tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post1679379023978637323..comments2024-02-05T00:16:50.221-05:00Comments on Loulou's views: Dependently wealthyLoukiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03066879990007701379noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-73442297707931445582011-06-21T21:02:43.675-04:002011-06-21T21:02:43.675-04:00This is a hugely refreshingly honest post. Well s...This is a hugely refreshingly honest post. Well said, and while I don't have AS bad of spending as you, I love shopping and often shop when I know I shouldn't. <br /><br />Shopping DOES make me happy. I don't know how it works that way but it does, and there is no denying it. Even a small purchase of a new lipgloss can make me feel wonderful. <br /><br />But, I do budget, and I also do things like list old books on half.com and consider buying used ones on there before even stepping foot into the store for a new one.Chrissy MacCEO/JerseyShoreFamshttp://www.lifeasaceo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-28714345910167609722011-06-08T01:52:48.503-04:002011-06-08T01:52:48.503-04:00Oh boy, good luck! I admire your commitment to mak...Oh boy, good luck! I admire your commitment to making a change. That's no easy task! I don't have any super helpful advice, because I tend to overthink purchases and, therefore, underspend. But I think you should definitely avoid stores!!! Seeing = wanting. Good luck!!!Shannon @ AnchorMommyhttp://www.anchormommy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-89431981662674205382011-06-07T14:05:48.642-04:002011-06-07T14:05:48.642-04:00I would love to say I'm nothing like that and ...I would love to say I'm nothing like that and can't relate, but the truth is I think I'm a shopaholic in denial. Clueless is my favorite movie & I devoured the Shopaholic series. You would never, ever know it to look at me because I'm not into bags or labels (although who can't appreciate a Marc Jacobs dress ?!). <br /><br />I guess I get my high from bargain shopping. I grew up going to outlets & places like Loehmann's w/ my mom, so I learned to bargain hunt. I also had a clothing allowance & a job at 15. I'm telling you, when you pay for your own stuff, you're MUCH more careful & want to stretch a buck as far as you can. <br /><br />My only tip is to stay away from the shops as much as possible. Don't put yourself in temptation's way. Good luck!Abbyhttp://www.abbyofftherecord.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-41462916526068382752011-06-06T21:41:09.205-04:002011-06-06T21:41:09.205-04:00Oh Oh my! I really do love that book (the whole se...Oh Oh my! I really do love that book (the whole series actually!) and the movie. I watched it over and over again!<br /><br />I love this post - so forthcoming and though I may not help you with setting up a budget, I wish you all the luck!<br /><br />p.s. Such a pleasure to meet you Mrs. L!<br /><br />besos,<br /><br />ML<br />I'm Back!<br />Please come say hello!<br /><a href="http://twentyyork.blogspot.com/2011/01/easiest-blog-project-ever.html=" rel="nofollow">Twenty York Street</a> <br /><br />Twenty York Street20 YORK STREEThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116853783102419578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-48248702852032590562011-06-05T23:08:37.226-04:002011-06-05T23:08:37.226-04:00I completely understand this. I've been there ...I completely understand this. I've been there - I used to be the impulse shopper that would sign on the line and then justify it later. Then, when we went down to one salary after the kids came along, I HAD to make some adjustments. I can honestly say it was not easy. Like any habit - breaking it is hard, for the first while. I began craving the things I couldn't have more than ever. But after a while, the budgeting became a good thing for me. I learned how to control my spending (not completely, but mostly!). <br /><br />One idea is to give yourself a spending limit each month. I don't think it's wise to completely cut it out altogether, because that will just result in you feeling deprived and resentful. If you have a monthly spending limit, you'll still be able to spoil yourself, but without going overboard. <br /><br />Good luck - I look forward to hearing about how you get on!Lady Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00933248315325429447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-32057428470112861812011-06-04T21:49:09.147-04:002011-06-04T21:49:09.147-04:00Great post, our family really does come first. Ver...Great post, our family really does come first. Very proud of you, it is a tough road making changes in our lives especially when it comes to money. I must admit, I don't know a lot about fashion BUT i do know you always look in style & fabulous....I wouldn't know if it was last years style of this years;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14234461341832070477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-1222433525002561942011-06-04T11:06:12.855-04:002011-06-04T11:06:12.855-04:00My husband is the spender in our relationship.
