How do you spend money?

[Deleted]

I usually don't spend money on little things, but make just a few large purchases a year. I'd rather have one pair of really classic shoes than 20 pairs of more trendy shoes. H is the opposite, he buys lots of little things (video games, books, etc...), but never spends a large lump sum. I think our situation is different because we don't have to take things like children and paying for college into consideration, but pretty much if we want it we get it as long as we can afford it.

To me, indulgences are just that. They would be the first thing to be cut from the budget if something were to happen (travel, craft beer, fancy cheese, clothing, books), basically anything that doesn't keep us alive.

[amandasw]

well, right now my spending is very tightly connected to my exercising, haha

now that I'm keeping track, I'm a little bit more careful. however, I think we're pretty equal since he recently got started collecting sports memorabilia and I like to have coffee/goodwill shopping dates with friends

[madDawg228]

So how do you guys... spend? Like, how do you decide what's necessary and what's not? Do you indulge? Or do you need a reason better than just wanting something, or it's my birthday or Christmas or the sky is pink today to get something? We try to be careful and will "touch base" with each other before purchases of >$50. We are both okay with money and we try to buy things when there is a good deal. We don't necessarily need a reason. Though, I did buy more expensive dresses and accessories last year for the wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, etc... and most years I buy Birthday and Anniversary outfits, but that stuff is for special occasions

Oh, and what do you count as indulgence? Clothes, going out to eat/drink, sporting events, vacations, going to the movies, and a proper headboard for the bed (still don't have that, H doesn't think it's a necessary expense )

[emyinpink]

not sure if anyone remembers my post awhile ago about how we had some credit card debt in dealing with combining our finances...well, we've gotten rid of all of it, and have now locked down our budget + savings plans.

we basically divided our budget up into the following categories:
bills/utilities
car
travel
personal care
going out/takeout food (includes bars)
groceries
wine
fun money

I definitely spend more money than he does, but I've really been trying to focus in on spending money the right ways. and thinking more about higher quality fewer purchases. in general though, if it fits into our budget categories, we tend to not worry about spending it.

[jennlin]

i definitely spend more money than he does, but that's because i think more things are "worth" it...he doesn't want to spend more than $20 on shoes..i think up to $100 is good, $200 is indulging, but not over the top.

i do most of the "buying" for us..little stuff like bbq skewers, or a soap dish or something...he would never think to buy that..he does all the home depot/lowes buying. we rarely consult each other, but we think about what the other would think of the purchase...we only really consult if it's a super-splurge (like me buying uw's shoes!)..regular splurges include new clothes or fancy crafting toys.

[Deleted]

Jul 26, 2012 17:52:59 GMT -5 jennlin said:

we only really consult if it's a super-splurge (like me buying uw's shoes!)

speaking of and sorry to thread jack, but have you worn them yet?

[jennlin]

Jul 26, 2012 17:55:51 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

Jul 26, 2012 17:52:59 GMT -5 jennlin said:

we only really consult if it's a super-splurge (like me buying uw's shoes!)

speaking of and sorry to thread jack, but have you worn them yet?

no..working late shift means i have NO free time. but THIS WEEKEND! i will wear them. i am SO EXCITED!

[Deleted]

Jul 26, 2012 17:58:26 GMT -5 jennlin said:

Jul 26, 2012 17:55:51 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

speaking of and sorry to thread jack, but have you worn them yet?

no..working late shift means i have NO free time. but THIS WEEKEND! i will wear them. i am SO EXCITED!

:Y:

[amandasw]

Jul 26, 2012 18:07:57 GMT -5 @uwhuskygirl said:

Jul 26, 2012 17:58:26 GMT -5 jennlin said:

no..working late shift means i have NO free time. but THIS WEEKEND! i will wear them. i am SO EXCITED!

pics or it didn't happen!