I do have that kind of rationalization at times. At least it sounds similar, but substantively, it's not the same.

I decide I'm going to buy X. I know I can fit it into my budget reasonably, even if it's a stretch or I know I'll need to be extra good the a month or two afterward.

Before I buy X (or within the return window), I see Y. It may be slightly higher, or lower, or about the same. And I reconsider X. Which do I want/need/can use more? I decide on Y.

Is this rationalization? I don't think it is. Because the money for the purchase was already there and set aside in my wallet, budget, or mind. Changing my mind about what I spend it on isn't any kind of specious reasoning or justification of a splurge.

The real issue is if I turn down X in favor of Y, and then forego Y for Z which costs is more than both of them combined. That's like April's original example, where I'd be counting the same pot of money multiple times.

My habit is to reverse-fund my purchases. Psychologically, that is -- I'd never buy something if I didn't have the money in the bank for it.

When there's something that feels exorbitant but I still really want it, I start looking at what I have in my holding zone and mentally tally up how much I'll make if I sell my holding zone items on eBay. Say I have 5 items that will each earn me $20 if they sell; that's $100 towards the Special New Thing. So, I put everything up for sale and order the Special New Thing and in my mind I've already got a $100 discount. At least it helps clean out my closet!

I'm guilty of this too, LOL. But I will say I have learned not to compromise with footwear. My feet have become so picky. If they're comfortable, if i will wear them many years, if I can afford them, I am very likely to buy them.

There, I hope that helps

What Liz said. However, I'm guilty of deferred gratification, and talk myself out of nice things I could easily afford more times than not. I believe my style suffers as a result. I need to shop with an enabler...

Aquamarine and RC -- me too! I do this far more often than I overbuy. I wait too long and then my size is gone in a pair of shoes that might have saved my extremely fussy feet, or a special item that I adored (in photos) is gone before I make my move, and my wardrobe suffers for it.

And as long as the item is not "final sale", there's no reason for me to so timid and cautious. I'm quite disciplined about returns -- if it's not right, it goes back within a day or two -- so I really could be freer with purchases.

Am I listening to myself?

I agree with Aquamarine - no compromise on footwear.

My budgeting app, which uses a tech version of the envelope system, works well & keeps me on track. I'm so glad my DD told me about it! It makes things so much easier.

The maths that I subscribe to is dollars per wear. If I know that there is longevity in an item or constant use, for example glasses and handbags, then the amount spent does not bother me too much.

I say if you can afford them ..get the boots!

BC what budgeting all do you use?

It makes sense to me in that if you had kept those purchased items, then you would have had considerably less to allocate to other new items. If you think you'll love them for years and wear them often, seems like you'd be more than justified in going for them!

They are gorgeous boots! What Greenjeans says chimes with me. Also, the turn of phrase, no compromise on footwear. Once you've decided, I wouldn't look back!