S...My husband is the spender in our relationship. <br /><br />Sure, I like to buy things, but he REALLY does. He rounds down, or even worse, doesn't even look at price tags. I'll buy a few really expensive things a year, but I don't get off on it like he does. <br /><br />I, do however, have a secret account with around $500 just in case. :)Scary Mommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00885710131012274860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-49106360800623472982011-06-02T16:24:30.689-04:002011-06-02T16:24:30.689-04:00I know exactly how you feel! I used to be able to...I know exactly how you feel! I used to be able to buy whatever I wanted growing up because I knew my parents would foot the bill. Now that I am married and have responsibilities and things to pay for I can't do that. I will go out every once in a while and buy things for myself. In the end I just have to tell ask myself, do I really need that?A Mommy in the Cityhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11899556376327311727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-91742321610032656492011-06-02T06:45:12.154-04:002011-06-02T06:45:12.154-04:00I am the complete opposite, I have a hard time spe...I am the complete opposite, I have a hard time spending at all, wish there was a happy medium between you and I!Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10825508701189254822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-29791921339500277782011-06-01T19:56:37.524-04:002011-06-01T19:56:37.524-04:00very inspiring! Lots of us are with you, and know ...very inspiring! Lots of us are with you, and know the same. I love new things, and have a hard time looking at the long term effects. I'm super excited for you!Sara @ Domestically Challengedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10245599062507705190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-58642145193122571892011-06-01T19:48:17.321-04:002011-06-01T19:48:17.321-04:00I unsubscribed myself from all the emails I was ge...I unsubscribed myself from all the emails I was getting for great deals from my favorite stores. I find if I don't see the discount or get the email, I don't look and I spend less. This was not an easy task. I mourned the loss of each site as I unsubscribed to them, like losing a friend. But now I have less emails and more time.Joelyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05892390407301976090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-20363157527506858812011-06-01T01:48:28.524-04:002011-06-01T01:48:28.524-04:00Such a great post - so much fun to have followed a...Such a great post - so much fun to have followed along while you were tweeting - and then to read all your thoughts.<br /><br />I'll be on a serious budget starting next month when Matt comes back from Iraq and our income is drastically reduced. Well that, and buying a house. We only have 1 credit card and pay it off every month ... but I know that even that will be a stretch soon too.<br /><br />Best of luck to you! I love retail therapy - especially shoes and jewelry. But I agree - feeling good about my bank account will by far feel better than the guilty feeling of seeing pretty shoes that I know I can't afford...Jillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16493268452074516009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-63459118853671867122011-06-01T00:10:26.795-04:002011-06-01T00:10:26.795-04:00Once upon a time, I spent all my spare time shoppi...Once upon a time, I spent all my spare time shopping. Hanging out with friend, let's shop, husband skiing for the day, I'd shop, shopping was my hobby. <br /><br />Then something changed, I realized I was trying to fill a void with stuff. It didn't happen over night, I don't budget my money, but I took a huge step back. Now, I go for a hike or walk to fill the void. I stopped buying books (only read from library, which sometimes means waiting for a book I really want). I go to Target with a list of necessities and only buy what's on the list (GASP). <br /><br />We live on one income and moved into a more expensive home in December. I've decided the beauty of my new surroundings is more important to me than all the stuff. Now there are things I desperately want for my house (like you a remodeled kitchen) and I am saving ever $ I earn in a special account to help contribute to that goal for my family. <br /><br />I still love nice things, mainly it's window shopping, but you'll be surprised because you are ready how you can change your habits. Good luck, keep us posted.EatPlayLovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01768078593549284605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-6833993281215166702011-05-31T22:23:42.902-04:002011-05-31T22:23:42.902-04:00I feel your pain! I'm a college student on the...I feel your pain! I'm a college student on the quite a strict budget, where I only get pretty new things at Christmas or when I work (temporarily). I terribly miss when my mom would take me to the mall and we got a lot of the same things. <br />These days, I'm trying my very hardest to save all the money I'm making over the summer. This may not be the best advice, but every time I want to go to the mall, instead I go to the gym or on a run around the neighborhood. I'm already in better shape, as I've wanted to shop every damn day!emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09272003266661831218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-37440684287588551582011-05-31T17:49:05.879-04:002011-05-31T17:49:05.879-04:00Not walking into places is the key.
