Spending LESS $$

 

I'm going to admit I spent a fair bit of time last year on the good ol' Amazon website scrolling for things I thought I needed.  I'd add items to my cart and while I wasn't so quick to pull the trigger and purchase everything right away (I have a rule - wait at least 24 hours before I checkout) I do think I purchased too much stuff.  Last year I re-landscaped my entire yard and I updated and refreshed one of the upstairs bedrooms, both of which were big ticket items.  I also updated all of the doorknobs through my entire house.  While I was super careful to keep my spending to a minimum it was still a lot of spending at the time.  After all of that and some Christmas spending coupled with the rising prices on pretty much everything I ended the year of 2022 with what I refer to as spending fatigue.  I got really tired of watching money head out the door.

 

One of my goals in 2023 is to spend less.  On everything.  Less at the grocery store, less at the gas pump, less on clothing, less on entertainment, less on stuff I truly don't need.  Instead I want to funnel my dollars in a more mindful direction.  I only want to spend money on things that will improve my quality of life, but at the same time I need to remember that thoughtless spending does not improve anything.

 

It was funny how just last month, as I was thinking ahead for Valentine's Day, I briefly thought I should go to Hobby Lobby for some new décor.  But then, just as quickly, I thought "No, I really shouldn't."  I have plenty of things around my home to decorate and prepare for Valentine's Day, which I have never really been one to go all out on in the first place.  I definitely don't need to spend any money on anything for that particular occasion.  Instead, I began to think of what I can do to celebrate and decorate without spending a penny and I came up with plenty.

 

Instead of spending I'm actively looking at ways to cut back and save my money.  I've knocked the thermostat down a couple degrees and put on a sweater to save on the heating bill.  I'm mindful of how much water I'm using when I wash my hands or brush my teeth to save on the water bill.  I'm careful not to overuse toilet paper, shampoo and conditioner in the shower  or the amount of dish soap I use to wash my dishes so I'm not wasteful.

 

I'm watching free movies and TV options and pulling out the DVDs I own to enjoy again after a long hiatus so I am adequately  entertained.  I'm wearing the clothing and shoes I already have, using the linens and towels I've had for ages, eating off the same old plates and bowls and drinking from the same cups and glasses because I truly don't need anything new.  I'm using what I already have and I'm appreciating that I have it.

 

Rethinking purchases and spending less money is empowering.  It puts me in control as I choose what is most important to me and who I'm willing to give my money too.  It also sends a clear message to retailers that I'm not willing to give them my business unless they can offer me something of true value.  Are you on any type of a spending hiatus this year?  If so, what are some of the things you are cutting back on?