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Original poster

No-spend / low-spend September?

50 replies

FrustratedFrugal · 01/09/2015 12:25

If you want to spend less on S&B, stick to a budget, plan your purchases more carefully, or try a total shopping ban, post your goals and updates here!

Continued from here.

Personal update:
I failed spectacularly in August but will try to be stricter with my finances in September. I have been doing no-spends and low-spends for a few months now and no longer dread checking my bank statement Grin

OP posts:
Nabootique · 01/09/2015 12:45

I'm in, although I did spot this thread after purchasing a Stila lipstick. But that's it! Apart from maybe bubble bath as I don't have much left, but I only buy cheap ones anyway.

daimbardiva · 01/09/2015 13:14

Hello I'm back again! I didn't do too badly I'm August. I was going for low buy and bought one pair of shoes in celebration when I got a new job, and two pairs of jeans to replace two often worn, worn-out pairs which have now been recycled.

I'm going for no buy September. I'm optimistic I'll make this as now I'm working I have less time to browse shops/online and am also enjoying rediscovering my own work wardrobe which has been unused for almost a year!

BerniceBobsHerHairAgain · 01/09/2015 13:33

Ooh hello, I want to do a minimal spend for 3 months - I have never managed anything similar so this would be a BIG thing for me. I was hoping one of these threads would pop up for this month.

So, my rules are not to spend on credit or on line. I am going to work out a weekly budget (for everything) and I will allow myself to spend out of that, in RL shops. I want to aim for under 3 items of clothing per month. Cosmetics / toiletries, I will just buy replacements as needed.

Browsing S&B and blogs is where my weakness lies...but also I do derive enjoyment from that so not sure I can go cold turkey.

What do others do to avoid temptation?

Lottapianos · 01/09/2015 14:38

I recommend a good hard look at your wardrobe and make up collection. I was bracing myself for a massive shopping spree now that Autumn is here, but actually I need loads less than I thought I did. At the moment, its just looking like new bras, a new parka, a couple of good t-shirts and some long sleeved cheap t-shirts from Primark. I threw out quite a bit of make up the other day, cheapy stuff which I had bought just for summer, and have bought a few new bits just to fill the gaps (new powder, new pink blusher, matte coral lippy). Its very satisfying keeping track of what you have and keeping it all to manageable size so you're not overwhelmed with too much choice and not knowing what you actually need to buy new.

Original poster
FrustratedFrugal · 01/09/2015 20:48

Bernice for some reason Instagram gives me relaxing moments without compulsive purchases. I no longer browse many blogs and avoid e-tailers and Pinterest. I'll also try to go to galleries or exhibitions or see a film.

Lotta I've found so many forgotten items in my wardrobe. Most of them are new favorites, no shopping sprees required.

I reported my credit card lost, then realized I had left it in my office, getting a replacement will take 1-2 weeks. So paying everything with cash, feeling extremely price conscious...

OP posts:
onemouseplace · 01/09/2015 20:56

I'm in - I'm going for a no-buy September as well. I need to have a good sort out and wardrobe swapover when the kids are back at school and then I will see if there is anything I genuinely need and look to buy in October.

I had a bit of a nasty shock when I did my usual end-of-month look at funds, which gave me enough of a kick up the backside not to buy the CH for Cult Beauty box or the SpaceNK GWP - I would normally have gone for at least one of them.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 01/09/2015 21:06

I've just spent £70 on the M&S sale but, In My Defence (a phrase I will use lots Blush ) I got boots, a belt, a T Shirt that I saw in store and loved and a white shirt to wear with jeans.

I don't need any more make up or toiletries apart from hairdye (Superdrugs, I do my own dyejob).

I'm inspired by the "Beauty Hoard" thread, I need to use a load of shampoo and showergel up (including the holiday products)
I have some St Tropez tan that I'll keep on with (might use my Boots points to buy the shower in one, that doesn't count does it? Grin )

I'm Princessing now. It involves water, waxing and new bras.

theredlion · 01/09/2015 21:13

I want to spend less over the next month so I'm watching this with interest.

Savagebeauty · 01/09/2015 21:17

I have so many clothesBlush
I actually do not need anything for winter except a pair of low heeled shoes.
Also would like some warm tops to wear in the evening with yoga pants. Not fleeces.

I have finally given up Dermalogica on my lone parent budget but have found La Roche Posey very good.

I refuse to give up six weekly hair cut/ roots and facials.

theredlion · 01/09/2015 22:13

I'm growing my hair so I'm giving up haircuts until Christmas so that's an easy save.

I went through my wardrobe recently and I've got lots of nice things I don't wear. I need more boots but that can wait until next month.

I am going to try not to overspend on Christmas if I manage it this will be the first year ever

Floisme · 01/09/2015 22:18

Please can I join you - I've just had my credit card bill Shock

I'm gutted as I love autumn/winter clothes and September is my favourite shopping month.

BerniceBobsHerHairAgain · 02/09/2015 10:10

I'm going to have the credit card guilt next month Floisme - I have done a big haul prior to this month beginning. As a result I really don't need anything for AW.

