Thursday, October 23, 2008

Progress

Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am a saver. Some might even go as far to say that I am a miser (not that I fully agree:). That said, for months I have been admiring a sweater shawl a friend of mine has. It looks so good on her, it looks so comfy, and would go with so many of my outfits! I finally asked her where she got it: Express in the mall. Let me tell you, I NEVER go in that store because it is so darn pricey! However, we happened to be shopping yesterday and we went to go look for it. I was hoping that since she bought it so long ago it might be on clearance. Unfortunately, no such luck. It was $60!!!!

After getting over the fact that a small sweater was $60, my brain went into dilemma mode. Arguments for buying the sweater: I haven't purchased anything for myself in I don't know how long, and I don't usually buy clothes because I hate clothes shopping. Anthony spends $100 plus dollars a month on his aquarium and I know that he wouldn't begrudge me a sweater if I really wanted it and could get a lot of use out of it. I've been wanting it for a long time, so it isn't really an impulse buy.

Arguments against getting the sweater: It is ridiculously overpriced. I would feel like a hypocrite because I am always getting on to Anthony for spending money on stuff that isn't really essential when we have debts to pay. It isn't on sale. $60 is almost half of my monthly grocery budget. I would have the exact same sweater as a girl in my class and we would probably end up wearing in on the same day.

So, in the end I decided to walk away and look everywhere else for a similar sweater that wasn't so expensive. I did a lot of research online and looked a lot of department stores but I just couldn't find anything that was as good as the real thing. I finally realized that if I was thinking about it as much as I was, than it was worth it to buy it. I found a 15% off coupon online and went to buy it the next morning after class. I am so proud of myself for just doing it and I am so excited about my new sweater! And as a side note, I paid cash for it and we really could afford it, I just have a hard time letting go of money that could be put into our savings account instead :)

1 comment:

T. Driaza said...

You Go Girl! You deserve it! I'm so proud of you for saving, but once in awhile a woman needs to treat herself ...especially if it is something you really, really desire! FYI...I worked for Express for 4+ years. Even though they are pricey, there clothes usually last. I have jeans still from like 5 years ago & the bra tanks don't get old fast either! So sometimes good quality can be worth it....just make sure you pay cash! and don't do it too often! :)