Comparison 2020 vs 2019 spending - YouLookFab Forum

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Comparison 2020 vs 2019 spending

MsMaven

Veteran

My main goal for the early part of this year was to only buy new bras, underwear, and a new pair of walking shoes.

I was surprised to find I have spent about the same both years because even though I've bought new items, this year everything except for 2 bras was bought on sale. I did buy a few more items at full price last year, but not many.

Then I found a note to myself--I didn't count about $300 worth of clothes last year because I exchanged a Christmas gift for a lesser priced item and so didn't count that much in my 2019 purchases.

I did buy 7 pairs of shoes/sandals last year and only 3 this year.

As I read over my list another time, I found that I had also used more Nordstrom Notes last year--several hundred dollars more. I used them mainly on full-priced scarves and a pair of NYDJ.

Taking into account my own non-GAAP system (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), I did spend more last year, although it feels like I did more shopping and buying overall this year. May that's in part because I've bought a lot more items such as cleaning supplies online this year.

I know some of you were not planning on buying much while on lockdown. How did you do? Are you spending more or less overall?

Bonus photo of Sharkie napping with his toys. He hasn't been feeling well this week, but seems to be getting better. I dread a visit to the vet.

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19 replies

Latest reply was from nemosmom

Anonymous

Cutie pie Sharkie
I have no idea TBH, aside from the $$$$s of vet bills and a major car repair. Some things I've had to spend more on, for supply chain issues, or to buy from little less traffic shops instead of big box. My clothing spending is probably about the same- if you include all the masks and disposable gloves I bought :/

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I have been spending a lot less overall but a lot more on food!

Bonnie

Veteran

I'm doing about the same. Last year I bought 18 items and this year 15 and I stuck to my budget which is the same for both years. This surprised me although I hadn't planned to spend less money or purchase fewer items. Not being able to shop in BM stores has completely stopped so that means less time shopping. I expect to see a greater change from last year in the fall. Hope Sharkie gets well soon.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sharkie is hilarious

Fab analysis. We've spent a lot less because of no eating out, entertaining, or travel.

Sal

Veteran

We spent very little in March and April except for at the supermarket. In May though I have added some overdue birthday presents, some makeup, had a couple of meals out and a few incidentals. I am trying to support local businesses whilst also realising that I can spend less on a few frivolous items along the way.

always trying

Veteran

I didn't buy much last year. I actually spent more time cleaning out clothing that did not fit, shoes that were not comfortable. Only shopping I did last year was for the holiday events. This. Year I started early for spring event. Aniversity, a banquet, graduation, and a couple of lesser events. So these events are not happening. I also replaced my white skinnies with high waisted straight leg white jeans. Then I had to have a cropped card I, and a dressier silver blazer. These all remain unworn as there are no places to wear them. I also bought 2 pairs of 2inch heel sandals, not worn yet. These were before stay at home purchases. But DSW started curbside pick up last week. Perfect to replace old flip flops, and a really great pair of flat sandals to wear around the house. This will be the extent of wearables for this year, except maybe pajamas.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

You people are so lucky to get Nordstrom notes! Do you earn them even on sale purchases? Loyalty discounts are few and far between where I shop. My favourite boutique chain only gives you points for full-price purchases, and since I have only paid full price once there- for my original olive snakeskin pants worn 78 times before demoting to “old clothes” for gardening etc- I don’t earn them often since they have such a fab sales room at one store!
I also earn some at the shoe stores but again I tend to buy on sale so not sure if they count those purchases or not.
Overall my aim was to buy less this year so I have spent less, we would have spent on our Easter trip and then our Fiji holiday, neither of which happened. The coffers are good that way but also earning less from our businesses. Earning less tends to mean spending less.

MsMaven

Veteran

Jenni, Nordstrom has just changed its system, but with the NN we get points for everything we buy, although sometimes the SAs advise not spending them on a sale item--save them for a full price item. If we spend enough we go up levels and get perks such as early invitations to sales. We also get double and triple point days, and again, SAs advise not spending the notes on these higher points days--we want to get all the points we can for our purchases.

And in the past, Nordstrom would renew expired points. All to help us to spend the maximum amount at their stores. It was also an SA who advised me to apply for a Nordy's credit card so I would get points when I was picking out an expensive shower gift for my soon-to-be daughter-in-law. There's a story for another day!

At the beginning of lockdown I felt I should be noble and help support my favorite stores. Now I'm not sure I should do that. I've learned there are a lot of other important factors in choosing where to spend more. Many good lessons here at YLF.

Helena

Veteran

Our financial management doesn't include a budget per se, but I would estimate that we are spending less overall, because we used to eat out a fair bit, we are not doing any vacations, and although I've bought a few things, there is definitely no push to buy much this year. I admit I almost feel guilty not shopping more, knowing how retailers are struggling!

