Comments on: Emotional spending

By: ConsciouslyFrugal

ConsciouslyFrugal — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:32:11 +0000

*Raises hand.* Me too, sister. Me too. Perhaps one day my coping skills will involve exercising and volunteering, but right now…? Oy. Baby steps.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:11:16 +0000

I too find that when I’m in the dumps a bit I tend to eat out more (or order in more) and the bills start piling up. I agree that being aware of what you’re doing can be the big turning point in stopping the activity. Before when I would eat out rather than cook at home due to being in the dumps I didn’t realize that it was because of my emotions.

I will still eat out or have a few unnecessary beers if I’m having a rough week but I know that’s what I’m doing and I’m much more conscious of the monetary aspect. There are times when you need to let your emotions dictate your actions and times when you need to be rational.

By: Mercedes

Mercedes — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:16:39 +0000

I do the exact same thing! Although I eat out AND go shopping more. So I guess it is sorta a double whammy! But like you said, recognizing the problem is the first step. Tonight is the night I’m going to try and turn that around. I’m resolving not to eat out any more than once a week for the rest of the month. This includes lunches and dinners, and if I feel like a shopping excursion, I’m forcing myself to do some push-ups or sit ups. It’s good to know that other people go through the same ups and downs we each have.

Good luck to you!

By: Frugal Dreamer

Frugal Dreamer — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:30:34 +0000

You are absolutely right about the whole awareness thing! You have the power to be in control & change it :) I think we’re all guilty of this, and we can all justify nearly anything we ‘want.’ Good luck to you on this new challenge of yours!

By: Dedicated

Dedicated — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:59:06 +0000

I do the same thing! The bad thing is, I know it, I see it when it is happening and I feel powerless to change direction.

Although, I notice with age or financial stability I find the moments few and farther in between. Not to mention, they last only a fraction of the time they did in my younger years.

By: James@capitalcouplesfinance.com

James@capitalcouplesfinance.com — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:57:29 +0000

Yeah…I know what you mean…or maybe I don’t. It’s more like we get him with some big unbudgeted expense and we’re like “what’s another meal out?” And for the rest of the month we spend like crap and it totally feeds into more spending. The trick is just nipping it in the bud right away (not that I’m any good at it). Don’t beat yourself up over it–you’re not perfect and itrs not like your entire spending plan is ruined because of a couple days. I’m sure you know this intellectually, but sometimes it does good to hear it from others. Hang in there!