeling with your money, which is a really good thing.
Your health is part of your four walls, and if the health club at a $340 fee is what like to keep you healthy it is part of your four walls. Besides it has been shown that endorphins are released upon exersize that can help your immune system and mental capacity, so have a great time at that gym and do a few laps for me!
-Marie




iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2009
Sun, 01-17-2010 - 8:43pm
I would say go for it. I have a gym membership and I try to go 2x a week to make it worth it. We live in MN and it is nice to be able to work out

Liz

student loan paid off 2010

Bathroom remodel loan paid off 2013

Pending Car loan to be paid by the end of 2014!!!!!

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2003
Mon, 01-18-2010 - 2:36am

I have a Y membership and that runs quite a bit more than you

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Mon, 01-18-2010 - 8:30am
You know Marie its so funny that you mention the appliances. I was thinking about that after I wrote and it seems so LONG ago. I feel like my life has changed so MUCH since then. I guess it has in reality. And that was only 5 months ago. Egads!

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
Mon, 01-18-2010 - 8:35am

I can see your hesitation about spending for the gym membership.

Norma


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


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
Mon, 01-18-2010 - 1:29pm

I think it is a phase thing. I go through cycles. Sometimes I spend very little. I can go a week without spending a dime. And sometimes I lose my mind. When I get a house I will lose my mind decorating it. I'll still feel guilty but I will do it anyway. Hey do your remember that lady(I think she was a nurse) that used to be on the board? She worked as a nurse and her husband was a dentist or something and he was opening his own practice and she was nervous about him doing so. Anyway, she was working for him but not for pay. She put her time in and bought rugs and art for the walls. I would love to work for rugs and art for the walls.(just need some walls and floors now LOL)

Get the membership. You will use it. I can tell.(I like what Norma said about breaking it down by week)


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