BUSTING YOUR BUDGET

TAKE THIS QUIZ TO SEE IF YOU’RE
		BUSTING YOUR BUDGET! 1.) CAN YOU AFFORD THE MINIMUM PAYMENTS ON YOUR CREDIT CARD?
		Plain and simple if you haven’t paid off the Prada sweater from 2007, you can’t buy those Pucci pumps! Even if they are on deep discount darling!
2.) HOW MUCH IS IN YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT? Ok if you are thinking ‘savings’ is a foreign word, you’re in BIG TROUBLE GIRL! Any budget expert will say you need to have 3-6 months emergency funds in the bank. I know in times like this that is really tough. But there is no better time than now to start saving. If you don’t have AT LEAST a month in the bank as savings, you need to STOP the extra spending now. That means only shop for the necessities and shop at your neighbors closet if you need a wardrobe update! Swap Sisters!
	3.) HAVE YOU EVER HIDDEN AN ITEM AFTER BUYING IT? OR LIED ABOUT IT BEING NEW?
If you answered YES to this question.... wait for it..... “GIRL IF YOU HAVE TO HIDE IT...... YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO BUY IT!!!” And you know it! This rule also applies to those of us who get embarrassed to admit we have something new. SHAME is the first RED FLAG in Busting Your Budget.
			4.) DO YOU PURCHASE ITEMS AFTER CONTEMPLATING OVER 3 MINUTES IF YOU SHOULD BUY THEM? I have the 3-minute rule when shopping. In 3 minutes my brain usually says the following, “Hmmm would those green shoes I have match this sweater? Is this flattering? Is the material itchy?” Then the kiss of death comes.... “Do I need another sweater?” Once I hit the DO I NEED question, it usually means I DO NOT NEED. If you are thinking about something for over 3 minutes, it is your “survival instincts” trying to slow down the shopper in you. I’ll tell you what - put it down, go home and sleep on it... when you come to your
senses in the morning you will realize the 3-minute rule is a great self defense against SALES!!!! 5.) DO YOU HAVE A BUDGET FOR SHOPPING?
#1 - #4 has lead to #5. If you want to survive in this economy you need to create a budget for yourself. Sign up for all those fabulous budget websites out there like mint.com. Learn what you can and can’t spend. Start creating a guilt free atmosphere for shopping. If you know what is coming in and out of your bankbook you can easily start to look forward to going to the stores again. The Internet has made us lazy. We don’t have to physically balance books anymore and that creates a huge problem with budgets.... THAT IS WHY YOU NEED TO GET YOURSELF A BUDGET PROGRAM.... so many of them are FREE and they are the ticket to FREEDOM!

Comments

[Ginny]

Dear Kara

I got a kick out of your new posting about shopping wisely. The other day I went to Macy's and picked out some Ralph t-shirts that were "on sale". I went to the checkout. The sale sign, supposedly, referred only to the top shelf. I squawked and got all of the shirts on sale, but returned them a few minutes later anyway. I had tried a cream one on from the regular rack (not-on-sale-because-it's-a-spring-color trick), and saw that I didn't like the fit after all.

I enjoy your blog. Everything you write is so supportive and encouraging for the non-fashionista that I am. And your tone is always so upbeat. I can see you smiling behind every word. Thanks for your inspiration!

[Ellen]

Kara

Bravo on your website. I love going into it every week. Sleeping on it is a great way to stop impulse buying.( hard to do but now necessary.) Thanks for the tip on the free balance your budget websites-did not know that. Thanks for taking the time.