Come up with Coping Mechanisms

Take a look at the prior assignment. Now that you’ve identified some of your thoughts, moods, and situations that get you into trouble when spending money, you can come up with some alternate coping mechanisms. Here are some tips:

Stuck in a Rut
Stuck in a rut? Some people are tempted to get new clothing, furniture and accessories to help them dig themselves out of a funk. Instead, shop within your own home and use your creativity to find new ways to use what you have. Try people watching to get fashion ideas that incorporate what you already have. Move your furniture around or try changing out photos/wall décor with other pieces you already have to liven up a room.

Relaxation and Recreation
If you’re shopping for relaxation and recreation, try to find other less expensive ways to unwind. Go for a walk, take a hot bath, listen to soothing music, or get together with a friend over coffee. If you shop with your family on the weekends, find other entertaining activities that don’t cost as much. Take your kids to the park or the library instead of the mall or try a new hobby like Letterboxing.

Shop with a List
When you do shop for items deemed necessary, stick to a list. Only bring enough cash to cover what’s on your list to eliminate the ease of putting those extras on plastic. Don’t let sales tempt you into buying things you don’t need. Instead, channel your bargain-hunting to more practical activities such as grocery shopping or buying things that you need instead of things that you want.

Restaurant Lure
Eating out is a huge temptation not only because it cuts down on household chores, but it’s a great social activity as well. Try to have your freezer stocked with meals you can pull out, thaw, and cook. Keep your pantry stocked with ingredients to make meals that can be made in just minutes (such as spaghetti sauce and noodles). Having a meal plan can also help keep you organized and avoid the take-out temptation. If you’re hitting the restaurants to socialize and spend time with friends and family have a snack or eat beforehand; then just order an appetizer or dessert.

Assigment: Come up with ways to cope with common temptations and moods that get you into trouble. Share some here, and help other moms who are tempted by the same things.

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Those are some really great tips I have used a few of them in the past. The making a list thing seams to work really well for me when I do it.


Yes I already know that the best plan for me is to do complete meal planning. Plan my menu, shop, and Cook. The Restaurant lure is more then likely my biggest temptations. My biggest reason to eat out is that I am not prepared to eat in. My kitchen might be a mess, too tired to cook, too hot too cook. The best bet is to start the meal before DH comes home. So I am not sure is lazyness is a mood but it sure is my big reason not to cook. I feel fortunate that I have my hobbies and that can help I bring my knitting everywhere it gives me something to do. I have no problem on a rainy day going to the mall just to let my DD play because I have something to do other then shop. BTW I leave my Wallet at home when I go to the yarn shop its just too tempting.
Still I think for me its boredom that gets me shopping. What I shop for is generally stuff for others and not myself. Shopping for myself is depressing I have the issue that clothes just don’t fit right. I would be in trouble if someone ever open a specialty store for busty gals.
Take my Grocery shopping I almost always go down every Isle. Not because I need something but because its something to do.
Shopping with someone seams to help it eliminates the boredom and makes it a social occasion. Shopping late at night alone or on the weekend without DD helps It’s a all business trip then get in and get out.
Having a target thing you are looking for helps. So if its birthday gift for sister you don’t pick up or look at things that wouldn’t be a birthday gifts.
Shopping needs a direction and a purpose be in exercise, social or looking for things you need or at least have planned for and budgeted to purchase

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006 &

Organizer of the Coupon Clippers of Tacoma

I just wanted to add that a couple of the things of my list of 100 also help me spend less: Exercising and Eliminating Caffeine. I'm trying healthy ways to unwind (caffeine made me jittery) devoting extra time exercise rather than shopping.

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My best advice to spending mindlessly is to work. This year I have been working and I don't have the time to spend money. The only problem is you don't have time to cook dinner either most of the time.

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A Family of 5's quest to forget the Joneses.