All Of My Purchases That Were & Weren’t Worth It In May
After reading Holly’s piece on her saddest wastes of money for 2017 thus far, it got me thinking about where I am currently spending my own money, and whether I’m happy about these choices. As a financial shit show, I had an inkling that going through my bank statements and receipts with a fine tooth comb would ~enlighten~ me into understanding my own spending habits better, and therefore improve them with that awareness.
In May, while I am happy to say that some of my regretful spending is refundable, I realize I’m still having difficulty with emotional and impulsive shopping. But, recognizing our bad habits is the first step to combatting them. So, for the month of June and onward, I’ll definitely try and curb the sad Target run. (lol)
But alas, I digress. Here are my picks for for shit I regret spending money on, and shit I’m happy I spent money on, for May.
Shit I Regret Spending Money On This Month
1. Some fancy shampoo from Ulta that smells awful ($28.00)
I will be returning this and getting my money back, but dear God. Why would I spend $28.00 on a shampoo on an entry-level salary? Why do I do these things? I am not sophisticated. I am broke.
But, let’s take a step back. There are some questions I need to answer for myself, in order to combat this type of spending in the future. First off, why I felt the need to purchase the shampoo in the first place? When I remember that particular Ulta trip, I realize I was feeling pretty emotional and sad. I had just had a fight with my sister, was feeling gross about my appearance, and wanted a pick-me-up. I wanted to feel better and feel like I was investing in myself. But a bottle of shampoo that is almost the equivalent of one week’s worth of groceries? Bad choice.
2. Noodles and Co. bowl of pasta ($10.00)
I’m trying to lose weight, and Noodles and Co. pasta will not assist you on this journey. Like, at all. I know this, and yet I still sauntered on over to the Noodles and Co. near my work and ordered pesto cavatappi for lunch. For the rest of the day, I was in a food-comatose-state and regretful. FFS, I’m literally paying ten goddamn dollars to hate myself and be unproductive. Not the best investment, if you ask me.
3. That shot at the bar I definitely didn’t need ($7.00+my dignity+most of the following morning)
Everyone’s had that moment of clarity the next day, remembering the one drink that put them over the edge and into the world’s worst hangover the next day. This is mine. It was whiskey. It was seven fucking dollars that also cost me most of my next morning.
I will carry the regret as long as I live.
Total Wasted: $45.00
Shit I’m Glad I Spent Money On This Month
1. My gym membership ($20.00)
This is a monthly expense I used to hate because I was rarely going as a result of feeling incredibly discouraged about my fitness. I’m nowhere close to the shape I used to be in, and I feel terrible that I let myself get this way. Health is important to me, and I was no longer living according to that value. But, I realized regret wasn’t going to change anything. Action would. So, I started a weekly bet with my co-worker about going to the gym to keep me accountable, and I started going consistently again. I’m still not where I want to be, but I’m working towards it. And that is something I can definitely take some pride in.
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
I love Harry Potter. It’s a story of doing the right thing and friendship and bravery and goddamn magic. I started re-reading the series this summer, and have now been craving the movies as a result. But, I only own the second part of the seventh movie. I happened to see the first installment of Year 7 at Target, and decided to buy it. I’m so happy I did. It ended up supplying the entertainment for a wonderful Memorial Day evening with one of my best friends, who was in town from Germany.
3. New leggings that have pockets
All my leggings were looking pretty rough and worn, but I still didn’t want to drop any money on a new pair. However, while perusing Target one day, I happened to come across a nice set that have goddamn POCKETS. They’re thick material, comfy and look pretty good. I’m happy I purchased them and have been wearing them a few times a week. Great success!
Total Spent: $60.00
Molly is an assistant digital strategist by day and a writer by night. She drinks way too much coffee, and can be found on Twitter here.
Image via Unsplash
