Spend less, give and save more

to sponsor one of the students in my church who is raising money for hunger relief in third world countries. I saw that the students were raising money and was able to give freely without worrying about stretching the budget because I’ve been saying no to all the stupid things I don’t need anyway.

I’m starting to see that when I achieve one goal, it often aids me in achieiving other goals that I have. Lately when I’ve been tempted to grab some fast food instead of making something at home, it’s been easier for me resist the temptation. One of the reason’s that it’s been easier is if I do so I A) will be spending less B) won’t be eating fast food and C) will be eating at home more. It’s also very probable that I’ll be eating more fruits and veggies at home than at a fast food place!

So I’m one step closer towards getting my compulsive spending under control. I went to Target during my lunch break today with the intention of getting a few healthy snack items to keep at my desk and possibly some vitamins. This time instead of going for a huge cart, I went for the small hand basket. When it was overflowing with things I realized that, once again, I was getting out of control and I pulled out everything that I didn’t need.

I think my biggest problem in this area is that I am such a compulsive buyer. I’m going to a Super Bowl party next Sunday and I got the impulse that I just had to bring a terrible towel with me to show my support for the Steelers. Here’s the thing. I’m not a football fan. I haven’t watched one football game all year. The only reason that I’m a “Steeler’s Fan” is that I’m from Pittsburgh. Terrible towels sell on Amazon.com at the price of 2 for $18.99. That’s right, I almost spent close to $20 for two ugly towels that I would take to one party and then take home and stash away somewhere in my house. Ineviteably they would become the “junk” I vow to get rid of. All of this just to show that I’m rooting for the Steelers. Fortunately I came to my senses before I made my impulsive purchase. That $20 will be put to much better use for charity or in my car savings fund.