Buy Day
I struggle with impulse control when it comes to online purchases. Music, books, and software are my main weaknesses - they're easily accessible and affordable, making them tempting to buy on a whim.
My partner and I have been using YNAB to better manage our spending and ensure our money is put to good use. For instance, it helped us recognize the excessive amount we were spending on food delivery services, a habit we developed while caring for our newborn. We've since returned to cooking more at home.
We each have a "treat yourself" monthly fund. Supporting artists and independent software with sustainable business models brings me joy. However, this has made it too easy to justify going over my personal spending limit.
This needs to change. I’m breaking my commitment to stick to a shared budget with my partner. The imbalance means she may miss out on things she wants or needs, or we constantly have to shuffle money around.
To address this, I've introduced a weekly "Buy Day" - a concept I first read about on Taylor Troesh's blog - on Fridays. This aligns with Bandcamp Fridays, the best time to support musicians. It also reduces instant gratification, as physical items won't arrive until after the weekend, and I'll have less time during the weekends to use new digital purchases.
Ultimately, I want to move to a monthly Buy Day. This will force me to more critically evaluate my wants, focusing on the essentials that truly enrich my life. Moderation is key - drowning in a sea of new things can make us lose appreciation for what we already have.
⁂