How to Gain Control Over Spending (4 of 4)

We are not quite finished discussing the non-necessary purchases.

Yesterday, we talked about Ego and Tradition Purchases, and we have one left.

7. Guilt Purchases. This category is similar to tradition purchases, but the irrational motive here is guilt. Gifts given to meet other's expectations are guilt gifts. In the past columns I have challenged you to take control of your finances by tracking how you spend your money. That means keeping a simple written record, day in and day out, of how you spend your money. Recorded on something like an index card (one card per day), a Daily Spending Record shows you exactly where your money goes. It requires two entries for each purchase: "What?" and "How much?" Now you need to add a third entry: "Category".Of the seven purchase categories, the first two (Need Purchases and Investment Purchases) are almost always winners. The second two (Pleasure and Convenience) are neither winners nor losers, while the last three (Tradition, Ego and Guilt) are the debt-makers. Take a few minutes to have a heart-to-heart talk with yourself.

Think about the purchases you've made in the past that had a negative impact on your financial health. Funny isn't it, how the purchases we regret the most are higher in the purchase category chain?

As you begin to see your purchasing by category something wonderful will happen. You'll change the way you spend your money, making it possible to take back control of your life!

How to Gain Control Over Spending (3 of 4)

The purchases we learned about yesterday can be helpful but are not vital to your survival and happiness. The reasons we will learn about today, however, really are completely impractical.

5. Ego Purchases. This category is really an evil spin-off of the Pleasure Purchase Category. Ego purchases are those made solely for the sake of showing off - status symbols: Oversized home, expensive sports cars, giant plasma TV... all things that come with a big monthly payment that quickly sucks away the pleasure.
6. Tradition Purchases. This is a sickening category that includes any purchase made without rational thought, simply to be "normal." These are the expenditures made so you'll "fit in" at work, or items you almost never use, like the "good" china.

Again, take a look at how much you spend on these types of purchases. And I hope that your answer comes back "little to none."

Soon, I will give you your last reason and some advice to get you spending more wisely.

How to Gain Control Over Spending (2 of 4)

Ready for your next two reasons?
3. Pleasure Purchases. Goods or services purchased to bring pleasure, excitement, happiness and intellectual stimulation into your life.
4. Convenience Purchases. Things and services you pay for to make life easier or to save your time and hassle like household appliances, dry cleaning services, cell phones, computers and so on.

I am not suggesting that any of these purchases should not be made, just evaluate them and see how much these make up your total spending.

Tomorrow we'll discuss a couple reasons that are much less vital.

34 Weeks

I'm already 34 weeks and I absolutely can't believe that I only have 6 weeks left in this pregnancy! I can't wait to meet this little one even if we can't settle on a name or get the house ready for it's arrival due to the carpet installers to come when I'm 38 weeks. That's a whole other story in itself.

I started to panic on Thursday night again. So I made my infamous list. Dylan always laughs because I make lists and can't seem to ever finish what I want to finish on them. But it sure is an accomplishment when I DO manage to scratch a couple of things off of it.

I went to my bi-weekly appointment again yesterday. I had to wait for 2 hours to see him because he went to deliver a baby. The fetal heartrate was 147 and at the last appointment you will recall how much I weighed (106.4kg) but this time I weighed in at a whooping 109.2 kg!!! That's right! I'm past my point of weight that I had wanted to gain already! For those of you keeping track that is 240.2 lbs! I can't believe it! Obviously neither could the Dr because he wants to make sure of the size and position of the baby by doing another ultrasound in 4 weeks. He felt around and felt what could be the head but said that if it truly is the head that it is quite large! Great! (Please note the sarcasms here...I'm nervous already for having a big baby and that's not comforting to hear.) we had friends of our who's sister had an 11lb 10oz baby and since then I've been a little worried. I haven't mentioned to the Dr but I have been feeling some pressure down there at times.

Last week we went with Rebekah to the zoo. She had such a blast and loved and enjoyed every animal. Her expression seeing them in person was soooo worth going to the zoo. We also went to the local historic Fort that is here too and she liked going in and out of old houses as well.

For those of you that are curious we can't decide on these names:
Girl:
Amber Nicole
Jocelyn Nicole

Boy:
Adam John
Tyler John

How to Gain Control Over Spending (1 of 4)

I saw this browsing on the internet awhile ago and I thought that it was interesting enough to share. If you are consistently spending all of your money, leaving you broke and barely hanging on until the next payday, you need to make some big changes. And soon. To help you, I am going to take the next few days to educate you about the seven basic reasons you spend money and how you can reform your spending. We'll concentrate today on two of the most basic reasons or ways you spend.
1. Need Purchases. There are items you need to maintain life or to prevent physical misery. Included are basic food, shelter, medical care, basic clothing and taxes necessary to sustain life.
2. Investment Purchases. Included in this category are savings, chequeing accounts, stocks, bonds, 401(k)s, retirement accounts, and other vehicles available for storing your funds.
How much of your chunk of disappearing money is spent on need or investment purchases? Tomorrow, I will explain two other reasons you spend.

31 Weeks & 5 Days

Had another prenatal check-up today. I've already hit the mark were the Dr wants to see me every 2 weeks. Time sure does fly! At least it feels that way.
The Fetal heartrate was 163 today and my weight was 106.6 kg (234.5 lbs). Thankfully, I'm measuring 31 weeks also so that is music to my ears when Dylan thinks I'm bigger with this one than I was with Rebekah. I am but that is because I was also 15 lbs heavier starting out with this pregancy. So far the total weightgain for this Baby is 19 lbs. I'm content with that. I have to repeat my urine (again) because I have a trace of sugar and blood in the last urine test. I don't mind doing it but it sure gets sickening going to the lab all the time when with Rebekah they did the sugar & protein check in the dr's office. I've also been doing more urine test with this one because they aren't collecting the urine sample in a sanitary way and thus always coming back with bacteria in the urine when I know WHY that would be. It's just down right frustrating that is all. Anyway, I will update soon with an updated picture of me soon. Hopefully over the weekend.