I want to buy something!

After a very generous 2013, I have made a decision to live on my pension and only dip into savings for special, one time only things.

January went well. I actually had $150 left from my pension cheque. I had the idea of buying a "travel sized" tripod for photography and a backpack specially designed for carrying camera equipment. Instead of jumping in, I researched choices on the internet and put them on a wish list.

This week I'm doing special one time only things for my boys. I'm taking my second son skiing for a couple of days. When I come home, it will be my number one son's turn. He is a professional triathlete and I'm getting him a new bike. That's it. No other extras in February.

I have to do this one day at a time..."Don't spend money... Don't spend money...Don't spend money!"

I've been researching options on how to upgrade my pc to what I'd want it to be. Or at this rate need it to be.. Problem is I don't actually have any money to do it. So all I can do is dream, for now anyways. And I foresee that it'll go as it usually does; instead of going the "order only what you need" it'll be "order all that you can afford long as they are proper value".. Let's just say I've got bad habit of future proofing my builds. *Glance at 4770k "htpc".*

Also I've got habit of buying stuff I rarely, if ever, actually use. Even if I've researched the matter for months to find best value item(s).. Like I've got a Nikon D5100 sitting on a shelf, barely used it in last half a year. Even though I've got a digital photographing class going, with few weeks to turn in the works.. :<

Not to mention I'm a packrat when it comes to random stuff. In my defense its actually handy for my current studies; finding new uses for cheap crap when making mock-ups and props of products, seeing options and new ways to use common materials.

Good to set your limits and your able to. It is not always easy setting limits when there is so much out there we all want. It is especially difficult for me at sometimes, accumulating two of everything. Enjoy your trip with your son.

Sounds like you are being super sensible! Keep going with that

Hope you have a lovely time away with your son

HUgs

Cracked

Congratulations skilsaw! This shows amazing strength to carry through on your planning, and you will have the reward from your happy sons All worth it.

I know how difficult it is to control impulses toward spending. I tend to waste money in dribs and drabs, eating out and the like so end up with very little savings. This might be my next goal to work on.

HOORAY! Good for you Skilsaw! I too, have to tell myself that when it's payday and I see the 99 Cent Stores or Staples. I've been real good about it. What I found that helps me is direct deposit and a direct deposit into savings. I've also been on top of paying my bills first before going out and ordering food and splurging. I'm sure your boys have noticed the difference. Keep up the good work! We're all proud of you!

Love and prayers,
Hannah P.

It is good to look back at what I wrote on February 9.
The couple days skiing with my son went really well.
The town we were in has amazing restaurants for the skiers.
Italian the first night.
Japanese the second night.
Mexican the third night.
and French crepes once for breakfast.

The snow was excellent. Not icy the first day, and 8 cm (4 inches)new snow the second day.

I put the whole trip on my VISA card and then paid it off yesterday.
Gave my oldest son money for his new bike. He's excited that his first race this season is just five weeks away.

That's my extravaganze for February paid out of savings and now to live on pension until the end of the month. My next treat to be paid out of savings is the flight and hotels for a family reunion in July.

Putting my financial plans on the forum and then being accountable here is good.

Skilsaw, looks like you had an amazing weekend! That's great! And you got to spend time with your son and everything, you must be very happy. I'm happy for you!

*Homer Simpson's voice* Hhhhhmmmm, crepes....... *Homer Simpson's voice*

It seems like you're trying hard to keep your finances in check. I'm glad talking about it here helps. Keep it up!

I love reading good news, makes me feel good!