[EmilyAnne_SD]

Please count me in! I think I've purchased 11 COACH bags since the end of May 2007, not including accessories. (yeah, I went kind of crazy). I took a sheet of paper and listed all that I bought and it depressed me. I just thought of all the other things I could have spent the money on for my family. This may sound kind of stupid, but I haven't purchased ANYTHING since Saturday, July 7th. It seems a bit trivial, but for me and how I've been spending the past few months, this is pretty good to not have spent $$ on anything bag/clothes/shoes/accessories related. In fact, I've had $20.00 in my wallet for the past week...which I'm pretty proud of. We're still able to save $$ on a monthly basis and pay the bills, but to imagine how much more $$ we could be saving is what is driving me right now.

I try to exert my energy elsewhere when I have that urge to buy, i.e., cleaning, working out (trying to), spending more time with the DH, etc. Sometimes just looking my closet controls my urge because I forget what I have. KWIM? I've taken a picture of my bags and kept it in my PDA to remind me that I don't need and should not want another bag. Sounds dumb, but it works for me.

BTW--this is my current temptation, but I am DETERMINED not to buy it:
COACH Leigh Signature Pocket Flap, $598


Anyway, good luck to all my fellow BBBs! I'm glad we're all here to help each other out.

[ms p]

Originally Posted by EmilyAnne_SD

I've taken a picture of my bags and kept it in my PDA to remind me that I don't need and should not want another bag.

welcome! your method sounds awesome

[FebbysBigSis]

THE GALS OF THE BBBC (Bag Ban Buddy Club) ROCK!! My heart goes out to u~!

Thanks SO much for the kind sentiments! I will make sure to see how u are doing!

I am WHOLEHEARTEDLY rooting for u all~!!

[StinkyMonkey]

When on a bag ban, one should not be browsing eLUXURY or eBay late at night.
I am shutting down the PC now.
Good night.

[ali w]

Originally Posted by StinkyMonkey

When on a bag ban, one should not be browsing eLUXURY or eBay late at night.
I am shutting down the PC now.
Good night.

LOL...This is the truth!!! I have tried to restrict myself, I come to the PC for an occasional visit to tpf. When I find myself in the deals and steals thread clicking on the links to NM's and so on I sign out. Because thats where it starts I say "oh I'm just looking" then I find an unbelievable deal and before I know it I'm pressing the complete transaction button.

Congrats to you stinkymonkey, takes a strong person to know when to shut it(pc) down

[EmilyAnne_SD]

Thanks! It's a nice reminder for myself to not buy anything! BTW--I love your avatar! I have that same figurine here at work. One of my husband's friends brought it back for me when he went to Japan last summer.

Originally Posted by petrina_yeo

welcome! your method sounds awesome

[momo43]

EmilyAnne, that is a great idea! in order to curb myself, i wrote out a list of everything Ive purchased in the last six months and everytime i feel the need to take a "hit" i just look at the list.

also, i've made a file on my computer of all the bags I've purchased since joining tPF. I look there and realize I need nothing....NOTHING.

[Myblackbag]

Originally Posted by GyrlLayney

I'm taking the following drastic measures to reduce my $5K cc debt and help me avoid further temptation that might entice me to break my ban:

I too have taken a stand in reducing my cc debt. This year I have managed to pay off approx. $2K in cc debt. I still have one card left that has a balance of $1400 (at 0%). Once it is paid off I will be cc debt free. I cannot wait! I have been working on paying off my cc's for three years now and I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

It is very tempting to buy another bag but I have to keep in mind how much longer a new bag purchase will set me back.

I have bought approx. four bags this year. All have been paid for with cash. None have been high end though. When I bought them I somehow justified them because I was not using credit to pay for them but in hindsight I could have used that money to get my credit debt paid down even further. Anyway, that was then and this is now. No more bags until cc's are paid off and I have more emergency money in the bank.

I am single and on a limited income. My SO is not someone that I can count on financially because he is in more debt than me!

I have six major cc's and I only carry one in my wallet and it is for extreme emergencies only! I hope that by being part of this thread I can stay motivated to get out of debt and resist the handbag temptation!

[MassLaw15]

Originally Posted by EmilyAnne_SD

Please count me in! I think I've purchased 11 COACH bags since the end of May 2007, not including accessories. (yeah, I went kind of crazy). I took a sheet of paper and listed all that I bought and it depressed me. I just thought of all the other things I could have spent the money on for my family. This may sound kind of stupid, but I haven't purchased ANYTHING since Saturday, July 7th. It seems a bit trivial, but for me and how I've been spending the past few months, this is pretty good to not have spent $$ on anything bag/clothes/shoes/accessories related. In fact, I've had $20.00 in my wallet for the past week...which I'm pretty proud of. We're still able to save $$ on a monthly basis and pay the bills, but to imagine how much more $$ we could be saving is what is driving me right now.

I try to exert my energy elsewhere when I have that urge to buy, i.e., cleaning, working out (trying to), spending more time with the DH, etc. Sometimes just looking my closet controls my urge because I forget what I have. KWIM? I've taken a picture of my bags and kept it in my PDA to remind me that I don't need and should not want another bag. Sounds dumb, but it works for me.

BTW--this is my current temptation, but I am DETERMINED not to buy it:
COACH Leigh Signature Pocket Flap, $598


Anyway, good luck to all my fellow BBBs! I'm glad we're all here to help each other out.

Every day counts! So don't feel silly that its ONLY since Saturday! You have been securing your financial freedom SINCE Saturday!

