non-spending spree

I have a lot of money in my checking account, after receiving my severance pay and vacation pay-out.  I must remember that I need to live on that (plus unemployment) until I'm earning again.  That means avoiding the strong urge to go shopping.  I haven't been avoiding that urge since my last day.  It seems I needed a new wardrobe...  New clothes help ease transitions.

So next week I am going to limit my spending to groceries and bus fare.  No coffees (can't have coffee on my new regimen anyway), no books, no CDs, no shoes, no $40 shampoo, no meals out, no movies, no online shopping, and definitely no clothes.  I have to start Monday because this weekend I plan to go to a bowling party, go for a long bike ride, and eat at Benihana for a six-year-old's birthday - all of which entail costs of some kind.  So, Monday thru Sunday: no spending.

I've done this before when I was broke, and I must say it is rather relaxing to not spend.  Buying things becomes nearly compulsive at times.  It think we are conditioned to think of consumerism as self-improvement and purchases as accomplishments.  Spending can be positive, certainly, but taking a break can be good for perspective on what we think we need.