fill in the blank...i am spending too much money on

[Dancing Fire]

My kid...just lately...but you may not be allowed to say that...out loud....

P.s. teenagers are expensive...

been there, done that.. and so are young adults til they find a job.

 

[Jennifer W]

same here...dining out,coffee everyday and friday night drinking at the bar.

My friend, these are quality of life purchases. Unless you're up to your eyes in debt and have no savings, they are worth more than money in the bank. You can't take it with you.

 

[Jennifer W]

Nothing, really. I just don't have the mental energy to regret what I spend and how, so long as I'm not in debt. Life is way too short to deny myself the dinner out or the cup or coffee if I don't have to.

Oh, well said. I just spent a minute tallying things up, and it's not that I'm some kind of virtuous consumer. But life is too short to kick myself for going on periodic hatbox binges. Kudos!

On something of a threadjack, did you ever get your Singer working?

I mean, I don't regret spending money, but I did marry someone who might just be tempted to argue that I do spend a disproportionate amount of it on vintage and antique sewing machines.

 

[Circe]

Nothing, really. I just don't have the mental energy to regret what I spend and how, so long as I'm not in debt. Life is way too short to deny myself the dinner out or the cup or coffee if I don't have to.

Oh, well said. I just spent a minute tallying things up, and it's not that I'm some kind of virtuous consumer. But life is too short to kick myself for going on periodic hatbox binges. Kudos!

On something of a threadjack, did you ever get your Singer working?

I mean, I don't regret spending money, but I did marry someone who might just be tempted to argue that I do spend a disproportionate amount of it on vintage and antique sewing machines.

Ha! NO. I got caught up with the move and the baby and now it's acting as a sad little entry-table. Now that the kiddo's a little bigger (and outgrowing every piece of clothing I buy him with startling speed), I'm hoping I can find the time and motivation. I remember you offered to trouble-shoot it for me if I'd take some pictures: I understand if the offer's expired, but I might start a thread on it tonight, along with the other weird things I collect. I wasn't kidding about the hatboxes. And I didn't even get to the vintage Whiting and Davis mesh purses ....

 

[Laila619]

Take out.

It really adds up.

 

[iLander]

I used to say cigarettes, but I don't do that anymore!

We don't really eat out a lot, I think. Fast food once a week, but I hate to spend money on restaurants, so no fancy dinners for me.

I guess my answer is "electricity"! During the summer we will easily hit $450 a month! Rest of the year, it's around $250. Ridiculous!

 

[iLander]

Nothing, really. I just don't have the mental energy to regret what I spend and how, so long as I'm not in debt. Life is way too short to deny myself the dinner out or the cup or coffee if I don't have to.

Oh, well said. I just spent a minute tallying things up, and it's not that I'm some kind of virtuous consumer. But life is too short to kick myself for going on periodic hatbox binges. Kudos!

On something of a threadjack, did you ever get your Singer working?

I mean, I don't regret spending money, but I did marry someone who might just be tempted to argue that I do spend a disproportionate amount of it on vintage and antique sewing machines.

You know, I learned to sew on my grandmother's old black Singer with a knee lever that activated it (electric, about 1930?). That thing was awesome. I have never sewn as well as I did with that! These new ones with the foot pedal always bunch up and the needle/bobbin jam, they're awful!

 

[bebe]

recreational spending

 

[VapidLapid]

Nuits St Georges

But I cook all the time and we save a fortune from that. Still not sure how the one fortune I save by cooking I manage to rationalize into spending on four or five other fortunes, stones, tools, wood, without pondering too deeply the durable goods value v. quality of times value.

 

[jaysonsmom]

My husband's golf habit. He played 3 rounds this week!

 

[Trekkie]

My husband's golf habit. He played 3 rounds this week!

LOL!

My dad is retired now and just spent the equivalent of half my monthly salary on two golf clubs. TWO GOLF CLUBS!! How is that even possible??

My dad plays golf from Mondays to Fridays and bowls on Saturdays and Sundays.

We keep telling him "stop spending our inheritance" but so far that's having no effect.

Oh, well. Whatever makes him happy, right?

 

[Jennifer W]

Nothing, really. I just don't have the mental energy to regret what I spend and how, so long as I'm not in debt. Life is way too short to deny myself the dinner out or the cup or coffee if I don't have to.

Oh, well said. I just spent a minute tallying things up, and it's not that I'm some kind of virtuous consumer. But life is too short to kick myself for going on periodic hatbox binges. Kudos!

On something of a threadjack, did you ever get your Singer working?

I mean, I don't regret spending money, but I did marry someone who might just be tempted to argue that I do spend a disproportionate amount of it on vintage and antique sewing machines.

You know, I learned to sew on my grandmother's old black Singer with a knee lever that activated it (electric, about 1930?). That thing was awesome. I have never sewn as well as I did with that! These new ones with the foot pedal always bunch up and the needle/bobbin jam, they're awful!

Aren't they amazing! The modern, lightweigh plastic ones don't thrill me either.I have one with a knee lever, and it's nice to use.

 

[Jennifer W]

Nothing, really. I just don't have the mental energy to regret what I spend and how, so long as I'm not in debt. Life is way too short to deny myself the dinner out or the cup or coffee if I don't have to.

Oh, well said. I just spent a minute tallying things up, and it's not that I'm some kind of virtuous consumer. But life is too short to kick myself for going on periodic hatbox binges. Kudos!

On something of a threadjack, did you ever get your Singer working?

I mean, I don't regret spending money, but I did marry someone who might just be tempted to argue that I do spend a disproportionate amount of it on vintage and antique sewing machines.

