[Pumpkin_Pie]

I have been saving like mad for a new (to me) car that I plan to buy next spring. I have a long way to go, but am really hoping to pay cash for it. I am working extra shifts anywhere I can at my multiple jobs, and am scrimping on many things in order to sock away more money. I am starting to feel though, that when the time comes to buy the car that I am going to feel funny actually spending the money.

Just tonight, I bought a new (desperately needed) bra and am feeling horrible guilt at the thought of how much I just spent. Has anyone out there had a hard time making needed purchases after making the life change to start saving? Assuming you were not always a saver of course.

 

[Fujiko]

IMO, no. If I'm saving for something specific, and I know I'm paying a good price for whatever it is, there is no pain, just joy.

:

But bras? I never pay more than $10 for a bra. I have small breasts and I don't need fancy "support", and I hate underwires. So I just buy the really inexpensive ones at Target or Fred Meyers (which is like a better Wal-mart). I've purchased a few at Victoria's Secret, and I've been really disappointed in them. But YMMV.

I think it's painful for me to pay for things I need when it doesn't seem like I should be buying it. Like, I have this stupid notion that socks and underwear should last forever, and then when they wear out I get a little peeved that I have to buy them again.

But for a purchase like a car? Nope.

I know I don't make any sense.

 

[oneKnight]

One question: how are you finding these multiple jobs? I'm having a heck of a time finding ONE

 

[JTA Mom]

I've always been a saver. That being said, I totally relate to what you are talking about! I have moments where I mull over all of the possible alternative uses for the $$ I'm spending. Like, right now, the thought of how much money we've spent on a car & insurance could have gone into the 'saving for a home' account instead. I'm sure that even if I HAD done that, I'd be thinking of other 'places' I could have used it instead. It's called 'opportunity cost' in economics. It's all the opportunities you are giving up by spending the money on whatever it is you are saving it for.

Ami

 

[Denvergirlie]

I have this problem sometimes.

My blender died about 8 months ago, and my toaster oven about 3 months ago. I've been searching the thrift stores to no avail, but granted don't go every week.

My DP tells me to just break down and buy a new one.... but I've become almost cheap (as opposed to frugal) as I am still looking for the $5 thrift store model over $25+ for a new one. Perhaps I can find something during yard sale season...

And on the flip side, we eat out way to much, on average 1-2 times a week, dropping $25 here and there. I don't understand why it's different. Arg.

We too are in a car replacement situation, and I keep wavering back and forth between fixing the POS car we have, or just biting the bullet and buying a new to us car. The POS car needs maybe $1,500 worth of work, but then it's still going to be a POS and it feels like I'm, driving a tin can, it won't ever really feel "safe" to me. Or do we just replace and get a thus unknown "new" car that would cost maybe $4K.

I don't understand it myself. I've never really saved for a particular item to purchase before, in the past I was paying off debt and now I just save. So it is hard for me to let it go sometimes.

I hope some others can chime in with better advice for the both of us.

 

[KatWrangler]

Yes! I keep thinking I can find it cheaper. Eventhough I really need it.

 

[karne]

Yes, and I actually think it's not very healthy. I think sometimes that all of my frugal cutting back, trying constantly to be as budget conscious as possible, etc., has robbed me of feeling ok about spending money. I really need to find a better balance.

 

[cappuccinosmom]

We have this trouble. Dh especially.

Now, I don't have trouble spending small amounts. Like buying extra or special groceries for holidays/birthdays.

But I had the bra problem too. I don't need fancy, extra supportive ones. And I found two that fit me just right, $5 each (Yay BigLots), but i spent about 15 mintues standing there lookign at them and trying to decide if I *really* needed them or not. I did--my old ones are literally falling apart. But I still questioned my spending on them.

I felt stupid, but I couldn't help myself.

 

[velochic]

I've always been a saver, but I can still relate. Yes, I think you can take saving as extreme as you can take spending.

I think you should be proud of the effort you are putting in to buy a big-ticket item without using credit. That alone is a bit extraordinary even in the current economy. Good job!

 

[texmati]

Yes! I just spent 30 dollars on a bra (my first maternity bra!) this weekend. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about it!

I had gone with my sister... who bought a bra (for 40 dollars!) at V.S. just because it was yellow.

