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Two shopping bags with items inside.Most people have to stay within a budget. This may be very difficult, especially if the budget is really tight. Sometimes the urge to have something new is really hard to ignore. Here are some tips to make do, when you can't have new.

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Many people shop when they are emotional. Sadness, anger, loneliness and boredom can set off a shopping spree. You don't really want the new thing; you just want some aspect of your life to change for the better. Make your life rich in experiences, not things. Here are ideas on how to have a new experience.

  1. Go to the library. In addition to the "new to you" DVD or book, you can also join a book club and see plays and shows. RedBox also has free DVD rentals from time to time.
  2. In the summer, take advantage of the beautiful weather and see concerts in the park. Pack dinner and you will have a new experience that will cost you nothing.
  3. Learn a new skill on YouTube or in a store. Wiliams-Sonoma has cooking classes. LuluLemon has yoga classes. Crafts stores such as Michael's and Jo-Ann have free classes. You may have to pay for materials, so check this out beforehand. If you go to a class, you may meet new people.
  4. Take a free online course at Kahn Academy or Coursera.
  5. If you have the space, plant a flower or vegetable garden. You will have an adventure every day watching your plants grow. Even a windowsill can provide you with gardening pleasure.
  6. Volunteer. You will do a good deed for the less fortunate, and meet like-minded people.
  7. Have a clothing/accessory swap with friends.
  8. Have breakfast for dinner, or make a food served only on holidays.
  9. Rearrange your furniture.
  10. Everyone likes something new, at least once in a while! Take advantage of free offers and put them in a special spot, like in a closet. I get a lot of birthday freebies and free products with coupons. I don't need so many free items at once, so I put them in the closet and check out my stash before I buy something new. Many times I had forgotten what was in the box, and I have a nice surprise.

The above hints will work for children, too. I used to rotate my children's toys. Every couple of weeks they would have newtoys. My library also has a toy lending program.

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 523 Posts
July 1, 20161 found this helpful

This is beautiful, Judy. Our minds have been stolen. We have been brainwashed by corporate America to believe there is no joy or satisfaction in anything unless it involves spending money.

This lie keeps the fat cats fat. It keeps you, always in a state of dissatisfaction. A state which can be relieved just temporarily, and then only by making another purchase.

I hope your post will cause some to stop and think. To ask themselves if that next purchase is really needed, will it bring some satisfaction or meaning into their lives; or are they being just a puppet, because it's easier for someone else to pull the strings in your life than it is for you to think for yourselves.

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
July 1, 20161 found this helpful

Thank you for your kind words. Frugality comes easily to me. I never had a big appetite for "things". I remember being a little kid trying on clothes for the upcoming school year and my mother putting an outfit that still fit in the "donate" pile. She said, "They're not wearing that anymore." When I asked her who "they" were, she didn't have an answer that satisfied me. From then on I decided that I, not "they" would decide how long I would keep my clothes, appliances and cars,

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among other things.

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July 2, 20160 found this helpful

Such good ideas.... I do a lot of what is on your list. Thank you for sharing.

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July 5, 20160 found this helpful

Awesome tips....

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