Ha! NO. I got caught up with the move and the baby and now it's acting as a sad little entry-table. Now that the kiddo's a little bigger (and outgrowing every piece of clothing I buy him with startling speed), I'm hoping I can find the time and motivation. I remember you offered to trouble-shoot it for me if I'd take some pictures: I understand if the offer's expired, but I might start a thread on it tonight, along with the other weird things I collect. I wasn't kidding about the hatboxes. And I didn't even get to the vintage Whiting and Davis mesh purses ....

The offer is still valid, if there's one thing I love, it's poking around in old machinery (even if it's only virtual).

 

[dragonfly411]

eating out and going places in general. This year, we've already been camping twice, we've gone to two large mud events, we've gone to the botanical gardens enough that we finally caved and bought a season pass, we've gone shooting, been to two movies, and we go out to eat so effing much. I just love going and trying local restaurants though.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Mine is also food, but we don't eat out. It's all grocery store food. One of my kids only eats food that has all natural products and will read the labels and refuse anything that has questionable ingredients, so that said, my grocery bills are really high and I'm not sure how to lower them. I am trying to do coupons, but that's not making a dent in this expense.

 

[NOYFB]

Groceries! I swear I spend at least $200 a week! And there's only 2 of us!

 

[Fly Girl]

My kid...just lately...but you may not be allowed to say that...out loud....

P.s. teenagers are expensive...

been there, done that.. and so are young adults til they find a job.

Yes, my response would be "the kids". They are 22 and 25 and both could really use good jobs. Part-time jobs at $8/hr just doesn't do it and I understand that.

 

[MsP]

I spent a lot on food... but don't buy any processed foods really. I mean, the occasional tomato sauce, or crack does sneak in but I am a sucker for good quality cheese...and meats. My advice for grocery bills if you spend a good portion on produce are international markets, farmers markets (not the cute quaint ones... they are $$$), and co-ops. Not only do you see and get to try varieties you normally wouldn't... they are SO CHEAP. I had to swing by the local big chain because I had forgotten a red pepper. Red peppers are $4.99/lb at the big chain-- I am used to paying $0.99/lb. HUGE difference. I also go through 10-12 lemons a week. Huge price difference. I get 7/$1.00 at the international market, and at the big chain it's 4 times that. And buying grains and spices loose is another big savings.

I also spend too much on nail polish.

 

[Tuckins1]

Baby stuff!! He has so many books, toys, clothes, etc..., but I can't help myself!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I spent a lot on food... but don't buy any processed foods really. I mean, the occasional tomato sauce, or crack does sneak in but I am a sucker for good quality cheese...and meats. My advice for grocery bills if you spend a good portion on produce are international markets, farmers markets (not the cute quaint ones... they are $$$), and co-ops. Not only do you see and get to try varieties you normally wouldn't... they are SO CHEAP. I had to swing by the local big chain because I had forgotten a red pepper. Red peppers are $4.99/lb at the big chain-- I am used to paying $0.99/lb. HUGE difference. I also go through 10-12 lemons a week. Huge price difference. I get 7/$1.00 at the international market, and at the big chain it's 4 times that. And buying grains and spices loose is another big savings.

I also spend too much on nail polish.

Oooo, thanks for mentioning the internstional markets! I'm going to check a few of them out.

 

[hoover]

Everything
Especially eating out (i need to learn how to cook or be organized enough to pack lunches)
Ooh... And then there.s my coffee habit

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Too much on Hermes bags.
Not enough on diamonds.
I wonder if that nice Mr. Christian Grey could help me manage my money.....

 

[nararabbit]

Handbags, dresses, jewelry, getting my hair colored... Mr Nara and I decided against having a family (for personal reasons) and it's really freed up our discretionary income! We help our nieces and nephews pay for camping trips, band camp, educational stuff, books, etc. Thankfully before I got a raise this past year I went ahead and increased my 401k allotment, so I can spend without fear. We have a nice little nest egg, which I add to here and there. The Mister hardly buys anything, maybe some new headphones or a t-shirt now and then. I'm definitely the shopper...

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Parking.

cheers--Sharon

 

[decodelighted]

Travel. (lately, but not every month).

 

[Phoenix]

Too much on Hermes bags.
Not enough on diamonds.
I wonder if that nice Mr. Christian Grey could help me manage my money.....

Hmmmm...I have the exact opposite "problem" (first world problem I am sure): I don't have enough H bags and have trouble getting them, esp. brand new. How do you do it, Madam Bijoux?

 

[Amys Bling]

Manicures and pedicures... It really adds up going three or four times a month. I'm making a real effort to go once a month and do my own nails a few times a month

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Hi, Phoenix! I live fairly close to the Hermes store at the King of Prussia mall - it's a mixed blessing.

 

[Phoenix]

Hi, Phoenix! I live fairly close to the Hermes store at the King of Prussia mall - it's a mixed blessing.

Oh, so do you just walk in and buy the H bags there (meaning they have them readily available at the boutique) or do you need to order in advance and/ or they reserve and sell them to you because they know you're a VVVIP? I hear that even in Paris and London, they don't just sell to anyone walking in.

I'd like to know what's the secret! In Singapore and Hong Kong, it's especially bad. Even when I walk in with all my bling and designer gear, they still refuse to put me on their wait-list (apparently that wait-list is already closed anyway). I do buy other things like scarves (luuuurve their scarves), belts and smaller purses / wallets, but they still don't care! .

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Phoenix, all but 2 of my bags were readily available in the store. Two were special orders. It helps to go into the store as often as possible. Sometimes a customer asks to have a bag brought in to look at and then declines the bag. If nobody else is on the waiting list for a declined bag, they put in on display in the window or on a shelf.