Today, I think I figured out another reason why I spend less money and thus make my budget planning easier than everyone else. It’s not because I waste less money, nor is it because I buy less things. It’s basically because I stretch the use of my dollar.
What do I really mean by that? Well, I realized that every time I feel that something needs to be replaced, I end up using it for another 6 months. I still remember the day before the wedding when my mom was complaining that my pair of pants was just really old.
When I think that something is still usable, I tend to keep using it even though it might not look the newest. I’m not sure where I picked this up, but I’ve found that this single trait has saved me so much money all through life. For example, I am using a laptop that’s 5 years old. Sure, it’s a little slow, but it does the job perfectly because this laptop is used to blog and answer emails. Comparing this to someone who might have bought two laptops in the same time frame, I’ve just saved the price of one laptop.
So if we really want to keep more of our money, all we need to do is stretch every dollar. Sometimes, these things that we want to throw away is still usable and very functional. Stop throwing them away just because things get a little old. By keeping the same thing that we sometimes want to throw away, we can really spend much less money.
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{ read the comments below or add one }
Excellent points you make. I sometimes throw things away, when actually on reflection they are still usable. I think we’ve gotten into the habit of a disposable culture, but perhaps we need to reassess our priorities and goals.
I’ve always tried to live by the saying “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”. My sister and I think we remember mom and dad saying something like that anyway. IF I have to go for something ‘new’ It’s generally ‘new to me’ from the Goodwill store or Salvation Army store (nicknamed SallyAnn’s by a friend of mine).
A money spent for lucrative stuff should come from the profit of your investment. If the money will come from your earnings, then you dont have the right to spend them.
I stretch my dollars at
http://www.PriceCutReview.com
where thousands of items are listed at half price or less.
Really we appreciate this good idea
@ Forex Articles.
Now thats a lot lol. 12 years old sweater.. Common..hehe :p
I agree. I do the same. But some people just dont understand me and tend to say, I never spend any money etc, I just want to save them all.. lol
You are right. However, it feels so good to get new things, that it’s simply addictive. And if one can’t stretch dollars, she should definitely try to increase earnings 😉
Nice to see people not just waisting all their money. I believe money should be saved and invested.
http://www.stocks-simplified.com
I’m with you. I’m currently sat here in a sweater bought around 12 years ago, and it’s still as good as new.
Of course I’m naturally tight anyway after studying accountancy when I was younger.
Wow. This is my read of the day 🙂 Keep up the good work.
-Mike
I am that way especially with clothings. I will wear them till holes appear in the more private areas which is a sign to replace them. As far as everything else, to the end, a tv, dvd player, etc… Perfect example is driving my car to its death.
I rather spend money on my future or investment than keeping things up to date.
I find myself doing the same thing… pushing back upgrades, buying generic, etc. I have two pairs of shoes I wear that I bought in high school and I am 2 years out of college now. They still look and feel fine.
I don’t really have the urge to keep upgrading things either. Especially if they’re still functional like you say. It also keeps down on overall waste.