Shopping through cash back websites is a great option for saving money when shopping online. Being a thrifty online buyer, I always use cash back websites like ShopAtHome, AAfter Search and Ebates, and MrRebates.

I go in for something small and end up spending hundreds which is a real pain … lol. However I know that I’m getting a deal and I do have a contingency budget in place for stuff like this too so I guess not too bad.

I am more likely to get something at the corner drugstore, even if it costs a bit more, than go out to a big market or Bed Bath & Beyond or whatever, where temptations lurk.

My other weapon against shopping momentum: lists, lists, lists.

btw I think Sierra stated that all she got was a new bra and a haircut, not new shoes, etc for her race.

I’ve gotten far better about it over time. Mostly just by practicing and by limiting the amount of time that I spend window shopping (in stores and online). If I don’t see it, I don’t realize I want it.

My stay-away strategy has worked for my purse, however, I do know that my work wardrobe is seriously suffering. I need to replace things as they are getting worn out, but I’m actually a bit scared to do so. I’m currently trying to create a list of items so I can be more targeted, but still quite tricky to stay focused.

The situation that causes spikes in my spending is, paradoxically, high credit card bills. I wind up thinking, “enh, what’s another $50?” I pay the bill in full every month, so it isn’t killing my budget, but when things like vet bills or medical bills come along to spike my average spending it can be problematic for a week or two.

I try to use the Zero Sum Budget method and I put savings away first, but there are always out-of-budget-extras I seem to “need” and so I pull just a little back out of savings, and then a little more. I’m naturally a shopper, so frugality is not my fall-back, it’s my striving-for position. These suggestions are helpful, but I’m still looking for the shut-off valve that will stop my money leak.

I find that I’ll go days without spending money and then I’ll make one trip into town find $200 gone before I know it. I always thought it was better to get all my errands done on one day, but I wonder if this bundling is causing too much shopping momentum.

It’s kind of like being on a diet, and then going to a buffet for dinner. You only intend to eat a few things to meet your caloric needs, but before you know it, you’re making your third trip to the food counter!

In terms of the shopping momentum, I can definitely attest to the fact that occasionally this happens. The few times a year a shop for clothing I will want to keep buying more and more because I like everything I see. But as long as a stay out of the mall, I’m good to go!

Also, I highly recommend getting polypropylene/synthetic running attire. Not only does it wick moisture away very effectively, but it also lasts forever. I have run a marathon plus 5K’s, 10K’s and 15K’s, and I’ve got some polypro shorts and jerseys I picked up back in 2001 that are still in fine shape, even with regular workouts for 9+ years. It’s not especially expensive, either. You can get it from RoadRunner Sports online or if you shop places like Sports Authority now, they will be closing out the summer stuff.

Also if you get a pair of pants, a long sleeved shirt, some gloves and a hat you can very easily extend your running season into December. Running when it’s 10-15 degrees out in January can take some additional layers, like some tights and long underwear. Maybe a second pair of gloves, a fleece and a balaclava. But all this stuff can be gotten pretty cheaply and you definitely don’t need to spend a lot for the brand names, the “house brands” work pretty well.

Congratulations on training up to your first 5K!

When I buy clothing, I tend to drop $300-$600 all at once. But I go shopping about once every two years or more or when my size has changed and nothing in my closet fits. I hate shopping for clothing, but you’re right, once I make my mind up to buy something I buy a whole lot all at once. No regrets though.

I keep my daily spending under control by using the envelope strategy, but I don’t actually use cash and envelopes. I just keep one weeks “allowance” in my checking account, and transfer more money there every Monday. That way I really can’t spend too much, since my account will be empty! I don’t have to worry about overdraft fees, since using my card, transaction won’t go through if there isn’t enough money on my account.