This sounds so snobby but I'm really proud of myself this year!

Jodi&Joe

I normally buy SO MUCH CRAP for Christmas.  And I didn't this year.  That and I have not bought the kids a single thing in the last month or so -- not a thing! 

And while I probably didn't buy too much in the month before Christmas last year, I would have gone back to every store in which they picked something up and bought it for them to wrap for Christmas.  Last year was CA-RAZY!

I'm very proud of myself for demonstrating some willpower this year.  And while it's probably not as much willpower as many here demonstrate, it is HUGE for me to know that I have actually given thought to how much I have spent, thought to what I'm actually purchasing and thought to exactly how many gifts they will have under the tree!!!

As strange (if that's the right word) as it is for some to think about the # of gifts I get the kids for Christmas, it is equally as strange to ME at the minimal # of gifts they get.  I have a REALLY hard time NOT buying for my kids --- so this is a HUGE accomplishment for me.  And not a moment too soon! 

Halo79RN

aren't you the one spending $600-1K per child ???

I think you need shoppers anonymous

Jodi&Joe

No, I spent about $1k last year per child.  I've cut that in half this year.  I *might* get up to $600 per kid but right now, I'm pretty sure I'm around $500/kid.  Cam is at $425 (not incl. her stocking) and Joey is at $350 (not incl. his stocking).  (I just added it up in my head so as long as I'm not forgetting anything....) 

And their stocking is all stuff from the $1 spot and they each have three DVD in there (3 of which were $5 each).

And why am I justifying here?!  Ok, I'll stop that as its not necessary and just go with my original sentiment that I'm proud of myself --- and I think I have a right to be! 

the_one_the_only

Way to go!  I understand what the feeling is like.  I ALWAYS over do it.  If I was working and had the money this year then everyone would have way to many gifts from us. 

femmegem

Way to go, Jodi! I have to admit that I am a HUGE shopping addict. I just haven't had the money to spend for a few years now, so I don't. It's kind of nice in a way, but I can't even tell you how I'd love to go out and just buy, buy, buy for one day and not worry about what it costs (and now you see why I've had so much trouble with debt!).

mom2one

It is really good that you are getting your finances under control. I love spending tons of money on my kids but I don't use credit cards.

Jodi&Joe

"....it's kind of nice in a way"

You know, I've been realizing this a bit here and there lately and honestly, it's refreshing to not buy.  I NEVER thought I would say that but it is kind of nice in a way.

I was "keepin' up the Joneses" a lot more than even I realized.

Too bad the Joneses live in my effing head!! 

femmegem

When I was in college I racked up $5K of credit card debt. On what? Don't ask me. One day I realized that I got a rush when I would buy something, and then I'd just want to go out and buy something else a few days later. The thing I'd bought initially was forgotten. It's hard to explain, but it suddenly hit me that I was just accumulating stuff without truly enjoying any of it. I literally mean it when I say I'm a shopping addict.

It's honestly kind of refreshing to not have so much money going out all the time. It makes it so much more fun when we do get anything new. Plus it's nice not to have crap all over the house.

Jodi&Joe

Credit cards are the devil!

Joe's business is SLOW (usually is in the winter months anyway but this year is even worse) and with me being laid off/paying medical benefits out of pocket --- it's been a crappy 6 months.