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).
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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
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.
Love this idea, however I think I’d fail miserably… We’ll see. Congrats to you for doing this!