Also? I do ev...Not walking into places is the key.<br /><br />Also? I do everything in cash. (Extras, groceries, eating out and fun stuff.) Truly. For me it helped me know exactly what I was spending. I made a budget and gave myself shopping money...however when it's gone it's gone. That included Starbucks. <br /><br />It was hard to start, but I'd gotten divorced and was still spending like I had two incomes coming in. Took a few months to get the hang of it. Then I started cutting out more stuff (Starbucks, eating out) and started saving even more money. It means vacations. It means not freaking if my car needs work. It means, I have money in savings. <br /><br />You can do it. But be realistic. Start with a budget and figure out what is left after all major bills. Don't cut it all out right off, or you won't stick to it. Baby steps.Issahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11309906249557761472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-31617610975831911032011-05-31T15:46:57.761-04:002011-05-31T15:46:57.761-04:00Get rid of the cards! We did that, Lou, and it ma...Get rid of the cards! We did that, Lou, and it made a WORLD of difference. We pay cash for everything. I rather save up and buy a great new pair of shoes with cash and know that I (not the bank) OWN them. <br /><br />As for the kids, seriously, do they really need $120 Burberry shirts? They'll probably stain them with grape juice and off with those shirts! Put them in Old Navy and be done with it. <br /><br />You have to ask yourself, though, why you feel the need to own the designer stuff. Because, personally, I think you could rock Winners just as well as you could rock Chanel. You always look amazing and put-together. <br /><br />And, as a lot of the others said, think about all the other things you could do instead - redoing your kitchen, having amazing family vacations, creating memories...<br /><br />You can do it! I'm so proud of you for even blogging about it! xoSuzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-5506406152682741012011-05-31T14:19:30.834-04:002011-05-31T14:19:30.834-04:00I have been trying to make a budget. My problem is...I have been trying to make a budget. My problem is that it's kind of boring to make a budget and I lose interest partway through. Still, this is something I've promised that I will do in the next couple of weeks. Because I need to.Marilyn (A Lot of Loves)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06657908406859803924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-46507235662306691222011-05-31T12:49:34.007-04:002011-05-31T12:49:34.007-04:00Give yourself an "allowance" at the begi...Give yourself an "allowance" at the beginning of each month. Take it out in cash. Then give your credit cards to your husband for safekeeping. You'll stick to that budget because you literally have only the cash in your pocket (well, expensive purse, but that was a pre-existing condition, heh). Good luck! My problem isn't buying things, but going out to eat, so I get it!BusyDadhttp://www.busydadblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-13715367110190368992011-05-31T00:29:28.666-04:002011-05-31T00:29:28.666-04:00I have never been a shopper, but I did learn a hug...I have never been a shopper, but I did learn a huge lesson about 10 years ago. Hubs was laid off. I was injured at work and was on leave. We sold our house so he could go back to school and suddenly, having owned an airplane, a dive shop, a boat, etc we had to struggle to get by. <br /><br />I mean REALLY struggle. We're still not back to where we were. <br /><br />I found that I loved experiences and time with family more than things, and while I do like things, I find it hard to justify the amount of time I have to work to pay for them. We found lots of things to do for cheap or almost free. My son doesn't care about designer clothes (and neither do I), and while I have some nice things, I keep them to the things I really LOVE and only a few. <br /><br />All I really need is my family together and happy.Scatteredmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07605640876979580340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-90145689208635267692011-05-31T00:18:53.086-04:002011-05-31T00:18:53.086-04:00I like to shop too. A LOT. BUT (and this is a bi...I like to shop too. A LOT. BUT (and this is a big but) I don't buy expensive things. I get excited about the bag full of clothes I just bought for K at the second-hand shop (seriously, just bought stuff Saturday) which include things from tea, Gymboree and The Gap. Each thing only $5-$7. <br /><br />And for me? I freak out if shoes are over $40. Probably the thing I've spent the most on (or my husband has, for me) are handbags because most of the ones I buy are timeless. <br /><br />Anyway, I don't really have a budget either but I don't buy a lot of expensive things either. I just buy a lot of things. ;)<br /><br />I hope you can establish a budget that works for you, especially if your "hobby" is affecting all of you in the family. Good luck girl!