Would you consider this or yourself greedy when you have to have something

[MissKat]

that you rrrreally rrrrrrreally want, no matter the circumstances and how much it costs and even though you have other priorities that you should take care of first. Im like this at times, and i consider this to be selfish and im trying to stop it. I am ashamed and get so upset with myself for acting this way and thinking the mentality, "if I want it, I will have to have it." But then I look at everyone else in my family, "if you dont need it, save your money." Also "life aint all about toys and what you own, but rather who you are inside as a person and what you give to others." Heck, there are some things right now that I own, that I frankly have no business owning. Some of the worst impulse buys (though the cell phone I love it), $400 on new eyewear when I really didnt even need it, $750 on a cell phone, $400 on a Prada skirt.

Any of you guys really good with controlling the spending on yourself all the time and instead doing it to others who mean a lot to you in life?

[BlackArcher101]

I try to control it, but you have to treat yourself from time to time.

Also "life aint all about toys and what you own, but rather who you are inside as a person and what you give to others."

To me, life isn't about what I give to others. If I have to give things to make myself/them happy, then I'm in the same boat financially. The "Inside as a person" gets you places, but not everywhere.

[Staypuft]

Horrible impulse buyer here.
Just ask my PSP....or my Bubble Hockey Table.
Only have so many years to live, being in debt isn't the end of the world....is what I tell myself when I see something I want to buy.
Really need to quit that.

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by Staypuft

Horrible impulse buyer here.
Just ask my PSP....or my Bubble Hockey Table.
Only have so many years to live, being in debt isn't the end of the world....is what I tell myself when I see something I want to buy.
Really need to quit that.

Oh, you telling me. I am so bad and I consider myself selfish due to these impulse buys. Like really, I bought a $1200 cell phone for $675 a month ago, kept telling myself to sell it (thankfully got a offer close to what i paid), so didnt loose much. But it wasnt easy, I loved the phone, but I kept telling myself I had to do it simply to accomplishing my goal in becoming a less selfish person. I knew it wasnt right for me to own it and it wasnt money well spent. But then what do you know, i ended up buying it again (same model phone) a week later for $750. I wanted it back that bad, I regretted getting rid of it.

And now Im trying to force myself to stop being a selfish B, and give it up for good. I give up the $750 invested in the phone, and get a $250 one, what do you know thats $500 in my pocket right there (though I wont get $750), but that just goes to show much it can go a long ways.

I simple have to put a STOP to this all, or I wont be able to reach my long term goals - buy a house, etc.

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

To me, life isn't about what I give to others. If I have to give things to make myself/them happy, then I'm in the same boat financially. The "Inside as a person" gets you places, but not everywhere.

Thats true, but you definitely need some sort of balance between the two. Having one in huge favour of the other and its just trouble.

[Super-Rye]

I've actually banned myself from going to Future Shop or Walmart alone because everytime I go by myself just to pick up a CD or DVD I end up leaving with $150 worth of movies and CD's, all of which I do watch. However, I did end up buying Battlestar Galactica season 1 and 2.0, which I love, absolutely love.

[hockeygrl44]

I'm usually pretty good with my money. Although Lombo grl would disagree and say I buy stupid stuff. Which is partly true. The most expensive thing I've bought lately is my computer, but I figure it's practical, and it's not like I'll be getting rid of it anytime soon. But I'll admit if I go to Walmart I will go there and buy stupid little things (like whiteboards that have palm trees on, because I love palm trees, but do you think I actually write on the white board, NO), or dollar stores, keep me away. But all in all, I'm pretty good at saving. Although I just bought my computer and I've put myself in a huge bind for summer. Every year I go to BC and it's not looking like I have money, which is a huge bummer.

[STeeLy]

I could do that for most of the time... but I will always have money in my bank account no matter what... I saved up enough a couple years ago to build my computer and then I spend a little bit more for accesorizing my comp

I always make sure that I will have money left over after I spend on buying what I want/need so I never go into debt

[V]

Greedy or selfish?? No, I wouldn't say so. Stupid?? Probably, but that's just because I come from the completely other side of the fence. I don't spend any money on anything, although if I do go out to buy something I'll usually get a better model than I was expecting to buy when I walk in the door.

Shucks, I won't even buy a table saw, and I need one desparately. I just built a guard out of wood and run my skil saw along it for a similar effect.

Originally Posted by Staypuft

Just ask my PSP....or my Bubble Hockey Table.

Sweet. I wanted one of those, and then found out they were around 2,000 bucks. Pfffft, I can't spend that kind of money. So I bought the $200 version from Superstore instead. It actually works very well, and I'm very happy with it.

[Gravitykillr]

I don't neccesarily call myself greedy but I do have an understanding of the fact that stuff I buy myself i don't always totally have a complete need for it. I think time and maturity make the impulse buys go away a little. Even though I did recently spend $80 on a golf bag I didn't really need.

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by Super-Rye

I've actually banned myself from going to Future Shop or Walmart alone because everytime I go by myself just to pick up a CD or DVD I end up leaving with $150 worth of movies and CD's, all of which I do watch. However, I did end up buying Battlestar Galactica season 1 and 2.0, which I love, absolutely love.

