To think that even if you have no money, you need treats?

[NettoSuperstar]

I'm prepared for a flaming over this.

I've no money, none, in debt up to my eyeballs and no way atm of paying any of it off, yet in the last couple of weeks, I've spent money on a couple of books, and used all the points on my Boots card on make up.
I also sometimes buy takeaway, though that has to stop now, as I really can't manage that any more.

It's shit being skint, proper crap, and the little treats are what get you through the day.

What is £3 when you owe £10K?

When I was trying to pay off a lot of debts I used to spend literally nothing on little treats, but every three months or so I'd buy myself a couple of books and once a year I'd get myself a haircut. Because everything was so far apart it was especially lovely when I got it.

I always saved boots points for presents too or for shampoo if I'd run out and had no money, but I don't wear make-up so that's not something that'd excite me.

We are takeaway addicts too (having one right now in fact) but we have started getting Sainsburys ones or having naans/onion bhajis in the freezer to make our curryfromajar seem more 'special'. Also, being a bit more careful what we order and not doing it as much- makes you appreciate it more.

Agree it is about brainwashing as well, and making yourself remember simple (free) pleasures.

If you want guilt-free impulse shopping, go to charity shops. Spent twenty quid today but got loads and was giving to charity too virtuous

I do agree with you though and sounds like you are pretty in control with it. Enjoy!

I think if you are paying towards the debt & the "treats" don´t intefere with that, then there´s no problem.

Oh I'm the charity shop queen.
Most of my clothes/bags/shoes/accessories come from them, and I always get told I look great (though that's probably down to the anti ageing make up)

Really though, I need that £5 or so a week, and that includes DD's Moshi Monster card habit

you can order library books, even new ones!

I know exactly what you mean about needing a treat though.

It was the new Sweet Valley High book, and the other one was a signed copy of the TOWIE book.
I needed them Godammit!

Yeah, I will not buy more books though.
I really must apologise to everyone else who uses my local Library and gets the recipe books with food all over the pages

ahem

oh and BTW i buy new books then sell them on ebay - so overall you get them for a couple of quid.

You bought a Sweet Valley High book? How old are you?

31 and proud
ok slightly ashamed
ok cringeing a bit

Ha ha ha that's so funny! I used to read them when I was little.

They are great though.

I have to buy little treats as well. I am also skint and in debt, but if I run out of makeup or can't buy the odd mag or chocolate I'm going to feel even more shit about myself. I try to balance it out by selling things I don't need anymore on Ebay and only buying new clothes once I have started looking shockingly crap and then it's from Primark.

I'm 33, and I read those books as a child/teen, and wanted the new one.
It cost £3 or so.

So there

We went to see a debt counsellor when we were up to our eyes. He worked out a budget with us, asking how much we need to budget for bills, food, transport etc. Then he asked how much we'd budget for treats. We were but he explained that if you don't budget for treats, you'll spend a bit on a treat and feel guilty, but if you budget for them then you can feel good about buying yourself something and then you won't feel bad when you have to deprive yourself of something else.

We allowed ourselves £10 a month each, and it felt so good to take that money and know I could buy something nice for myself with it.

Woolley - Tesco do value toothbrushes for 10p!!! We buy them for guests and use them occasionally ourselves!

I'm not exactly skint but most of my money goes towards the trip I'm saving for (£3000 down, £7000 left!) so I am always skint in that I have none spare. Treats get me through it. A choccie bar on occasion, a pint after work or another Lonely Planet book, it makes it worthwhile!

Needs = necessities = shelter/food/clothes/pay rent/bills/
Wants = luxuries = mobiles/phone + broadband etc

Our needs come first and other treats will have to wait until we have the money to buy them. TBH, we don't see the need for a credit card. Never had and never liked them.

Thanks Actiongirl, but I've had a better offer!

I heart mumsnet!

Oooh, you must tell us what the Sweet Valley High book is like! I want it! I loved them as a teenager.

sweet valley discussion here

YANBU.

We're in the same boat.

My idea of a treat, however, is beeswax candles and a convenience tea once a week, which I factor into our food budget - pies or a pizza or something that can just be popped in the oven.

YANBU. There has to be a little light at the end of the tunnel for everyone. It does not sound to me like you are going overboard so I say enjoy your treats

Those tiny little treats are the difference between existing and living.

Yes, that's it.
I need to live.
I already just exist in that I'm too ill to go out, have no money and feel shit most of the time.
My small treats keep me going.

Beeswax candles Expat?
Ewwwwww
I'd rather a new nail varnish!

They smell gorgeous, are fairly inexpensive on Ebay and I like burning candles and incense.

Why not but you might want to consider better what you splash out on. Books are generally read once and not looked at again. So to the library with you.