Comments on: How Do I Stop Overthinking Every Purchase?

By: Jerry

Jerry — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:19:41 +0000

Spouses help to balance each other out. We're each other's insurance that we don't become too anal, too stressed, too anything. It can lead to much happier living circumstances when you have a partner like this.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:19:30 +0000

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 02:58:31 +0000

I love the idea of giving myself a little fun money each month. It's like a license to let loose every once in awhile. I'm very type-A and I can't really blow money without a little voice in the back of my head telling me it's okay to do so.

By: Donna Freedman

Donna Freedman — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:06:03 +0000

If "overthinking" each purchase when you shop alone means a consistent pattern of denial and regret, then you should definitely do something about it.
However, it sounds as though you're pretty comfortable with your solo shopping habits. If it ain't broke, don't fix it?
I agree with commenter "Sense," though: Allow yourself a little fun money. If you spend it, fine -- that's what it's there for. If you don't spend it, roll it over to the next shopping trip. And so on.
My feeling is that you're doing a good job, so try not to obsess over every dollar. Ask yourself, "Do I want it badly enough? Will it be worth it? Will we enjoy it? Can I afford it?" If the answer is "yes" then go ahead and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:49:26 +0000

Generally speaking, guys seem to be a little looser with money than ladies. I don't think there's anything wrong with you "overthinking" – it probably helps balance out both your spending habits.

By: Sense

Sense — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:42:52 +0000

can you give yourself a little 'blow' money each month? that would curb the guilt, i think!

By: Newlyweds on a Budget

Newlyweds on a Budget — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 05:01:08 +0000

I always spend less when I don't go grocery shopping with the husband. Example: yesterday, we stopped at the meathouse for sandwich meat and cheese, and ended up spending $50. bad spending habits are contagious and we feed off each other because we act like we're still dating and it's a "date" so we can splurge rather than thinking "oh crap we're married and on a budget, and we have to pay for your $350 flight to Seattle next week!"
if we had the money, i wouldn't worry about it as much. but we just don't have the money. so again, i try not to shop with my husband.