Can we do without retial therapy during the credit crunch?

Sometimes we shop when were feeling down just to make ourselves feel better- but is that a good idea in credit crunch Britain? All of a sudden were being told our jobs arent safe due to downsizing and companies going bust, and it seems as though every penny needs to be saved instead of spent, and that ‘rainy day’, which we put some money aside for, has finally arrived.Im talking to the other men to, not just the women. cds, dvds, games, some designer clothes- buying something for ourselves at a time when were feeling low can cheer us up. Theres nothing wrong with buying the odd dvd, but how many times you feel the need to buy something? It can really start to take its toll financially if its more than afew times a month. The latest dvd release can cost anywhere between £9-15, and you buy one a week, that 4 a month, which will costs anywhere between £36-60- it adds up doesnt it?

So is it worse to buy a more expensive thing once a month, or tinier items more often? It depends on what item your purchasing -that Gibson guitar at £1,500 is now being left on the shelf when previously it wouldve been bought. Yes, its a Gibson guitar, but their cheaper Epiphone copies play just as well, its just the stigma of having the brand name that your paying for. Those designer dresses that catch your eye really need buying -when a cheaper brand can look just as great, with no-one but the fashion police none the wiser. Whats the sensible option? If you despearatley need the item, living off pasta for afew months wont kill you. Cutting down on luxury items to get that purchase can work out in the long run, teaching you money management. Making a list of items you ‘want’- not need, and getting one a month, spreading out your purchases over the long term can help. How often do you play that dvd over the space of a year? Does that night out on the town really require another dress just to go get drunk?

Dont be put off buying want you want, just put some more thought into what you buy. No-ones making you buy the items but except you.