I just tallied up what I spent in May month, and it’s embarassing and ridiculous. I’ve been going out of control, and it needs to stop. Now.
So now I’m going on a true spending freeze. Starting immediately. I cannot keep going on this way, otherwise I will be poor and go into debt. And then lose my apartment and be out on the streets. And that might seem melodramatic, but it really isn’t. Could totally happen. I hate this living paycheck to paycheck business, but what are ya gonna do?
First things first:
I am going to: Stop Spending Frivolously.
- Granted, a lot of the things I’ve been buying haven’t really been frivolous. Moving costs money. I’ve had to go out and buy homey things, and things that I didn’t even realize I would need. Things like a hair dryer, or a clothes drying rack. Things that people shouldn’t have to buy… It should all just be there.
I am going to: Write It All Down.
- I’m going to go home and dig out my little book where I wrote down everything I spent money on, and how I spent it. And then I’m going to start doing that again. And literally take it with me everywhere. And try to write it down immediately.
I am going to: Avoid Places like the Mall.
- I know I can’t avoid it all the time. I just need to actually assert some willpower. I’m not going to think about the $10 off card I have from H&M because I don’t need anything else from there. I’m going to hide the credit cards so I can’t shop online. I’m going to just make wishlists and visit sites that only ship to the States. I don’t see this one working out too well. I’ve got my credit card number memorized.
I am going to: Mantra about Travel.
- I’m just going to keep reminding myself of this:
“Buy this and you can’t put money away for [insert trip here].”
I’ts a good mantra, and a good way to keep me on track. At least I hope.
I’m not going to: Paint my apartment.
- This one really sucks because I was really, really, really looking forward to this. But alas, I have not the money to do this, and the money I was going to use, I’m going to put into savings for my future vacations. Being smart about this one. Andrew might be able to get me some paint later, but right now that will have to be put on hold.
