The Ban



Two months and a few days have passed since I started a 3 month shopping ban. I know 3 months is not a lot, in my case, it is. The best thing is I have not had a real urge to buy anything. 

Here is how I have kept strong for 60 days and counting:

1. Unsubscribed from over 30 newsletters.
2. Partnered up with a buddy who is also going for the same goal, in my case Lydia. You feel "supervised".
3. Taken to the tailor several garments to have adjusted.
4. Stayed away from "shopping buddies", you know who those are. You don't need to be tempted.
5. Decluttered. Donated. Recycled. Started with cosmetics, earrings and shoes and have a world to go.
6. Stayed away from the mall. 
7. Told everyone that I am on a shopping ban, so they can help me stay focused. You need support, or I do.
8. Read articles of the downside to shopping or just watch The True Cost.
9. Left my credit card in a drawer at work.
10. Photographed the items I wanted to buy and instagrammed them. Made me "feel" I had them. 
11. Shared either via Whatsapp or Instagram those items I really liked with friends whom I think would like them. I know I am bad influence, my theory is that if they buy them I can borrow from them.
12. Made plans: stayed busy and created opportunities to wear all those clothes hanging there. There you have less time to go to the mall or browse on line. 
13. Used cash being saved towards important things. Used part of the money I did not spend on clothes to pay for this year's fire insurance policy and similar. I am also making additional payments on my credit card.

Just a few more days to go.


7 comments

Black Dress Inspiration said...

Uff te admiro porque yo no se si podrĂ­a aguantar sin comprar tanto tiempo
Bss

http://www.blackdressinspiration.com

Laura B said...

These are great tips! I love your tip about the tailor. A better fitting piece can make it feel new all over again!

Suvarna Gold said...

I like the idea !! nice!


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Dressed With Soul said...

Congratulations! 3 months are a lot! Your tips are very good ... in my case at least there is nearly no shopping temptation in my local and real environment as I have there nearly 0 possibilites to shop :)
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com

A Very Sweet Blog said...

You've done fabulous! I'm on 2 mos.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Mica said...

You're doing so well with your ban and so nearly at the end! :)

I find avoiding shopping by filling my time with other things is the best trick I have, it's working at the moment anyway. Telling people about it is a great motivator too, people come up with other activities to do and hold you accountable and motivate you. :)

Good luck with the last part of your ban!

Away From The Blue Blog

LyddieGal said...

Glad you've been able to use the money you've saved constructively. I feel like I haven't saved a penny, every time I turn around it's something else - but I suppose I'd have even less had I been shopping!
Chic on the Cheap