Please talk sense into me - I want to buy

[Nu_Mommy_2003]

All this confession that I have a spending problem stemming from guilty and depression, and DH response, has made me go out a look for some comfortable shoes to wear. I didn't get any shoes but I did find a couch. And yes a couch is on our need list.

I want to buy this couch. I am sick and tired of sitting on pillows. I've been waiting for a couch for 3 years and still have not got one.

Well today I found a couch that a mom will sell to me for $800 (that I don't have; robbing peter to pay paul again) and she will give me the receipt that states she paid $5000 for it (custom made)- the receipt is needed to honor the warranty. The couch is like new because her kids are in college and it's less than a year old and was hardly used. It's a leather sectional that seats 10 comfortably. I can't bet this deal. I can take the kids $200 next month and skim money from everything else to cover the cost. Yes I'm spending again, but at least I'm getting something off my list and that will make me feel a WHOLE lot better. Maybe even motivate me to stop spending and stick to the budget because I finally got something eliminated from the need list.

SOoooooooo? Do I buy it or not?

[Mama Dragon]

No, don't buy it. Your first rule is (should be, anyway ) never rob Peter to pay Paul. If you can't afford it now, you can't afford it. It's a great deal, sure, but why not check out craigslist/freecycle or a second hand store and pay $50-$100 for a couch that will get you by while you save for a really nice one?

[Zach'smom]

It's not a deal if you are spending money you don't have to pay for it. More good deals will come up!

[missi66]

It is a bad deal because you can not afford it. It continues the cycle of over spending and feeling guilt. And to be honest an 800 dollar couch probably will not look like a 800 dollar couch after 1 year and 3 kids. If you had not over spent for the last 3 years you may have been able to afford the couch. I know this sounds harsh but you are the only one in your family to be responsible for the finances. You have no choice. You have to be the adult and make the financially responsible choices because it is all up to you. Is it fair? NO but it is the way it is. You can rise to this challenge! Do this for your self esteem. Do this for your kids. Help them to learn to make smart money choices so they never get to this situation.

[LoBleusMama]

goodwill it!!!! Garage sells, too
Much more affordable, even want ads, you can get plenty of couches for 100 or less

[mama_b]

Don't buy it. Better deals will come along. You say that it will make you feel better, but it won't. You'll buy it, be happy for a couple days, and then you'll want to buy something else on your need list. Try thrift stores or freecycle instead.

[DTmama1]

my couch didn't cost $800 NEW! I would pass and look at carage sae adn on freecycle. If you live near a college town, many studends put their furniture out for the trash as the semester ends soon, so take a drive with a truck adn check it out.

[Shiloh]

no.
if your mom wants to give you a gift or arrange a workable payment schedual like $20 bucks a month and its your birthday present too.

But you want comfortable chairs? we bought two poangs from Ikea type chairs with ottomans homedepot $40 bucks a piece they are comfy and great.

you said you can afford $200 then that is all you spend, look at the classifieds or second hand stores.

[fanniefarkle]

Keep your eyes open for used furniture stores. For the past few years, we have had a hand-me-down couch that was from the '80's. It sagged and was getting shabby. I've wanted something "new" for the longest, and last week I saw a sofa and chair set at a used store and got both for $89.00!

I, too, see things every day that I want to buy, and it is hard to resist. As a SAHM, shopping is a fun way to get out of the house, but I need to go walking or to the library instead of stores. I understand what you are going through.

[ckberkey]

Originally Posted by Shiloh

no.
if your mom wants to give you a gift or arrange a workable payment schedual like $20 bucks a month and its your birthday present too.

But you want comfortable chairs? we bought two poangs from Ikea type chairs with ottomans homedepot $40 bucks a piece they are comfy and great.

you said you can afford $200 then that is all you spend, look at the classifieds or second hand stores.

I don't think she is talking about her mom, just a mom. Gotta agree with getting something secondhand, within your budget.

[Nu_Mommy_2003]

THANKS ALL! I turned her down and I feel better about myself.

MISSI66 - thank you, it was the bitter tone I need. I decided today to keep my eyes focus. If I don't take control I will ultimatly destroy are finances. So thank you! I love my family to much to do this to them. We need the house painted and a bed before a couch anyway.

[RiverSky]

Originally Posted by Nu_Mommy_2003

THANKS ALL! I turned her down and I feel better about myself.

MISSI66 - thank you, it was the bitter tone I need. I decided today to keep my eyes focus. If I don't take control I will ultimatly destroy are finances. So thank you! I love my family to much to do this to them. We need the house painted and a bed before a couch anyway.

Good for you. I totally understand the urge to buy when you find a great deal like that, btdt, but a while back, I bought two couches and a love seat, in nearly perfect condition for $300 from a thrift store. They were asking $600 altogether and I offered $300 and they took it. And I can't tell yo how many compliments I have gotten on my furniture.

When the time comes, you will find another great deal.

[Petersmamma]

Good mama!! The pp's are TOTALLY right!! Deals are always gonna come along (esp. as the economy gets worse and the rich people start freakin' out b/c they spent $3000 on a darn couch...oh, there I go again! )

Definitely freecycle...people are ALWAYS getting rid of couches. And when you get one with money that is NOT supposed to go to anything else, THEN you will be happy and love that couch.

And I agree how it won't look new after a year and three kids. Oy. Maybe I oughta go into the furniture business and sell furniture that WON'T change its appearance after the kids get on it....hmmm. Like distressed denim....distressed furniture! I bet Ethan Allan will carry it!

[4evermom]

I've been looking for a loveseat at thrift stores and craigslist. $800 for a used couch is crazy, and I do believe in spending a little more for quality. You should be able to get something really nice for $200 or less. I got my couch for $40. It helps me just to have a number in my head of what the max is that I would pay for something so I don't get sucked into how much cheaper than the original (overinflated) price it is.

[Free Thinker]

Good for you for resisting the temptation! I agree that you should spend the $$ you already have to buy the sofa. I don't think mine cost $800 new!