To regret spending on clothes.

[Freedom4357]

I am furloghed so I didnt really want to spend. However, none of my summer shorts from last year fit me (they are too tight) and my dresses from last year are also on the tight side, like I feel "stuck" in them.
So after feeling frustrated when today was so hot and I stuck on some leggings and a tshirt (jeans also feel tight) I splurged £100 on clothes.

I was bordeline anorexic last summer and I have gained just over a stone but I also have massive financial anxiety. Even if I spend £5 I panic, nevermind £100.

I now have about £2300 in my bank account and my brain keeps thinking "you're so stupid!!" "You're going to be broke". I know it's unreasonable but I feel trapped with this worry amd I dont know how to overcome it :(

You sound like you can a good handle on what's going on inside. If you can challenge the voice telling you that you will be broke, then do.

CBT is really good for this sort of issue.

Think of it though as will you spend that much next year on summer clothes? You sound responsible so I doubt you would.
You have the money there. £100 doesn't dent what you got left unless you got bills etc. Those clothes will probably last for next year and beyond that. It's okay to treat yourself once in a while. I see it as obviously don't leave yourself skint but money is there to be spent if you have the extra treat yourself.

Didn’t want to read and run, OP. I get that spending on clothes can be a source of guilt, but having clothes that fit is pretty essential - don’t feel bad about buying a few things that you actually need! Maybe setting out a reasonable budget to spend on clothes and stick to that, then it won’t feel so panic-inducing? Anxiety is a bitch, isn’t it? Well done on achieving a healthier weight - you deserve to have some clothes that’ll make you feel good

Its just an intrusive thought op.....just a thought not a fact.
I repeat this over and over until i believe it.

Thank you everybody

Given your circumstances, don't feel bad, you needed the clothes.

I have bought masses of clothes and make up online to cheer myself up during lockdown.
I don’t really need all of them and can’t really afford it 😆but I just tell myself that they will last me for years, so instead of buying one thing a month I have bought everything in one go, so I don’t need to clothes shop now for years !
Also I think that feeling comfortable and good about your self in the clothes you wear is a good investment and never a waste.
£100 isn’t really very much to spend on clothes, just look after them, enjoy wearing them and really get your money’s worth from them.

you haven't been able to spend any of your entertainment budget during lockdown so a little splurge on clothes is totally fine :)

I think spending £100 compared to the £2300 remaining is completely reasonable.

Realistically you can always return the clothes too.

All I will say is that if you splurged on an impulse, you may have missed out on cheaper prices by not shopping around. For example I bought a pair of trainers from JD, but then noticed footasylum had a 20% off code floating around so I could have saved £20 on the exact trainers!

I understand. I'm on limited funds during lockdown and have also gone up in weight so hardly anything fits.

I'm easing my money anxieties by having a massive ebay mission. I've listed lots that doesn't fit on ebay. It will declutter and help funds hopefully.

Think of it this way, if it’s between spending £100 and getting back down to an unhealthy weight, definitely spend the £100. Hopefully they’ll last you a few seasons and you can get a lot of wear out of them

I think that sounds just the job. Clothes a bit tight so need new ones. Nice, fresh and new items that feel comfortable and look great. Bargain for £100! Still plenty of savings. Everything is good OP!

Could you sell some of last year’s clothes to offset some of the money you’ve spent? Might make you feel a bit better.

I'd imagine theres a link between the control over what you eat as an anorexic and the inability to let loose. You've treated yourself. You really do deserve it especially as you have a lot going on at the moment that would cause anyone to be anxious. Money comes and goes. Don't waste any more energy thinking on it x

I think £100 isn't an excessive amount to spend.

you seem to have good self awareness around what is and isn't normal.
Your existing clothes sound like they only fit when you are unwell (i.e. unnaturally thin)
So think of buying these clothes is an investment in your health.

Also being unnaturally frugal is something to avoid/work on so maybe think of buying the clothes an exercise in practising improving that too?

Best of luck with it

If I had 2k in my account I don't think I could have limited to only £100.
While you're furloughed could you get all the old things that are too small advertised on facebook and or ebay, and anything else you have knocking around you don't particularly want or need anymore? I bet you would easily make it back and maybe some more for a rainy day/more clothes.

Money and food are very tied together. Not wanting to treat yourself / feel like you deserve it.

Useful video here:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=fq70Q7wbjjg

Having clothes that don’t feel too tight is very important. Well done on making changes!

but doesn't everyone control their spending to a degree? I mean if you are saving/paying off debts you need to, right?

There is another thread on here about people realising how much they have wasted on lunches/coffees, etc.

When I go out I usually just have a coffee or eat beforehand as I don't like buying food out/ eating cake in a cafe for the sake of it - I would much rather spend that money on something else.