When you have to justify a purchase, there’s a part of you inside that isn’t comfortable with it. That little voice inside your head telling you not to spend is a good thing and can help you stay out of spending trouble. The problem is, some people become very skilled at engaging in a mental battle with that voice or ignoring it altogether.

Assignment: The next time you catch yourself rationalizing a purchase, pay close attention to your mental dialogue.

It may go something like this:
It’s on sale (but I don’t really need it)
It doesn’t cost very much (but all those little purchases add up)
I can afford this (but I have another one like it at home already)

The more you practice spending in accordance with your instincts, the better you’ll get at making wise shopping decisions.

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I know that I shouldn't but I do.

I had gotten a little better at it after the first part of this project but I seem to be doing it all the time now.

Thanks for this step Kim! IT reminded me that even though I have most of my debt paid off that I still next to make wise decisions or I'll end up right back where I started!

Not for me but for my DH. I end up bringing him home things all the time. My Rationalization "He needs a little special treat he works hard at providing us all day" Not good enough but I still do it. I buy stuff for My DD, DH and even my Neice (DD gets all her handme downs) way before I buy for myself. I can rationalize spending for others but not for my wants even if its a heck of a sale.
So one of the things I like to do is set spending limmits for Wants If its even a dollar above my spending limit I can't rationalize it. Take Jeans and pants I won't spend over $20 So I really have to look.
We also Rationalize by useage. Take getting a video game. If its one that I know my DH or I will play then $60 might be worth it. DH has games that he has more the 300 hours vested in so thats like $0.20/hour so we rationalize it that way too.

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006 &

Organizer of the Coupon Clippers of Tacoma

I just had this argument in my head yesterday...twice! Once at CVS and the 2nd time at BJ's...I am happy to report that both times my instincts to NOT buy something won out And I was still just as happy.

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I am definately getting better at winning the arguements in my head! I used to just give in all the time - ever since the beginning of the year & actually when I started to post here on mommysavers a bit more, I have been doing much better & it makes me feel better, not only about my debt, but about myself!!!! Thanks Ladies!!!! I keep a lot of comments that I have read up in my head & when I am faced with different things, I remember them & I am all the better for it!!!

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"I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them." ~ Phyllis Diller

I fight this and win often now. I just keep the big picture in my head (our new home and being debt free) for a reference when I am feeling like spending just to spend.

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