It’s now the middle of March, and I still haven’t bought any clothing, shoes, or accessories since the end of December 2007.
Which means I made it through after-Christmas sales, New Year’s Day sales, Holiday Clearance sales, and now am in the process of resisting Spring sales.
Which means, I really, really want to buy something!!
I stopped by Target this weekend and was instantly assailed by lovely print frocks and jersey dresses and cute ballet flats, all under $20.
Me walking out of the store with only cookies & cereal = willpower!
P.S. A big thank-you to everyone who commented and delurked. It’s awesome to know a little bit more about my readers. 
P.P.S. The Save-O-Meters have been updated. It’s a slow & steady journey but I will get to the finish line.
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Your will power is awesome! The equivalent for me is trying to get through a month without buying any dvds, and it’s not happened yet. Nnngg. Must… have.. more… shows!
Also, you mentioning the Save-O-Meters reminds me that i was going to ask you – where do you get the code for those? I keep seeing them everywhere, but my searches on Google are turning up nothing. I want some! I want to embed them in my Desktop so i can reminded of my progress every day.
Wow! Congratulations! That’s a huge accomplishment.
And the progress may seem “slow and steady,” but you’re already 1/4 through your cash goal and almost to your retirement goal. You are WELL on your way. It’s just the 3rd inning itch you’ve got…You’ll get there!
I can’t believe you made it out of Target with so little. I was just discussing with a friend the other day how Target has a funny way of adding extra things to your cart while you’re in the store.
I haven’t bought any clothes/shoes/etc for myself since November, but I’m really looking forward to getting a new spring/summer dress in the next few weeks, but it’s more of a necessity than anything. I don’t think I can get by wearing the same dress to 2 weddings that are 1 week apart in the same circle of friends.
Congrats on your progress!
I started reading your blog a few weeks ago, and it is great to see someone have the strength to save! being in my mid twenties, majority of my friends have pushed aside 401Ks for expensive trends. thanks for giving me hope that I too can not succumb to temptations to reach my ultimate goal have saving money.
Well done on your fantastic willpower. I have a problem though – it is not clothing that I like buying but nice food – I can easily come out of a supermarket having bought 20 items instead of the one that I went on for.
It’s funny how everyone seems to have little weaknesses which are hard for other people to understand. I can’t understand how Camilla buys so many DVDs a month, and how Rachel can come out of a supermarket with 20 items instead of one, but they probably would think my shopping habits are strange. Perhaps this is something to keep in mind when we’re trying to take control of our financial weaknesses.
Congrats! I’ve unfortunately bought a lot of clothes, shoes and accessories already this year
Your willpower has left me amazed!! My weakness involves “treating” people to things. I usually blurt out things like “hey, lets do lunch…my treat!” before I realize what I’ve said. At least I usually have good company when that happens, hehe.
Great work! What do you do with your “extra” retirement savings that doesn’t fit into your Roth IRA?
Too true Alec, and something to bear in mind when we think others are doing way better than us.
For example, i don’t drink, and the amount of people that say “oh my god you’re so goooood!” is huge because they think i must be exercising some immense willpower to avoid the stuff. Fact is i can’t stand alcohol, so it’s no effort at all.
So i guess sometimes it’s good to remember that not everyone is tempted by the same things, so when it seems everyone else is so much more controlled than us, they’re actually just being rampantly uncontrolled on other things instead! :~P
Congrats…
I have been “good” although not as good as you.
Bought a camisole and cardigan sweater at Target a few weeks ago. Then had two Jcrew gift cards expiring. Tried to find something practical within the budget but couldn’t, really. So I threw in $40 of my own (out of a slowly growing clothes savings account) and got a really cute, classic jean skirt that I am very excited about.
Question, how did you create your save-o-meter.
Would like to do the same…