 

[yogafeet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by texmati Yes! I just spent 30 dollars on a bra (my first maternity bra!) this weekend. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about it! I had gone with my sister... who bought a bra (for 40 dollars!) at V.S. just because it was yellow.

 

[iamama]

Maybe you should start your own business. I did and so could you. Educate yourself and see what is possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneKnight One question: how are you finding these multiple jobs? I'm having a heck of a time finding ONE

 

[Amys1st]

There are a few ways to look at this. One, you are saving for a car that you want and kuddos for wanting to pay cash for it. Maybe the habits you are forming now, will help you negoite the price you will pay later. Also, I dont like to spend money either but I have noticed when I need something like a bra that you will wear everyday and will last, I will pay the extra money for it even if its expensive. Or I will wait for a sale but will spend the money and not feel guilty because its something I need, not necessarilly a yellow one.

 

[cristeen]

I'm like this too. I've been saving and scrimping for so long that now I'm having trouble justifying the cost of diapers! I'm hoping that grandma will oblige and buy the stash.

Even buying some off the TP for a GREAT price, I felt horribly guilty about. And maternity clothes? Forget it. Great-grandma had to buy those, along with a nursing bra.

What kills me is that I could afford to buy these things now, we have quite a bit of savings, but with the economy like it is, me out of work, and DH's job not all that stable (they say they have funding till the end of the year, but I'm not sure I trust them)... well, I'm having trouble even THINKING about paying for a MW.

But, if I find a great deal at a second-hand store for something I've wanted for ages (like I did last night), then I buy it without even stopping to think about it. I don't know if that's better or worse.

 

[Norasmomma]

If you need a nice bra then buy one. Although depending on where you buy them there are sales that come 2x's a year-I'm thinking VS(Jan and June). I have large breasts and need support, my fave for both are VS Body by Victoria. That said, yes I find myself trying to justify buying "stuff" that is necessary at times. I cannot find it necessary to go out to dinner, even though we never do and do have the money. I feel like it is a waste.

I feel a tad guilty right now because my mom just bought me new sports bras because I am currently broke. I am having issues with regular nice bras, and just want some support and comfort. I am pregnant and she said that she wanted to do it so I am fine with that. Right now I am such a penny pinching chica that it is so hard for me to pay full price for anything. I wanted some new shampoo and conditioner and got it at the dollar store. I had coupons for deodorant and hairspray. If I knew that I would be like this 5 years ago I would have laughed my A$$ off. I worked as a hairstylist and was always telling people how they needed professional products, what a crock. Oh well, I don't care about that stuff anymore.

 

[HappilyEvrAfter]

Saving becomes an addiction.

 

[AndrewsMother]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpkin_Pie Just tonight, I bought a new (desperately needed) bra and am feeling horrible guilt at the thought of how much I just spent. Has anyone out there had a hard time making needed purchases after making the life change to start saving? Assuming you were not always a saver of course.

I need a new bra, but the idea of purchasing two make me cringe. I keep making minor repairs with a needle and thread, but soon I will have to purchase more. Cheap bra's(VS included) just don't provide enough support or fit well or fit at all.

I too find it ironic that is is easier for me to eat out two or three times a week, because we have to eat than it is for me to purchase other items that we need, but could do without. I need a $150 powercord for my laptop, but I am hesitant to spend the cash, but I know that in the past two weeks we have spent that much in restuarants.

Sometimes I don't like the fact that we have to be so frugal, because when we need to purchase anything that we could maybe do without I become anxious and stressed. From the moment I write the check I am consumed with buyers remorse.

 

[Pumpkin_Pie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneKnight One question: how are you finding these multiple jobs? I'm having a heck of a time finding ONE

