Hey Reader!​
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A couple of Fridays ago, my daughter and I did a little shopping at West Town Mall in Knoxville, TN. It's the same mall I used to shop at when I was her age. Which makes it super fun now!
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I bought three pieces of clothing at Versona for an upcoming retreat in October. When I bought them, I told myself I was going home and cleaning enough out of my closet to fill that shopping bag. Saturday night, I pulled everything out.

Years ago, when I cleaned out my closets, I could fill the entire trunk of my car. Six or eight bags wouldn't have been unusual.
This time I filled one bag with probably 15–20 pieces. There was a much bigger difference than the number of bags, though.

Years ago, I was getting rid of stuff so I could replace it with more stuff.

Shopping was entertainment for me. I loved clothes, I loved shoes, and I loved getting a good deal.

I still do! We've lived debt-free for more than 16 years, but that didn't make me stop being a natural spender.
I didn't suddenly stop liking clothes or expensive shoes. What changed was the way I buy them.

I have shoes I like that retail for well over $100, sometimes close to $200.
Before I pay that, I'll look on eBay, Poshmark or Vinted and see if I can find them new for a fraction of the price.

Just this week, I bought a brand-new pair of Vionic boots that retailed for somewhere around $160–$190.

I paid $34.48 delivered to my door.

I still get something I want. I still get the quality I want. I still get the fun of finding a really good deal.
I'm just a whole lot more intentional about what I bring home and what I'm willing to pay for it.

Being better with money didn't require me to stop being a spender.

It required me to learn how to be a spender with a plan.

Melinda🩷

Helping you find calm, confidence, and margin with your money

P.S. If there's something you've been wanting, take five minutes and look for it somewhere other than the place you normally shop. You might be surprised what you find.

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