Also, its soooo one day at a time. There was a time (not that long ago) that I was buying more than 1 Chanel a week & had days where I would buy 5 or 6 high end accessories. I could drop a $1,000 bucks a day like I had money trees taking root in my back yard!

If it were me & I was in the throws of my crazy spending I could have easily spent 4-5,000.00 since Saturday! You should be proud of yourself & welcome!

[MassLaw15]

Originally Posted by Myblackbag

I too have taken a stand in reducing my cc debt. This year I have managed to pay off approx. $2K in cc debt. I still have one card left that has a balance of $1400 (at 0%). Once it is paid off I will be cc debt free. I cannot wait! I have been working on paying off my cc's for three years now and I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

It is very tempting to buy another bag but I have to keep in mind how much longer a new bag purchase will set me back.

I have bought approx. four bags this year. All have been paid for with cash. None have been high end though. When I bought them I somehow justified them because I was not using credit to pay for them but in hindsight I could have used that money to get my credit debt paid down even further. Anyway, that was then and this is now. No more bags until cc's are paid off and I have more emergency money in the bank.

I am single and on a limited income. My SO is not someone that I can count on financially because he is in more debt than me!

I have six major cc's and I only carry one in my wallet and it is for extreme emergencies only! I hope that by being part of this thread I can stay motivated to get out of debt and resist the handbag temptation!

CONGRATS!!!!!!! $1400.00 and counting down! You'll be free in no time! WOOHOO! YAY for you!

[MassLaw15]

Okay Layney & the Gals:
An update & some questions....

Yesterday I cancelled my Sears, Kohls, Macys & GAP card! The only one I am keeping is NM & I have only ever used it once!

I also called on all 6 of my major cc & found that three have GREAT fixed APR's. I will be cancelling the other three once they are paid off.

This is what I currently owe:
Citi: $2116.29
Bank of America: $1927.51
Chase: $3,134.01
Capitol One: $138.23 (as soon as they receive this payment the card is being CANCELLED)
Discover: $6,197.68 (this one makes me feel the WORST because 10 weeks ago it had a zero balance)
Washington Mutual: $3,928.47

Grand Total: Aprox: $17, 440.00 (I didn't add in the change).

So $17,000 in the hole. Not good. I have been selling a bunch on eBay & actually beleive my total should probably go down roughly $2,000 once checks I have RECENTLY written get applied to my account but still...a lot of money!

I have sold 2 Chanel's & a BUNCH of LV (think 10+). I still have MORE to list & auctions that are currently going on right now, so hopefully MORE $$$.

I have been thinking A LOT about which bags I will keep. I wanted your opinions on these bags & just see what everybody says.

Chanel cerf in Black Caviar Leather w/ GH (my most expensive bag & thus I could get good $ money for it BUT I love it & REALLY don't want to sell it)

Black Coach Reader Tote (I think) Super cute & very functional. Probably would only get like $150. I know every penny counts but I USE th bag.

Longchamp Pliage in Transparent w/ Orange leather. Again, probably could only get like $80 and I use & like the bag.

Cynthia Rowley White leather zip tote: Super durable (had it for years), functional & I use it!

LV Damier Chelsea: Love it, use it, love the Damier line, love the size of the bag. Just hard c\'cuz I could get good $ for it.

LV Damier (small bag can't remeber the name): Not selling as it was a gift from my mom & she would be really hurt.

LV Mono Large Bucket: I like it, I use it, but unsure on keeping it...

LV MONO Boulogne: Classic bag, never use it, but I feel REALLY weird about selling it.

Linea Pelle: Black bag & another tan one. Great soft leather. Use them. Probably couldn't get a ton for them.

Prada large Leather bag in Eggplant: Great size, classic bag.

So what do you guys think????

I have more bags I just have to find them & then I'll add them!

[feifei87]

IMO, definitely sell the ones you don't use much first whether or not you feel weird/won't get a lot of money since they're just sitting there. Then, go from there. I'd then sell one that would get a lot of money since there're be other bags that you'd use. Good luck!

[StinkyMonkey]

You gals are inspiring me to truely get out of debt and not give in to my handbag lusts.
Thanks for all your honesty and sharing of your "game" plans. I'm going to really do this thing!
I hereby declare that I will only purchase 2 bags per year. One for Christmas and the other for my B-Day.

[MassLaw15]

Originally Posted by StinkyMonkey

You gals are inspiring me to truely get out of debt and not give in to my handbag lusts.
Thanks for all your honesty and sharing of your "game" plans. I'm going to really do this thing!
I hereby declare that I will only purchase 2 bags per year. One for Christmas and the other for my B-Day.

That's a fair, reasonable & excellent choice! Congrats!

[annemerrick]

Good afternoon Ladies...I am hoping it doesn't count if I sold a bag, then purchased another for the same price!!! From now on...I am going to have to work with the bags that I already have if I want something new!!!
OK...confessional...I don't have such a hard time not buying bags...because I feel like I have so many...but I have a hard time not buying ANYTHING!!! A couple of days can go by, and I will stop at my favorite second-hand shop...and just get a little something to lift my spirits!!
I am working full-time right now for my DH, with no pay (I am not saying that because I mind, but just to let you guys know that I am broke), and I am not sure how to get to a place...where I just don't need to BUY!
I always feel like there is a great deal that I am missing out on!! I bought some pants the other day for $28.00, that were originally $1300 (tags still on)...and though I didn't need to spend the $28.00, I didn't know how to say no to that kind of deal...especially as they looked fabulous on me!!!!
I guess I am rambling...but my whole lifestyle has recently changed, and while I cannot afford to get anything expensive right now...I still want to buy something!!! Apparently...I have a shopping problem!!!!