Ms Retail Therapy: On Status & Spending...

Age: 37
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Phrase that describes my relationship with money: Impulsive
Phrase that describes my parents’…: Dismissive and cheap
My 21-day goal: To be more willing to sacrifice my spending, on a regular. To do more of my grooming (hair, nails, etc.) at home. And to stop shopping because it makes me feel good (Retail therapy is real!)
My weakness: Shoes, clothes and buying unnecessary items at Target
My fear for these 21 days: No real fears. Looking forward to the challenge but a little "fearful" of what my hair may look like after week 2.
What I will miss most: Starbucks in the morning and weekly manicures

* * *

"I have this attitude that says 'I work hard therefore I can shop harder.' But, it's this mindset that has presented so many financial problems for me."

Week 2:

So, the euphoria has worn off!

This past week...in a word..."challenging!" This time of sacrifice is truly helping me to define my "needs" vs "wants". I generally have the two concepts confused.

Most of the time my "wants" supersede my needs. I am learning to be more disciplined in my spending and to prioritize what is necessary, i.e. to prepare dinner at home over buying an outfit for work (sad, but true!).

Yesterday, I had the extreme pleasure of going to one of the greatest places on earth ...Target, the consumer's/shopper's paradise. I had to buy the "essentials," of course (*side eyes my accountability partners*), with $40 to spend. In the end, I actually had to put stuff back rather than pull out...gasp...my Target charge card. The process of seeing the total and having to leave stuff behind was somewhat humiliating for me.

I have this attitude that says "I work hard therefore I can shop harder". But, it's this mindset that has presented so many financial problems for me.

Ahh, and let's discuss trying to be social and not spending money.

I went out with friends Saturday and brought a pre-made salad. *smile* I also requested a glass of water from the bar. And, yet again, that feeling of humiliation returned and overcame me. Or, perhaps it was the grimace that the bartender flashed my way. It affected me so much so, I contemplated giving the guy my credit card to create an imaginary tab. Pathetic, really!? It reminded me that I link my ability - my freedom - to spend to my "status." I often consume because I am concerned with how people view me. Which brings me to my overall introspective retrospection....

I purchase out of a desire to fit in and feel good...How do I undo years of this?!

I also keep wondering, how will I continue to work at this all post-fast.

So many questions and so many thoughts but this week has challenged me to get to the heart of my unhealthy relationship with money....

Thank you for continuing this journey with me... until next week!!