Ok, I’m going to admit that I’m beginning to be a little alarmed by how much product I apparently have. Several months ago I decided not only to stop shopping for clothing items, but to use up the product that I have. I had a number of items that I had begun using, then I would get bored with an old product or excited about a new product and abandon the old item for something new.
The problem with a habit like this was that it was entered around mindless spending. I had to become a lot more aware of what I was doing. I was trying to get my spending under control and all of these small “leaks” were making a big difference in my ability to pay off debt, save, and just make financial progress in the areas I am trying to change.
I actually think that I will make a lot of progress in 2014 because of the healthy spending habits that I’ve developed in 2013. I love having a renewed sense of focus, and very clear financial goals. Clarity and a sense of direction have been extremely important on my road to good financial health.
My little experiment in using what I have has made me think about Extreme Couponeers and the extreme product stashes that they have. I am purposely using what I have and I have no where near what a lot of these people have in their homes. Unless the Apocalypse happens it would be almost impossible for them to use up all of the product that they stock up on in one life time. Stockpiles like the ones that they have are a study in waste.
The side hustles have ground to a complete halt due to lack of motivation at the end of summer. I plan on putting up “Hire Me” tabs on my blog in the next couple of weeks. I also plan on picking up some side hustles in the next couple of weeks.
I’m looking forward to picking up the pace on my debt repayment during the cold weather months. So far I haven’t paid off anything since the last paid off post. I’m hoping to pay off all of my credit cards by the end of Fall. This might be a stretch goal, but I think it’s possible as long as I focus.
Do you have a lot of product? Are you trying to use it up? Is it taking longer than you expected?
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It’s easy to go into the store and think: That looks nice, I’d like to try that
Before you know it, it’s 4 boxes full of creams.
In my case it might be 5 boxes…I have an issue with product. Love it!!
I forget that I have bought things already and then I buy new things. I fear my product stash. It sits there and mocks me from under it’s thick layer of dust.
Apparently, my brain is on a 30 second retention loop. Me and goldfish have that in common. Me: “Oooh, this conditioner is on sale – I should get it!” Goldfish: “Oooh, look, it’s a fishbowl castle – I should get it!”
Sadly, I just suffer from over excitement and boredom. A toxic mix when trying to save money and declutter
I also have a product graveyard. I’m trying to dwindle mine down too! Good luck on your journey ! I also need to have a “hire me” tab on my blog too. Thanks for the reminder!!!!!
Crystal! Are you going to FinCon?? Thanks for the well wishes. You wouldn’t believe how much product I have. It’s ridiculous. I think I will use up the bulk of it by February.Really.
I’ve gotten better about this but I had/have the same problem you do. I fall under the spell and the lure of marketing when I see new products that can make me “look younger” and those are the ones I go for, abandoning my old moisturizer. But honestly I see no difference, and should just stick to the basics and at the very least use up what I have. Good luck getting more side hustles. I might have to pick up the pace more there too if freelance work stays as slow as it’s been.
I am a sucker for great packaging. I would like to begin picking up more side hustles in a couple of weeks. Now that the year is beginning to come to an end there are some big financial goals that I would like to take care of-specifically: paying off all credit card debt.
I normally use what I’ve got before buying any more. I have a limited storage space so I pretty much don’t have a choice.
I also have limited storage space…I’m embarrassed to say that some how, some way I have figured out a way to accommodate my expanding collection of product. It’s finally gotten to be a lot more manageable. But, it’s still kind of embarrassing!
I usually throw out stuff if I’ve had it for 12 months or longer… At that point, it is not good for your hair or skin anyway. My problem is all the promotional bottles/jars/packets of product that you often get with a purchase and end up not using… ever. But not buying more product or clothes when you already have plenty is a constant discipline excercise.
Normally I use up my product within a year…but, I was just getting so excited about new things that I would be using multiple products that had the same purpose. Maybe a different scent or packaging! The samples are also a pain in the butt. I’m using those up on my trips-but, the hotels give out more product. The No Shopping has gotten so much easier. I don’t miss it anymore. But, when I start seeing new winter boots I will be a little sad 🙂