I have only just realised that the commencement of my Shopping Rehab coincides with the Financial New Year. It must be a fateful time for new beginnings because the first of July also marks my first anniversary of Weight Watchers.
So without further ado, I present - The Rules . . .
- Credit cards OUT of the wallet
- Only take keys and membership card to the gym (two out of three of my semi-local GloboGyms are located in shopping centres)
- When grocery shopping - stick to the list! NO additional beauty products to 'try'. NO buying things just because they're on sale or a multi-buy. NO impulse magazine purchases.
- Only ONE magazine purchase is permissible per week.
- When experiencing boredom, hangover, emotional crisis or hormone-related mood swings, I must try to avoid shops and food. Instead I can call a friend, see a movie, sew a cushion cover, blog, or stare listlessly at a wall. These things are all preferable to the aftermath of shopping and/or eating.
Free-Purchase Conditions.
I am allowed three 'free' purchases per week. These purchases must be under $20. Any purchases over $20, or additional to my three 'free' purchases must be discussed with and approved by one of my two Rule Mistresses. Any purchases over $150 must be approved by both Rule Mistresses.
Just to clarify . . .
- Going out to dinner and 'hitting the town' do not constitute shopping.
- But concert and theatre tickets probably do. So in future, I must seek permission for these in accordance with the Free-Purchase Conditions.
- Holiday transport and accommodation costs do not constitute shopping, but holiday shopping budgets must be negotiated with both Rule Mistresses.
Date for Review: 1 October 2009
During this period I will also be tracking all of my expenses so I can develop a realistic budget. Pre-GSD I was just too terrified to record any of my binge-spending but now that I am feeling more in control of things I can actually stomach recording my spending. Although I am sure this process will still reveal many a scary insight into my consumption. Goodness knows how much I spend on bottled water every month just because I have left my recycled water bottle at home/at the office/in the car/at the gym.
I am not sure I really want to know just how much my absent-mindedness is costing me . . . Sigh. But I suppose I will never be a fabulous financially-independent feminista if I do not face up to these things.
Alright peeps. Game on.
