Obviously I did not cut out all the shopping, one must survive you know, but s I am proud to say that I have not purchased a single thing of junk. You know, such as unnecessary clothing, gadgets and anything else that is not needed for everyday living. Basically things that I could go without. My only shopping consisted of grocery shopping and even then I did not splurge.Trust me I’ve fought off some pretty tough urges to splurge.
Technically my last shopping trip/splurge was in Las Vegas, which was way back in mid January. Every year I splurge in Las Vegas, how could one not? They have amazing shopping and outlet malls, plus its no secrete that things are much cheaper in United States than what I would pay for in Toronto.
I have to admit though, that despite not shopping for 127 days for clothing, technology, gadgets and other useless things, I’ve become drained. It has been a painful journey of not buying anything else, other than groceries. The positive to this 127 day journey, is that I learned a few things along the way.
1) It’s easier to look forward to something when you are not spending. Many ideas run through your head, such as that next renovation, bigger purchases, such as a car and different investing ideas. Yes, it’s true, all these ideas ran through my head at some point or another. I can proudly say that despite it being a painful journey of not splurging, it has given me a sense of renewed optimism. This new sense of optimism makes me look forward towards the future, by saving and planning carefully.
2) It’s true what they say; “Write your goals down”. I wrote mine down and posted it on two locations, one in my kitchen on the fridge and one in the office. Two places, where I spend most of my time and to my delightful surprise, it has worked. Every day I was served with a reminder that stood there in front of me, when I went to go grab that beer or make that meal or log onto Finance Fox.
3) You learn to appreciate what you have. Yes, it’s true. You discover new ways to mix and match your existing clothes, find clothes and shoes that I have not worn in over a year and make them part of my everyday wardrobe. Fun times for sure.
4) Discovering new ways of having fun, without spending money. I discovered that hiking can be a very fun activity and combining hiking with my SLR camera, makes it that much more interesting to spend an average of 4-5 hours in a forest trekking. On top of it all, I discovered a new passion for running. This helped of course when you find like minded people, who are into the same things you are.
Overall I’ve been happy with my 127 day shopping drought. Yes, I could have shopped many times, but just opted not to. Sure it was painful and sometimes dull, but I discovered new sides to me. Frugality is not all that bad. Plus I saved roughly $800 on top of it all, by only buying things I truly needed, such as groceries. That being said though, summer is around the corner and I do need to purchase a few new things. I know you are probably thinking; “Wow he was so good, now he’s going to be bad and spend everything he saved”, but that’s not the case at all. All of the purchases I am about to list, are calculated and within the budget.
Bike ($350) – Yuppers, a bicycle. Last time I owned a bicycle, I think I was 10 years old. My brother purchased one and has been busting my chops to get one too, so we can do some biking together. Hence, why I said yes. Some good bonding time with the brother and on top of it all, he purchased a bike rack, so he can lug around the bikes on his car.
Apple Mackbook ($1200)- I’ve been wanting a laptop for the last 2 or so years, but never opted for one due to other priorities, plus I have a super desktop computer, that I never really found full use for a laptop. Although, the more I get into website design, graphic design and writing, the more I will find it useful. Plus, I am enjoying photography more and more and would be a great way to edit and brush-up my photos.
Apple Ipod ($300) – My old one died on me finally. I was disappointed, all that music gone, but I am looking forward to getting a new one, especially since it has a touch screen. Looking to make good use of it during running, hiking and all the other outdoor activities.
I figured it would be good to slowly get these purchases out the way now. In the September-October time, I will finally dip into the stock market. Yes, my first time. Currently I am doing my research and since markets are on the upswing again (minus the last 3 weeks), I figured I’d familiarize my self a little more in depth. Oh and also definitely will get into Index Funds. Keep you guys posted.
What’s the longest you’ve gone a shopping ban?
I firmly believe in not shopping until you’ve reached the point where you’ve spent weeks thinking to yourself, “this item could seriously improve the quality of my life.” If it’s been on your mind for weeks, then it’s not an impulse buy.
Hmmm interesting point there and a good way to look at it for sure.
I used to be a heavy shopper. Buying shoes, clothes and any unnecessary gadgets my fingers and debit card could get their hands on. Because of this I used to live paycheque to paycheque and never saved any money. I was 18-26 and stupid. Now, especially over the last year I realized that no one cares whether you have the latest or greatest. I’ve saved, taken trips which are worth a heck of a lot more in the memory banks than any other junk I’ve spent my money on.
Great article and good luck with your continued frugality!
Peter, thanks for your input!
I, much like your self was brudal in my teens and early 20s. I bought everything and lived pay cheque to pay cheque. You are so right, no one cares about the latest or greatest and those who do, are all for show. Its much easier to sleep at night with minimal or no debt and be able to afford the things you really want, without thinking where the money will come from.
This is the way I live my life. I arrived in Canada 10 years ago with nothing but a debt, I have been debt-free for over 9 years (The first thing I did was to pay back what I owed of course) I have worked menial jobs of all sorts and never worried about stuff I didn’t need and I still live that way. I only go to the store when I need something, if that ‘something’ can wait until they put it on sale somewhere then I’ll wait. I pay for EVERYTHING with my credit card to get the points and pay my full balance every month. I can’t understand why people here live owing thousands and thousands worth of items that are not indispensable to begint with. I especially stay away from stores the whole month of December to avoid the Xmas shopping frenzy. I stock up in November and don’t even go grocery shopping in December.
Lucia,
That’s some true words of inspiration there. Your strategy is awesome, especially using your CC to get points and you pay it off. I don’t know the answer as to why everyone in Canada is in debt, but my speculation is that, people live beyond their means. They try to replicate the lives of their friends, family and celebrties of course, by having the best of, but they don’t own none of it. That fancy car that they drive, looks cool, but they don’t own it, the financing company does, yet they pretend that they do own it. Sad, but true.
Thanks for your words of wisdom!
After graduating from university with a mountain of debt, I have spent the past couple of years honing in on my frugality skills. It started as a way to pay off my loans faster, but has now turned into a lifestyle that I’m not sure I’ll ever give up. I have found that the less I give in to marketing campaigns and “keeping up with the Jones’s,” the less I feel a desire to give in in the first place. There is an enormous sense of freedom in not being bogged down by so much *stuff* that truly serves no purpose, as far as personal happiness and fulfillment go.
When it comes to necessary purchases, I do my research and buy the best quality that I can afford, so I don’t end up replacing the item every 5 minutes. There’s a huge difference between frugality and cheapness – and my goodness, is it ever nice to purchase good quality items, fully enjoy and appreciate them, and still have money in the bank. :)
Wow! Well written. I totally agree with you, there is a huge fine line between being cheap and frugal. Sadly, not a lot of people get it. Keeping up with the Jones’s was never my thing either and trutfully, I am much happier too. I buy the best I can and not afraid to spend money for quality when the purchase time comes around.
Bikes are the best!!! You will love it … and all the money you save by commuting on it!
I wish I can use it to my 19KM work ride…then I’d save tons of cake…but it will only be used for leasure purposes ..
I like the idea of bike rides, but I still feel very nervous when I use my wife’s bike. I keep thinking I will fall of or get hit by a car or a bus! LOL
Yes it can get a bit nerve wracking, but bike rides are fun never the less.