Birthday spending dilemma - what would you do?

So this is the situation
My "clothing budget" is around $40 a month, which I have currently overspent up til around June. So I am pretty much on SYC, though I have been buying the odd small (ie less than $10) purchase and shoe mending from other, "pocket money". But my work contract (it is a maternity leave relief position) ends in July, so I may not have any more for some time (that is a worst case scenario, obviously I hope to find a job, but they aren't that easy in my field and the job market is softening)

Looking ahead the only absolute need I have is a new pair of flat sandals for next Aussie summer. My cobalt sandals may not last the distance, and need a replacement too. Otherwise there may be other things that are okay now, but need replacing over the next year or so - my one everyday bra for example. And my tees are probably in need of refreshment - they are 3 summers old.
And then there are just things that are nice to have to update the wardrobe a little - a new casual sweater, a new top.

I plan to spend the money I received for my recent birthday ($140) on clothes at some point. The question is should I buy something "nice to have" now, or keep it for the essentials (eg the flat sandals) next summer?

What would you do?

11 years ago

Jeanie

Veteran

Hmmm. Since shoes are expensive but tend to jazz up an outfit, I would get a new pair of sandals. Maybe you will still have enough left for a new tee or 2 and you could buy a bra with your monthly budget money.

Adelfa

Summer is a ways away for you. Do you have time to save up for sandals out of your regular budget? I would be inclined to buy something special (but still useful) with the birthday money.

rabbit

If you are worried that there might not be any give in the budget before next summer I would set a ballpark price for the sandals and other necessities (what you can get them for at a discount for decent quality) and have that as part of your emergency fund savings - if you track that anywhere or keep the money in a separate account. I wouldn't buy many clothes a season before you need them unless you come across a style you know will work that is very deeply discounted.

I would maybe take part of your birthday money and spend it on something fun and useful, but if it were me (and I've been in a similar situation) I would have fun with the searching, and try to get the biggest bang for the buck. I got an Etsy gift certificate once and spent over a year searching Etsy until I finally finished it off just because I found the process enjoyable.

I guess it really depends whether you have time for and enjoy the hunt (thrifting, clearance, sales, etc.) or whether you don't and would rather buy fewer things without the time investment. Which part is the treat for you?

anne

Jeanie, I wouldn't buy the sandals until next summer - it is past sandals season here and I don't need them til around November.

I will be able to purchase these things out of my regular budget IF I get a job! I don't think I'll have a clothing budget as such if I don't! (we'd be living off savings and what DH gets, equiv to about 2 days a week pay, though it may go up).

Rabbit, I think you exactly understand! My fear is that "there may not be any give in the budget before next summer". And I agree with not buying clothes for next season. Your wisdom sounds good - to put aside enough to cover those necessities and leave a little for a treat. And of course if I do get a job I can spend the saved money earlier, since I'll be able to allocate money to shopping again.

In answer to your question, am not a huge fan of spending a lot of time in shops and hunting bargains, though I do over analyze pretty much any purchase I make. I am much more likely to just not buy ANYTHING.

Lantana

Since you don't have certainty about work post-July, I suggest you save all your dollars for the much needed sandals. Have fun in the meantime shopping your closet.

Kim

I'd keep most of the money for sandals, UNTIL I had another job. I wouldn't want to be without an "essential" if I was unemployed too. It would be nice to have one less thing to worry about if that does happen. I would however take a small bit of it, ($40?) and buy myself something fun NOW too. Best of both worlds!

leopardluxe

I'm with rabbit. If it's birthday money I like to be able to find the exact right "special" thing that I will always associate with having bought for my birthday and enjoy searching for what that might be. I also like to be able to share with the person who gave me the money (usually mom) what I finally bought with it.

So one year mom gave me some money and I spent several months looking for a particular type of earrings then used the money to buy them. Then I could say to mom, " thank you again! These are the earrings I bought with the money you gave me" --and I always associate the earrings with my birthday and mom when I wear them so they make me even happier/nostalgic than if I had just bought them with my own money or just used the money to buy some new t-shirts for the that season (which would be replaced in a year or two out of necessity).

carter

I wouldn't spend a penny now. Peace of mind that you can buy true essentials when you need them sounds like the best birthday present ever.

Thanks everyone. Lots to think about !

Lisa

I would hold on purchasing anything until things settle down. A new job may mean new dressing requirements you'll have to shop for.

Beth Ann

Well, I immediately think of Christmas money!

I know, no help at all!

Seriously, I'd let next Summer sort itself and think of what you might need in the next few months.

Thanks Lisa and Beth An. I've been out of range all weekend. I'll need the shoes before Christmas!

Anonymous

Anne, you are very sensible and frugal and I have no doubt that you will know what birthday treat you want when you see it. I just hope, as I'm sure does the gifter, that you will spend the money on yourself.

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