C.A.S.H. stands for Clothing, Accessories & Shoes Hiatus – yeah, I only came up with this oh-so-clever acronym a month AFTER I decided to go on the hiatus.
Some things I’ve noticed so far:
1. I still browse online occasionally, but I don’t feel the urge to jump on “deals”. I’ve passed on $30 BR pants because I have enough black pants. It’s not a deal if it’s something I don’t need.
2. I am rediscovering skirts & shirts that I haven’t worn in ages (or have never worn).
3. I am feeling more content with what I have. And, dare I say it, I am feeling that I have ENOUGH clothes, enough shoes, enough handbags to last me a while. Can’t lie – something new would be lovely, but it’s okay.
4. I am slowly (but surely) de-cluttering by donating clothes and not adding to my stash.
5. I have more flexibility in my budget. Thus, I’m much more likely (& have more discretion) to spend on “experiences” – museums, ballets, buying yummy foods at TJ’s (eating? TOTAL experience!). If I want a trip later this year, I’ll have the funds to do so.
*** I really like my acronym. I mean, C.A.S.H. saves me cash. Get it? Get it? Heehee. (I am corny. I am not ashamed).
Good Luck with this initiative. I personally feel that everyone should spend a little money on themselves every month. But I agree cutting some discretionary spending can free up cash flow to have more personal experiences. The money I save from taking my lunch to work everyday goes into my golf fund!!!
I LOVE it! I’ve been trying to not shop as much lately either, and have taken more pride in what I do own instead of oogling pretty new things. I went through my closet and tried on all 32 pairs of my jeans last week, and it was like I got to go shopping 🙂
Hey, I like that!!!
I am still on C.A.S.H. with you. I passed up patent leather D’Orsay pumps, a fantastic pink coat, and some costume earrings. Normally, these would have been a no-brainer.
I do have to buy a freaking $275 hideous bridesmaid dress, BOOO. That just shows me how badly I need to be on C.A.S.H. to afford such, uh, important things.
I actually love your acronym – very clever! I haven’t bought any clothes, shoes or handbags since January 1st either, and though it’s hard to pass up on $30 Banana Republic brown leather pumps, I love how much money I’m saving. Also, going to grad school and working full time helps, since I have little time to shop anyway! Keep up the good C.A.S.H. work!
I so feel you on this one! I’ve realized I spend way too much on clothes/shoes/accessories and am trying to rediscover so many clothes I already have but never wear….and donate things just taking up space that I really never will wear again. It’s so hard, but you’re definitely right — it’s not a deal if you don’t need it! Having the extra flexibility in the budget is certainly nice…I’ve been able to save more than I normally can. I just have to stick to it. Good luck to both of us on this mission 🙂
hehe, very clever.
I’m afraid I’m going to be doing the opposite soon…I’ve been NOT buying clothes for a while, and my wardrobe is still that of a college student. I’m actually setting aside a good bit of money that one of my friends can help me use to make myself over (a little new makeup, a new haircut, etc.)
We’ll see if that happens. Or maybe I can just get on What Not to Wear…
I can relate! Our goal is not to buy anything until 4/1/08. Looks like it’ll be a challenging process, but we’ll make it. We have to!
I’m with DogAteMyFinances. I have to spend a bunch of money on an ugly bridesmaid dress….it’s SO depressing!
I love the acronym…I’ve given up buying new clothes for Lent, but my hiatus doesn’t come with as fun of a name as yours! I love it 🙂
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I’m on C.A.S.H. too! Mostly because of a lack of time to shop, but also because of a lack of funds.
It works great for me as I’m getting rid of my spending habits that made sense when I was younger and really needed the clothes, but right now, I own a lot and don’t really need new ones. Now I know that when I get a job, I’ll be able to save some money.
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Love this idea, however I think I’d fail miserably… We’ll see. Congrats to you for doing this!
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