Comments on: Why Do We Buy Things We Don’t Need?

By: Grace

Grace — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:17:41 +0000

We’ve just bought our first house and to pay off the mortgage faster, I’ve had to curb my spending on junk food. A few dollars on takeout or snacks here and there can really add up! To get rid of the temptation, I only shop for non-perishable items once a month, and then with a shopping list. We buy staples (canned fish and vegetables, grains and flours) instead of pre-packaged, processed food. I go to a greengrocer for fresh produce once a week. If we run out of something, I just have to be creative until the next shopping date.

My monthly shop means I only need to be self-controlled for a short, infrequent burst. I’m not spending any more time per shopping trip, either. The same approach is working with errands that take me to malls (I go once or twice a week with a list, for a determined time). Paying off our loan is worth the discipline!

By: bn

bn — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:45:35 +0000

Hmmm…Seems like many of these tips would work on a food diet…ever thought of that?
I consider myself a fair saver but a poor dieter. Some foods (like pastries and ice cream) seem to ‘call’ me when I stroll past them….but my chocolate cravings are tamed with a square of an 85% Lindt bar…

By: The Almost Millionaire

The Almost Millionaire — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:32:28 +0000

My wife and I have a problem with mindlessly shopping when we are bored. It is just to easy to stop at the old Bed Bath & Beyond to check out all the new and latest gadgets. You can always use a new coffee maker...right??? Great post! Leaving Credit Cards at home is the most common sense advice I've heard in years! The Almost Millionaire’s last blog post..#1 Worst Small City for Jobs…Jackson, Mi.

By: Baker

Baker — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:46:29 +0000

I have to agree with you. We as a culture just enjoy spending. Although I have start to grow very fond of a simple lifestyle, as well. It’s an acquired taste.

By: Baker

Baker — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:45:34 +0000

That’s an awesome way to fulfill your “itches” while maintaining some balance!

By: Slinky

Slinky — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:42:21 +0000

For the most part I rely on budgeting and only going in stores with the intent to buy something. I still sometimes feel an itch to just go buy something though. My favorite way of dealing with that is to buy something I was planning on getting anyway. Most of the time, these are things on my "Someday I need to get X," list. Things like the missing book to a series or socks and underwear, a new pair of jeans, makeup I'm running out of, etc. All things I would eventually end up getting anyway, but just haven't gotten to yet. Slinky’s last blog post..I am the master of my fate

By: Rosey Dow

Rosey Dow — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:26:45 +0000

Great post on needless spending. Most of the bullet points about why we spend have to do with pleasure. We enjoy spending. It’s a recreational activity, a national sport. But it’s unsatisfying. The more we spend, the less we truly enjoy. There is so much real pleasure in the simple lifestyle.

Join us for No Spend Wednesdays to learn where your own cash drains are. Tweet #NoSpendWed with your challenges and victories.

By: kosmo @ The Casual Observer

kosmo @ The Casual Observer — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:37:42 +0000

Books had a bigger grip on me until I starting blogging – resulting in a huge decrease in available reading time

kosmo @ The Casual Observer’s last blog post..A mind laid bare

By: kosmo @ The Casual Observer

kosmo @ The Casual Observer — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:36:56 +0000

Not yet, but I really should I hit the $1 section of the used book store pretty hard, as well as Half.com. I quickly learned that if I wait 4-6 weeks, brand new hardcover books (including guys like Grisham) will drop to just a few bucks (plus shipping). I’ve learned to be a bit more patient and hold off on buying them retail.

kosmo @ The Casual Observer’s last blog post..A mind laid bare

By: Bargain Babe

Bargain Babe — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:58:37 +0000

Kosmo, have you tried any of the online book swapping sites, like bookmooch.com or paperbackswap.com?