In December, I shared my intention for spending in 2014, focussing on my trouble-areas, books and clothes. I intend to purchase no more than six items of clothing (including handbags and shoes, but not scarves, socks, and tights). This also does not include any direct replacements of any items I already have. For books, I have set a $100 limit. So how have I done so far?
January started off with a shopping spree. I received an email from Kate Spade’s Saturday store on New Year’s Day offering a 40% discount on sale items. As I’ve mentioned, I have always wanted a Kate Spade bag so when I found this one (in green) for $60, I couldn’t resist. I have mixed feelings about it; it’s the nicest bag I’ve had in awhile, but it’s a little on the small side. I also really prefer a tote type bag. I kind of wish I’d waited and saved up for this bag in garnet. Since that purchase, I have not been too tempted to buy anything else. I have also noticed that I am much more content with my current wardrobe and have been wearing things I own in different ways.
In addition to the bag, I also purchased four books on January 1. Amazon also had a New Year’s sale and had several Kindle books that I had been wanting marked down dramatically. As of today, I have purchased ten books. I’ve spent $34.51 (in gift cards), a little over a third of my book budget. I’m embarrassed to say that I have not completed reading a single one of them. I have however read two library books and a book I purchased last year. I really hoped to spread purchases out a bit more over the year and be better about reading books I’ve already purchased. On the plus side, I have been a lot better about checking physical books out of the library instead of purchasing the Kindle book. I really like reading books on my Kindle because of the ability to highlight passages to save for later. But I have recognized that I am more apt to highlight informational books or books by certain authors so I’m trying to save my purchases for those types of books.
So overall, things have gone okay. I definitely need to slow down on buying books. I have plenty already in my library to read so it shouldn’t be an issue but every time I see a book I want to read marked down to $2.99, it’s hard to resist! How are you doing with your goals for 2014?
Leave a Reply