Looked at our finances last night and felt quite motivated. Have given myself my monthly budget.

orlakielyimnot · 02/09/2015 17:43

May I join? ! I have a ridiculous credit card bill. I've made a repayment plan to have it cleared in a year and i've cut it in half as a reminder not to use it. I'm going on holiday in a few weeks and I have a list of staples I always buy which will total no more than £300. Otherwise I would like to not buy anything for myself that isn't a need, like tights, replacement make up, ideally for a year, gulp!

orlakielyimnot · 02/09/2015 21:35

I just found some cords I never wear because they are the wrong colour for me. They are pale. I've decided to dye them black. New trousers for the cost of dye! Hope it works. I haven't died anything in decades. Been on wikihow to learn how to dye a mixed blend fabric!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 02/09/2015 21:56

Orla

If you dye from light to black the thread might not take the colour (it is often a synthetic stitching )

Plus if you do it in the machine it needs quite a high temperature to 'fix' ,then you need to wash again, then clean the seals in your washing machine.

I used to dye my DH black jeans when they faded.
It really was easier and more cost effective to buy new ones.

What was it that lured you to the cords when you bought them. Can you put them with a top that carries a small amount of the pale colour?
Or sell on eBay?

YetAnotherUserName · 03/09/2015 08:36

Help!!! Still in control of my spending (just anout) and not in debt, but I'm lusting after a new parka (damn S&B threads!!). I'm trying to justify it thinking I've never had one before, it looks warm and waterproof for the winter, it could finally get replace a very old and thin rain coat. Help me to either stay strong and have money in the bank, or just succumb to yet another winter coat purchase!

70 how about dyeing black jeans black again? Bought some Mint Velvet skinnies earlier in the year, good fit but have faded to grey Angry so I've been toying with the idea of trying to dye them a proper black again - is hand dye better than machine? I don't think they'd survive a 60°C wash, if they need a high temp to fix the colour.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 03/09/2015 18:08

I'm in - not for a no spend, but for watching carefully and only buying from a v carefully selected list.

My flat ankle boots and dead (and have already been re-heeled and soled, so silly to spend money on them again as it would be almost the cost of the boots), so I need new ones. I'd also like some new heeled black ankle boots, as mine are looking a bit shabby and I don't think they are re-heel-able.

Still want a couple of scarves - a bright one and a big blanket cape thing.

And I might need a couple of plain long sleeved tops.

Original poster
FrustratedFrugal · 03/09/2015 18:26

YetAnother do you live in a place where it rains a lot? Do you love the coat? Does it fit well? If yes, it might be a smart purchase. But be careful - I wore a raincoat today that I hastily purchased online some years ago after seeing a tempting link. The fit was off, it is too big and built for a different body shape, but I kept it because it would have been quite difficult and expensive to return. I've never liked it. It does the job but I don't really like it. Looking forward to replacing it at some point but items like this are always incredibly hardwearing...

I don't have a new credit card yet so my purchases are cash only. Great for my bank balance Grin

OP posts:
weeoclock · 03/09/2015 19:04

In the last year I have badly overspent - managed to mount £3k up on my credit card. Sorted out an interest free balance transfer and after reading first few threads on here have cut the old and new credit cards up - eek! Now got to dedicate myself to repaying the money.
Have a bag full of stuff to stick on Ebay and have put a load of old Xbox games on a FB selling site- if they sell will be £70 in my pocket

Original poster
FrustratedFrugal · 03/09/2015 20:35

I've also noticed that a cheap treat - having a cappucino on my way to work a couple days per week, relaxing for an hour in a nice atmosphere with my work papers, or stopping at a library - feels great. I used to buy clothes and cosmetics to relax, but these treats feel just as nice.

Very impressed how so many of you are getting your finances organized. I had a few scary months when I was close to overdraft. We've cleared a really expensive summer now (relocation to another country), been able to buy big important things that really make a difference for us, and my finances are stable. Tempted to lock away the credit card when I get it.

I did buy a top for DD2 yesterday. She no longer needs to wear a school uniform. We found an item we both really loved.

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 03/09/2015 21:12

Yet

IME , cold wash dye ends up patchy and black dye is one of the worst to 'fix'
I read somewhere that if you use a black + a very dark navy it gives a better result . Don't know if it;s true, DH wanted blackest black.

Also don't overload the machine or you get creases and uneven dye.

Now he buys Combats rather than jeans so I don't need to .

YetAnotherUserName · 03/09/2015 22:38

Frustrated I live in deepest darkest Berkshire, so not the wettest or cokdest part of the country Grin You're absolutely right about buying online, must investigate returns policy - maybe that will put me off!

You're also right about a cheaper "treat" and I do love a coffee if I'm out. Will try harder to restrain myself.

70 Thanks for the navy + black tip, I'll try that when I finally give up on those fast fading skinnies. Got to find replacement pair first Blush

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 04/09/2015 17:21

I was nosying about in Primark when it was quiet , saw a really nice long tunic (with zips at each side from the hemline) . I like the bottle green but I was very adult and put it back.

Though I'll be dragged to Primark by DD tomorrow so maybe.........

I think that will be my September mantra.
Don't impulse buy. Give it 24 hours.

I ordered some M&S (on the 20% off) but they were items I'd been looking for anyway.

My excuse Wink

onemouseplace · 04/09/2015 17:57

I was nearly very weak today and had a nose on the White Company website as I will need a couple more knits/ tops this winter as most of mine are looking a bit tired and I had a 20% and free P&P code.

I was foiled though as the two bits I really liked were both sold out. On September 4th - that's pretty rubbish really.

theredlion · 04/09/2015 20:06

I had a weak moment today when the White Stuff catalogue and one from Boden arrived but I didn't buy and I won't.
I must save some money.