My jobs are so fractured and piece meal, it is insane. I didn't mean it to sound like I am rolling in money or that I have more work than I know what to do with. I currently only gross about $8,000 a year as a single mama. I am a substitute teacher at my son's preschool with only 6 hours guaranteed a week. I end up filling in when people want to go home early, or when they call in sick, which ends up being about 20-30 hours a week, but I never know my schedule until a day or two before I need to be in (often only hours). I also work in my church's nursery. I really NEED to go to the services for my mental health, but I also desperately need a new car, so I work. I also rent breast pumps and I get paid on commission. When I rent a pump, I make $15. I only get one or two rentals a month, but $30 is better than nothing. I also work as a nanny one day a week and I do babysitting when I can. I charge $12 an hour, so that adds up relatively quickly when I can find the hours. So, it is certainly not a glamorous life I live, but I can bring my son to all of my jobs with me and we scrape by. I am sorry that you are having a hard time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norasmomma If you need a nice bra then buy one. Although depending on where you buy them there are sales that come 2x's a year-I'm thinking VS(Jan and June). I have large breasts and need support, my fave for both are VS Body by Victoria. That said, yes I find myself trying to justify buying "stuff" that is necessary at times. I cannot find it necessary to go out to dinner, even though we never do and do have the money. I feel like it is a waste. I feel a tad guilty right now because my mom just bought me new sports bras because I am currently broke. I am having issues with regular nice bras, and just want some support and comfort. I am pregnant and she said that she wanted to do it so I am fine with that. Right now I am such a penny pinching chica that it is so hard for me to pay full price for anything. I wanted some new shampoo and conditioner and got it at the dollar store. I had coupons for deodorant and hairspray. If I knew that I would be like this 5 years ago I would have laughed my A$$ off. I worked as a hairstylist and was always telling people how they needed professional products, what a crock. Oh well, I don't care about that stuff anymore.

I hear you. I never thought I would be scrimping and saving for anything. I can't believe how many years I wasted throwing money away, but I also felt to entitled to nicer things. I didn't realize just how poor I really was when I was making big bucks. Now I get so excited to save a few dollars here and there and to see my savings accumulate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fujiko IMO, no. If I'm saving for something specific, and I know I'm paying a good price for whatever it is, there is no pain, just joy. : But bras? I never pay more than $10 for a bra. I have small breasts and I don't need fancy "support", and I hate underwires. So I just buy the really inexpensive ones at Target or Fred Meyers (which is like a better Wal-mart). I've purchased a few at Victoria's Secret, and I've been really disappointed in them. But YMMV. I think it's painful for me to pay for things I need when it doesn't seem like I should be buying it. Like, I have this stupid notion that socks and underwear should last forever, and then when they wear out I get a little peeved that I have to buy them again. But for a purchase like a car? Nope. I know I don't make any sense.

I hope I can feel joy when I go to buy my car. I really hope I can buy it with cash too. I think that may help me to feel genuine joy, but my biggest fear is seeing that zero balance in my savings account after the purchase.

As for the bra, I am going to start running and I wear a 40DD, so I really need SUPPORT and a half. I bought an Enell bra that is $60. It felt like such a huge guilty splurge, but I really want to run, and I can't do it with these huge heavy breasts feeling they are going to rip off my chest when I so much as jump off a curb. I just am having a hard time figuring out my relationship with money right now.

 

[Carson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpkin_Pie As for the bra, I am going to start running and I wear a 40DD, so I really need SUPPORT and a half. I bought an Enell bra that is $60.

Good for you!

I'm a 32E and I bought a similarly priced/supportive bra for working out and it's amazing. I've also had it for about 7 years. That's $10/year. Your Enell will last for you if you take care of it.

I do find it's hard to spend, but IMO, not in a bad way. I don't think I'll ever be able to recreationally/impulsively shop. If I'm shopping it's because I need something, and I've determined it's a true need. I don't find that it's hard to spend things, it's like it doesn't occur to me. My needs (and some wants, within reason) are amply met, and I'm satisfied.

 

[CatsCradle]

Quote:

I do find it's hard to spend, but IMO, not in a bad way. I don't think I'll ever be able to recreationally/impulsively shop. If I'm shopping it's because I need something, and I've determined it's a true need. I don't find that it's hard to spend things, it's like it doesn't occur to me. My needs (and some wants, within reason) are amply met, and I'm satisfied.

I agree. I came from a very frugal background, although my parents, grandparents and great grandparents were actually financially comfortable. In our early years, DH and I were pretty poor, but we always managed to save for some reason. Now that we can afford a lot of "material" stuff, we generally just put the money in the bank for a time when we will really need it. I've always had an intense fear of being really old without family or friends and living on the streets with my shopping cart. You may laugh, but I see people like this every day and I often wonder to myself it it could happen to me.