I was in Future Shop this morning, and was this close to walking out with an XBOx 360, but I kept telling myself "I dont need it...." and walked out, but it wasnt easy And this is coming from a girl, just how many females like video games? lol

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by hockeygrl44

I'm usually pretty good with my money. Although Lombo grl would disagree and say I buy stupid stuff. Which is partly true. The most expensive thing I've bought lately is my computer, but I figure it's practical, and it's not like I'll be getting rid of it anytime soon. But I'll admit if I go to Walmart I will go there and buy stupid little things (like whiteboards that have palm trees on, because I love palm trees, but do you think I actually write on the white board, NO), or dollar stores, keep me away. But all in all, I'm pretty good at saving. Although I just bought my computer and I've put myself in a huge bind for summer. Every year I go to BC and it's not looking like I have money, which is a huge bummer.

That to me is key. Too often I buy stuff, keep it for however long a week, month whatever, until I realize that I dont "need it" and then sell it and take a loss. Very expensive way of living if you ask me.

[RougeUnderoos]

Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly can a $1200 cell phone do that makes it "worth" so much?

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

I could do that for most of the time... but I will always have money in my bank account no matter what... I saved up enough a couple years ago to build my computer and then I spend a little bit more for accesorizing my comp

I always make sure that I will have money left over after I spend on buying what I want/need so I never go into debt

i have money, but then it can be drained like that...and next thing you know, you need the cash so what do you do? Thats right, you end up selling the stuff you just bought 2 or 3 weeks later or however long you can manage off a limited budget.

Its nice having a good chunk of cash saved up knowing its there. The hard part is not touching it on stupid stuff you dont need and focusing moreso on the nessecities in life.

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly can a $1200 cell phone do that makes it "worth" so much?

Exactly, it doesnt do anything other than look and feel good and knowing you have a phone that not many have...very few if that. I really should do whats best and get rid of it. I know I will take a bit of a loss, but I dont need such an expensive phone.

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by Dominicwasalreadytaken

Greedy or selfish?? No, I wouldn't say so. Stupid?? Probably, but that's just because I come from the completely other side of the fence. I don't spend any money on anything, although if I do go out to buy something I'll usually get a better model than I was expecting to buy when I walk in the door.

Shucks, I won't even buy a table saw, and I need one desparately. I just built a guard out of wood and run my skil saw along it for a similar effect.

You are one, I could definitely learn from. The reason why I feel I am selfish is because whenever I have money, its always about "what I want", "what do I want to buy for myself." When it should be, what can I buy for my parents, or anyone else who mean a lot to me in life. My family, are the opposite from me, they are always able to save up and control their spending, keeping their impulse buying to a bare minimal. My sisters have told me in the past, that they think Im very selfish because I always put myself first, when here my parents are always sacrificing left, right centre for me. To hear somebody to say those words to you, gives you the worst feeling possible.

[flames_fan13]

Originally Posted by MissKat

You are one, I could definitely learn from. The reason why I feel I am selfish is because whenever I have money, its always about "what I want", "what do I want to buy for myself." When it should be, what can I buy for my parents, or anyone else who mean a lot to me in life. My family, are the opposite from me, they are always able to save up and control their spending, keeping their impulse buying to a bare minimal. My sisters have told me in the past, that they think Im very selfish because I always put myself first, when here my parents are always sacrificing left, right centre for me. To hear somebody to say those words to you, gives you the worst feeling possible.

I wouldn't call it selfish, unless you are going to buy them a gift, and instead of getting them a gift you get something for yourself. But just getting something for yourself isn't selfish.

As for me i'm a cheapskate I don't buy anything unless I absolutley need it and even then I have a big case of buyers remorse afterwards.

[Super-Rye]

Originally Posted by MissKat

I was in Future Shop this morning, and was this close to walking out with an XBOx 360, but I kept telling myself "I dont need it...." and walked out, but it wasnt easy And this is coming from a girl, just how many females like video games? lol

lol I know quite a few. I wish I could do the same but lord knows when the Nintendo Wii comes out I won't be strong enough to walk out of Future Shop without one.

[V]

Bah, I still don't think it's selfish. My siblings always get on my case because I don't buy the best things for other people's birthdays, etc. but I couldn't care less. I spend the time to look for something for them, and if they aren't happy with it? Too bad.

The way I figure it, my money has one use, and only one use. It helps make my life easier. If I can retire in the next 5-10 years because I scrimp and save and spend every last penny on investing, it will be well worth it. If you feel that you would have a much more comfortable life by buying the things you want, go for it. Just don't complain when you're 40 years old and still renting out a basement suite and living from paycheck to paycheck. Just look back on how happy that $750 cell phone made you feel.

[MissKat]

Originally Posted by flames_fan13

I wouldn't call it selfish, unless you are going to buy them a gift, and instead of getting them a gift you get something for yourself. But just getting something for yourself isn't selfish.

As for me i'm a cheapskate I don't buy anything unless I absolutley need it and even then I have a big case of buyers remorse afterwards.

Well let me give you an example. I used to owe just about everyone in my family large sums of money about a year ago, that went on for a few years without paying them back. I did eventually smarten up this past Christmas and pay them all back first, before saving up for myself. i basically sacrificed, and did what I had to do for a couple months until I had everyone paid back.

Before this, there was a time where I had a large sum of money that I easily could have used to pay back my mother. But instead, what did I do? Spent it on clothes . Well, I never told anyone, but eventually my sisters found out and lets just say that they went haywire on me.