Torn to Shreds : Spending Versus Saving
By AmberLynn
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
United States
July 20, 2016 2:23am CST
I find it peculiar that my family can be quite diverse in the subject of money. There are a few members who save, save ad save some more. Questioning nearly everything they buy, and rarely spending frivolously.
Then there are the family members who spend and spend until they haven't the money to spend any more.
Luckily there seems to be fewer spenders than there are savers.
I feel as if I fall somewhere between the middle. I have the WANT to spend but am too much of a penny pincher to spend so much. However, at times I spend and then regret the expense. Especially when it's for an item I don't end up using as I thought it would.
Which turns into a vicious cycle because the things I really do need I won't spend the money on. New shoes for one. I need tennis shoes and have for some time. I just don't feel the need to spend the money. I suppose I finally will when there is no more tread for me to walk on or no more fabric covering my tootsies!
I've been WANTING to spend recently, and I have spent a few dollars... but I still WANT to spend more. The only difference between myself and the "spenders" in my family is that I can curb the desire to do so...
Still, I won't lot myself with the "savers" either.... I don't know, the only reason I started this little "discussion" was because I WANT TO SPEND... But I won't.
15 people like this
15 responses
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
20 Jul 16
@ScribbledAdNauseum Then revise your budget.
Set up an investment goal to fund whatever you want.
If you have $1000 dividend from investment, you can use the money for a cruise or shopping or whatever.
The capital will still be there, and it will get you more dividend in the future.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I do set "budgets" but I find my "budgets" are entirely too low for what is necessary. I always have the money necessary to do the shopping, but not the desire with which to watch the money go.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I have spenders who spend on things that are so cheaply made. They spend for the thrill of it, only for the items to go to the dump later. I guess it's their money, but I tend to shake my head at it.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
21 Jul 16
@ScribbledAdNauseum I know what you mean. But what can you do? Like you said, it's their money to do with as they like.
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I am more of a saver but will spend when I or someone in my family needs something. Someone of my family members doesn't seem to know how to save as it is spend, spend and spend even what you don't have. I wish I could tell them to stop but it is not my place as they would continue doing what they do so I don't say anything.
1 person likes this
@JESSY3236 (22199)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I think you should look for coupons or sales on shoes. Or save up Amazon gift cards for some shoes. But I'm a little bit like you. I want some stuff that I don't actually need.
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I think I need to get myself another pair of vans. Those have been the shoes that last me the longest. Every other pair has lasted a year at the most. Going with saving amazon gift cards is a good idea though.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
20 Jul 16
It's healthy to spend on things you need and even some treats as long as you save overall for the bigger things. Don't over-think and enjoy!
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I think "Over think" is my middle name. I do keen what you are saying though. I suppose I have to also throw into the mix my picky tendencies. I know I need new shoes, for instance, but which are better? What color? etc.
Indecisiveness really.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
23 Jul 16
@ScribbledAdNauseum I can be like that and worry if I'll like something later.But i've learned to go with the instinct of yeah! I like those and need that casual or dressy style at the moment. If you instantly like it- it's a good sign :)
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
24 Jul 16
Girl, I think we may be sisters. I will add another note. I will spend more on others than I ever will spend on myself.
@kaka135 (14994)
• Malaysia
20 Jul 16
I guess all of us would like to spend some money in different areas. I would not spend money on expensive food as my sister does, but I would prefer to spend money to buy some books I like. Sometimes there is a need to spend money, sometimes we just feel like spending the money, because we want something. I try not to be a saver or spender, but would like to use the money wisely. 
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I do, occasionally, buy the more expensive foods but I tend to shirk away from that myself. I don't need expensive clothing either, though my interest in clothing is usually things handmade, and thus expensive all the same.
@marsha32 (6631)
• United States
20 Jul 16
My husband spends until his debit card is denied...which maddens me as generally he does this without first paying the bills!
I might be on the in between. I spend on some things I may not have any business spending on such as more craft or sewing supplies when I have a lifetime worth sitting in my room.
Then I don't spend like I probably would as I don't make much money. The larger things that I buy such as a new tablet, I save up earned amazon to get. I save all of my change and try to put in $1 or $2 from any check I might get in order to pay for the things like the quilt retreats that I attend.
@marsha32 (6631)
• United States
20 Jul 16
p.s. The last pair of tennis shoes I bought myself new I saved up earned Target through the shopkick app until I had enough to buy them.
@annierose (21977)
• United States
24 Jul 16
I have been receiving money from my paypal and I used some of it to buy a domain for my blog. I can still purchase for a hosting but I chose not to since I can go on freehosting while I am still in the beginning stage of blogging. I will be receiving money again from my paypal and I have no plan to use my online money to purchase anything so I can save more.
Last Friday, I received my salary and I spent a little amount to buy a book. I am a book addict so having a book on my hand to read is one way to make myself satisfied and happy.
I think that it isn't bad to spend some money on the things that you really want. You just have to be careful at all so that there will still be money left for everyday expenses and for an emergency.
@Carmelanirel2 (8085)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I try to save, but that's hard to do when our income is not really enough for 3 people. I do look for deals and usually when I buy clothing or shoes, I wait until they go on clearance.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
20 Jul 16
I have only a handful of bills myself, and have the ability to save.
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104615)
• United States
21 Jul 16
I have a relative who bought THREE frying pans of the same size, over various years. She didn't need but the one, neither of the other two had been used. She didn't even realize she had the other two. Senseless buying for the thrill of spending! Sad really.
