Remember my decision (here) to see how far I can go into 2013 without unnecessary spending? Well, I struggled with temptation in the drive-thru line at McDonald's yesterday.
Still fighting Matthew's flu (he's much better, thank you), I told Elizabeth a $1 Mickey D's sweet tea would make me feel better.
I finally found $1 in the bottom of my purse but didn't have the nickel for tax. Elizabeth found a nickel and said, "Is this really what you want to do, Mom?"***
Oh dear, I suddenly remembered my non-buying decision. With a big sigh of relief that I didn't blow it on January 4.
Here's something I've discovered about my decision. Temptation is on every corner.
1. Emails from Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Lowe's, Macy's, you name it and they've got my email address. I've spent this week sending "Unsubscribe" messages to the tempters.
2. Ads on Facebook, CNN, and our local newspaper online. Can't get rid of them, have to train my eyes to look away :)
3. The mail - it's full of ads! I have to chuck those ads before they nab me.
4. Elizabeth works at Martin's grocery store, and it's so easy when I drop her off for work to run in and pick up a few items we need. Problem: Martin's is the highest priced grocery store in the area. Gotta break that habit.
I bought myself a book for Christmas titled "Saving Savvy" by Kelly Hancock. Whatever she says, I'm going to do it!
So I'm living and learning as I make my way through the reality of spending temptations. What's your biggest shopping temptation?
Hugs ~ Mary
*** The kids and I visited McDonald's daily in 2012, spending an average of $8 each visit = @ $2,000. I know me - if I let go and spend even $1 there, I'll be right back where I started with that temptation - in trouble!
*** The kids and I visited McDonald's daily in 2012, spending an average of $8 each visit = @ $2,000. I know me - if I let go and spend even $1 there, I'll be right back where I started with that temptation - in trouble!
Congratulations to you for avoiding temptation so far! I guess I'm lucky in that regard because I hate shopping. Well, except for Kindle books. Yeah, I guess that's my biggest shopping temptation!
ReplyDeleteOH my, that's a deal that you can't miss out on:) $1 is OK to spend! Have a blessed day dear friend! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteMcDonald's is my biggest temptation, and daily spending habits at the drive-thru were out of control last year - so I have to fight against the temptation there! HUGS! Mary
DeleteMake your sweet tea a little reward for a week of non-spending. $1.00 is OK if you saved a bunch of dough. Then again, there are copycat recipes out there. I know its not the same but better than nothing, I guess. Ask for McDonald's gift certificates for the next special occasion. xo
ReplyDeleteMary during the summer my biggest temptation was McDonald's sweet tea. Just a dollar and such a big cup! Still it's a habit I need to break. Not as tempting in the winter for me. I'm proud of you and yes we are bombarded with temptations to spend, spend, spend! I have realized there isn't really much I NEED and so that helps me my money in my purse!
ReplyDeletehugs, Linda
One thing we changed about 4 years ago was NO FAST FOOD. Even on road trips, we take healthier food along. Not only does it save $$$, but inches.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I did for calories, but it helps with $$$ is to only eat quality chocolate. That way I'm not tempted to pick up a candy bar. If I really want chocolate it has to be Sees of Godiva and neither are things you do a quick splurge on.
Good luck!
I know what you mean! Once you make an excuse to spend on something that is not necessary, it just makes it easier to rationalize the next time. Your Elizabeth is a very mature, wise girl!
ReplyDeleteI am so with you in the endeavor to stop spending and start saving. I also spent time, yesterday, "unsubscribing" to all of the emails touting "deals". One of my most dangerous areas is the great deals at Walgreen's, and other drug stores. It gets to be addictive. I end up spending to "save", and end up with lots of stuff I don't really need. One day I saw a woman and her adult daughter, buying a shopping cart full of items fo, and with, Register Rewards. She told me she buys ten newspapers, and she and her daughter cut out the coupons and each buy five of everything that would be free or low cost every week. They bought most of the available stock. It dawned on me that this activity is greedy and can become compulsive behavior. It is fine to get a great deal on things we really need, but when it becomes a compulsive behavior, we need to simplify! In the long run, I think we can save much more, if we stick to the necessities.
nancyr
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ReplyDeleteOh my the temptations! I think my biggest temptation is the Home Depot right now. We just bought a house and have so many projects we want to get started on but I have to pace myself and plan everything out. I have been a hard core "budgeter" but it's been tough lately. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for the sweet comment on my blog!
ReplyDeletegood job!!!! I am avoiding fast food places because I have to give up the sodas and sodium. I am giving myself one yummy Coke Zero a week ~ a very large one! : )
ReplyDeleteYou are right about all of the spending temptations out there.. I work at Michaels and I spend my paycheck there each week. : )
Good for you Mary and how wise of Miss Elizabeth to question it..She recognized that giving in to a $1.00 purchase could lead to another and another..Thrift stores and Dollar stores seem to be my worst weaknesses..Could I borrow Miss Elizabeth to shop with me for awhile??..lol..I also need to get rid of so much of the online junk mail..I'm glad to hear that Matthew is feeling better!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for rethinking it. McD's sweet tea is one of my favorites too. But my biggest temptation is ordering craft supplies online. I will try working on that this year too.
ReplyDelete