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01044279582701415786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-3571643935659866592011-05-30T23:20:38.882-04:002011-05-30T23:20:38.882-04:00I think it's a matter of figuring out what is ...I think it's a matter of figuring out what is important to you. Things? Or experiences with your family? Things? Or not spending yourself into the poor house? Things? Or your husband's trust that you're not lying about purchases?<br /><br />I got myself into a shopping mess when I was in my late teens and the best thing my parents did for me was let me drown in it and climb my way out. Gone were the shopping trips where I would come home with the same shirt in 6 colors, the 5 new pairs of shoes, and accessories to match everything. I would literally be on a high from shopping. I didn't want to live like that, I didn't want to pay interest on clothes that I would wear twice and let sit in my closet, I didn't want to fuck up my credit because of 'stuff'.<br /><br />If I were you, I'd go on a total spending hiatus for an entire month and see how you do. I mean absolutely nada. You may surprise yourself at how empowered you feel, or you may decide you need some help to continue. <br /><br />I think it's incredible that you're taking the first step in knowing it is an issue and starting to correct it.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00860206491925165997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-17656703719739380662011-05-30T22:13:11.126-04:002011-05-30T22:13:11.126-04:00Yes, I'm on a budget. I had to be when I quit ...Yes, I'm on a budget. I had to be when I quit my job to homeschool and raise my children. We were down to one income and had to make it work.<br /><br />I love buying books as well. So, I either go to the library (for new books) or I shop thrift stores (for older books or books for my children). I also buy a lot of games, sporting equipment and play clothes at thrift stores. If I need to buy something, I first decide if I could possibly buy it at a thrift store for a fraction of the cost. If I don't..and need to buy it new...then I save until I have enough for the item. I utilize sales and coupons to make sure I come under budget.<br /><br />Also, we pay cash for everything. No more credit cards. <br /><br />My kids do not need fancy, expensive clothing. They are 10 and 2. They don't even care where their clothes come from (yet). I shop sales at Old Navy, Gymboree and The Children's Place when they have huge sales. I create a budget for their clothing and stick to it throughout the year. It's become a challenge to me to find great deals and still come under budget. Make it a game, and it will be easier!Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09272566104776571576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-15873243377782418682011-05-30T22:08:49.520-04:002011-05-30T22:08:49.520-04:00I broke up with my credit cards. If I have to pay ...I broke up with my credit cards. If I have to pay for something online (a networking event, or something for business) I either use my bank acct which is attached to PayPal or make arrangements to pay by cash/chq. As for clothes and other pretty things ... I try to revive older pieces by purchasing a bit of fun, inexpensive jewelry to change the look. Hitting rock-bottom (meaning, getting a hair away from losing my house) was a big ol' slap of reality!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-13561975832824218882011-05-30T21:59:38.974-04:002011-05-30T21:59:38.974-04:00I love to shop too, but feel like I have it mostly...I love to shop too, but feel like I have it mostly under control these days. I spend beyond my means sometimes, but I generally find a way to make it up. <br /><br />However, when I was about 18 I found myself in a situation similar to the one you are in (except I didn't have Daddy's Gold AMEX!). I bought, bought, bought...and then I regretted. So I ended up making myself a rule that if I like something and wanted to buy it, I couldn't buy it that day. I had to wait at least 24 hours before I could buy it. Sometimes I went back, but a lot of times I didn't bother.<br /><br />It really helped me to decipher between the thrill of the buy and things that I really wanted.Annie @ PhD in Parentinghttp://phdinparenting.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231649446485548787.post-63063033299846040942011-05-30T19:40:23.589-04:002011-05-30T19:40:23.589-04:00I love nice things. I can spot something expensive...I love nice things. I can spot something expensive from a mile away. <br /><br />I'm an extreme case, but I moved from the "fancy" suburbs where keeping up with the Jones' was the norm, to the "inner city". Let me tell you, when you have neighbors on your block below the poverty level (and all that comes with that), the desire to have the fancy clothes, cars and other stuff just kind of goes away.<br /><br />I've found that in my life, if I don't surround myself with those temptations, including friends that desire material goods, it's so much easier not to want things that I can't afford or that hold no value other than materialism.<br /><br />Good luck to you, you will be so happy to have that money in the bank to do other things with, or in savings, for a rainy day.designHER Mommahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17708634068729401935noreply@blogger.com