We are extraordinarily blessed and lucky that we were able to realize our goal of creating a family retreat this spring. After years of saving, planning and debating the right thing, we decided to invest in a backyard pool which just opened this week. So we have splurged on flowers and a few bits of backyard furniture to complete the project. We figure since we'll be house-bound it's money well spent!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Thank you Ms Maven, it sounds like they have quite a good system. I do appreciate earning loyalty points but also try not to let the promotions make me spend money I wouldn’t otherwise spend- or else try to use the promotion for something I buy on repeat like underwear.

rachylou

Veteran

My spending on clothes is down. Before this week and the two shirts now on order, the only thing I’d bought was when I got out of line and bought jeggings and socks at CVS because I couldn’t stand buying nothing anymore, lol. But my spending is up because right before the lockdown I bought a car, haha! And tires and seat covers and insurance and, of course, gas!

ps: Sharkie is so sweet! Poor boo, sorry he hasn’t been feeling so well!

Runcarla

Veteran

I have spent 10% of my annual clothing budget so far. That is low for this time of year. I tend to do a big shop in March/April and another in October/November. I didn’t buy anything February through April, but did buy 2 tops and a coat this month.

Even though we took on home reno projects and made some donations we ‘saved’ 15% of our monthly income March and April and are on track to do the same in May. No travel, entertainments, dining out. Hardly any gas for the car, and a rebate on auto insurance due to decreased usage. I did chase down all our prepaid expenses for the May trip to the UK and everything was refunded in full, except for our airfare. We have a credit good until March 2022 - if they don’t go out of business!

Anonymous

Oh what a little sweetie ! I miss my little black cat , Katie . She looked just like this I had made a very dramatic vow not to spend a cent this year on anything other than the absolute necessities . I was fine until the world changed here mid - March. My coping methods aren’t great - and I started online shopping . I’m back on track now and hope to move through the rest of the year under better control .

Kate

Veteran

Sharkie’s a big handsome boy. I hope he continues to feel better.

This year we’re spending a lot less because we’re not traveling or eating out. Clothing-wise, I always buy less in the summer season—my least favorite season to buy clothes for—and that’s especially true this year. I haven’t felt the urge to shop, and there is nothing I truly need. I could use some shorts, but can make it through another summer season if I don’t find any.

slim cat

Veteran

Such a sweet kitty with toys and packaging paper ( my cat - Keesya loves those too - and boxes ).
We spend a bit less so far - more on food and cleaning products like everyone else. No traveling to Moscow, Russia, no restaurants, not much of a birthday celebrations. Sushi from Safeway is now our special treat and so is pizza from Italian Brothers Bakery.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

In January I bought a spring/summer weight pair of pants and a sweater on significant sale. I haven’t yet purchased any other clothing
OTOH our grocery bill is higher because DH used to shop all over to get the best prices and now we get delivery from our local but more expensive small market.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I held off on doing too much shopping last year, because I knew that I was going to have my colours 'diagnosed' in the summer. After that, I spent the remainder of last year diligently cleaning out my closet (especially since a hospitalisation followed by the eruption of the HK protests would leave me homebound for month-long stretches at a time). Since then, I've been trying to add things mindfully & strategically to my closet, whilst being mindful of the delivery dilemma (e.g. trying not to order too many sizes & parcels, only to have them flown back).

My birthday is in January, so that's when I shopped the sales. I've since been replenishing the items that I identified from my previous cleanout (breathable maxi dresses, interview-appropriate suiting & blouses, comfortable block heels & cotton breathable 3/4 sleeved tops). So long story short, yes, I'm ironically spending more money this year than last year, but it's in a more sustained & focused manner.

Liesbeth

Veteran

I thought I had spent less since thebeginning of the lockdown, until I had a little crisis when I realized I had too many euro's tied up in the return process. So I guess I shopped more online (eg also ordered a bunch of bras for try-on for the first time), but with my usual high return ratio I did end up spending a tiny bit less. Just need to be really careful clicking that order button when I may not get the eventual refund before my credit card gets invoiced!
By the way I do feel slightly guilty for returning about 90% of what I order, but YLF HAS taught me to be patient and picky...
Edit: I stick to a monthly budget and keep a tracker to prevent over-shopping, this is why I know my exact numbers.

nemosmom

Veteran

OMG Sharkie is a doll! Are those kickaroo toys? My Nemo used to LOVE those. Sorry to hear he's under the weather - hope he feels better soon!

Spending and quantity-wise, I am at about the same as where I was this time last year. I splurged early in the year on some higher-quality knitwear and a great coat, and some pricey (for me) summer pieces that are well-made and from companies I am happy to support. About half of the pieces I added this year were thrifted, and most of the thrifted pieces were paid for with a thredup credit.

I will say that I am happier with what I've added, and with my overall approach this year. Last year's additions felt more experimental in a sense, and I feel like I am spending more wisely, and I know what will work for me better than I did before. I have my eye out for elevated casual/lounge pieces, but certainly don't feel panicked to shop for them.