An Overwhelmed Tightwad
Thank you for all the comments and entries in the giveaway posted yesterday (you have until Sunday to enter if you haven’t and want too). All of your kind words warmed my heart. I’ve been a little blue this week, more because I’m feeling a little overwhelmed than anything else. This feeling of being overwhelmed is entirely my own fault and one I’m working through thanks to copious amounts of coffee in the morning and herbal tea in the late evenings.
I over-scheduled myself a bit this week, something I rarely do, but being presented with a few wonderful opportunities meant it was necessary. It is not something that I’ll be repeating any time soon. I’m taking classes and teaching classes and working and all the other everyday stuff this week. It’s all such a blessing, I’m not complaining, really.
I also ran into a problem with some photos I took for a freelance project and now I’m left learning some new (much more complicated than I’m used too) software and considering a very expensive camera purchase. The camera purchase would be offset by selling the point and shoot digital camera I currently use as well as selling my old film camera bodies and lenses, should we decide to go that route. To be honest, I’ve been contemplating buying a digital SLR camera for some time but the expense has always stopped me – now it seems that I just might have to buy one in order to continue down the freelancing path I’ve chosen.
We can afford the camera and I would insist that Jeff use it as my Christmas gift, but still the expense is something with which I struggle. I’m such a tightwad that sometimes its hard to spend money even when the returns can be greater than the expense. I think that is something most experienced savers encounter – we get so used to saving, we have trouble spending later on. I’m a firm believer in buying the best tools you can afford, but getting over the mental block is a struggle sometimes.
How do you convince yourself to let go of a little of your hard-earned savings now and then?
I too have often struggled over a purchase and most times it’s over something we can afford. Once years ago it was a computer which I used until it became obsolete. Recently it was a $89 sofa cover but I had a twenty percent off coupon and ended up paying only $69 including shipping. I can’t tell you how glad I am I did it. Every day I’m more glad because I never liked the material the sofa is covered in. Sometimes you just need to do it.
Oh, I hear you. A few years ago I struggle for a long time to allow myself to get a new sewing machine. The one I had was 20 years old and on it’s last legs. I did what you did, weighed the pros and cons and considered the purchase not just something I wanted but a tool. I have a hard time allowing myself to get something I just want but I’m much better when I look at something from the tool aspect- what else will this allow me to do…
Good luck.
I remind myself that when you refuse to spend money that would bring more good than harm, you have crossed the line from “frugal” into “stingy.”
I like Emily’s comment. Good thought there. I too struggle with spending on an ‘upgrade’. I need a new computer. The Professor finally said,”OK, we’re going to get one. They’re on a great sale.” So we did. But I’m still holding out hope that our old mattress will miraculously mend itself so we won’t have to purchase a new one–I’ve been saying that for five years!
On the flip side, a new camera will also bring you much joy. So there is the emotional component to consider
I like Emily’s comment as well. For a few years, my DH and I have been meaning to replace our knife set we’ve had since we were married (which is now 15 years). We wanted good quality knives that would last a long time but couldn’t stomach paying so much. We finally broke down and bought a set about a month ago. The first time I cut into an onion with one of the new knives, it was absolute heaven! I called my husband over and said look, this knife doesn’t get stuck in onion! LOL!
I’m the last person to talk. I actually helped my DH buy a new computer for playing games, but having upgraded mine, which I use for work, because I feel selfish buying things “for me.”
Keep in mind that if you’re using the camera for freelance work, it’s not only paying its own way in the long run, but it’s also tax deductible. (I think. I’d certainly ask my favorite tax prep person about it.)
Well hello there, long-lost-twin. =)
I agree. If it’s for the freelance work you want to do, it’s an investment, not a splurge. Also, it will last a long time. If you divide the cost out over the time you will use it (and you will!), the per-use cost is much less scary than the upfront total.
i totally hear you. sometimes being frugal can get you in some tough spots – like almost agreeing to have family (that we don’t really get along with) live with us. eek!
my overcoming usually comes from my husband just making the right decision for me. lol
i will say i love my slr!
I get that same mental block over making a large purchase, even one I’ve saved specifically for. Once I saved $800 for a new computer, researched all the options with the help of a savvy friend, then freaked out and never bought it. Needless to say, the $800 disappeared over time on small and unmemorable stuff. Now I remind myself about that incident and that I’d rather have something I worked hard for and will really use, than have the cash sitting around, or worse, spending it on things I don’t really need.
Since then I’ve held my breath and taken the plunge on a laptop and digital SLR, both of which I use all the time. I couldn’t do my job without the computer, and the camera gives me an opportunity to create beautiful photos that I share and gift with family and friends!
It depends upon what the item is. Sometimes I find it helpful to put on a business mindset and do a Cost and Return on Investment Analysis. Is not having this “thing” going to end up costing me more money down the road? This might be more comfort zone thing for you more than a true money thing…your branching out for real on this new path, and this is a real big commitment toward that. (Just a thought, could be TOTALLY off-base!) There’s also the good old-fashioned pros and cons list.
I find it hard to part with my cash too. I don’t get the spending rush that some do. Actually on big ticket items (like a car) I can feel sick after buying it. Literally nauseous! I’m considering a DSLR also. My husband came with an old point-and-shoot digital and I’ve learned to love the many pros of digital over my old trustee Canon I bought in the 1980′s. And like the comments above about kitchen knives & a sofa cover: sometimes doing without the new item makes you unhappy. Daily using a knife that won’t cut or looking at something you don’t love can take it’s toll on your happiness factor.
What a good question! I’m very deliberate about what we buy, and hold on to cash or savings put away for important purchases for a long time. There are two disclaimers to this, though. When we decide to have a relaxed mini-fun”cation,” I set aside an amount to spend for the day…and then don’t worry about on what in particular IF it’s set aside for that trip…such as the fair, or a day trip to a flea market, etc. I always have a working list of the things I’m looking for bargains on and am saving for, but I never want to be so penny-conscious I feel guilty when I’m able to spend what I did set it aside for. That was the case with the camera…I researched it and found a cost range that would deliver the quality I needed (wanted) without going into the upper ranges I’d never need unless becoming a career aficionado. When I DO decide, and we have the money…I wait a bit, but not too long. Then when it’s time to spend it, I ENJOY! After all, simplicity allowed us the flexibility to concentrate on things we like the most, and that equates to spending, too. So if it’s time to, we enjoy
Enjoy
Robbyn
I agree with Emily. And also Safira as it is a tax deductible expense. But I am with you on it is hard to spend money on myself. Even something I need.
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