I have to confess. I have an impulse spending problem. I went to the office on Sunday for a full seven hour shift. Then, two hours after I got off, I promptly spent all of my net overtime pay before I even received it in hand. I bought two pairs of shoes and a handbag on New York's 34th Street. I love all of the stores in that area: Shoe Mania, Ann Taylor, H&M (two, and they have different items in stock, so I always visit both), Old Navy, Steve Madden, not to mention Famous Footwear, Zara, Express and Macy's. Ahhhh. . . the shopper's delight.

I knew I wanted some walking shoes to wear to work and another pair of shoes to wear at work. I took the subway to 34th Street because it was a beautiful day and I just wanted to “look” at my options before I actually bought something. I certainly didn't think I'd end up buying everything that I did. At first I ended up buying a pair of $70 Puma sneakers. I knew as I was handing over my credit card that I was doing something I shouldn't be doing. Even though I always pay my credit card off every month, I end up charging a good $5-600 a month! If I can get control of that I will be a master of my spending. Okay, okay, maybe it's not that serious, but it will definitely help the financial "leak" before it starts.

Back to the Pumas. I like them a lot, they're very comfortable, cute, not to mention trendy, but I really, really don't need them. I have to admit that I already own three other pair of shoes in good condition (although not nearly as trendy) that can serve the exact same purpose. I also bought $70 Steve Madden pointy-toe shoes that I can wear at work, wear out at night and dress up or dress down and a $20 hot black leather handbag (on sale of course).

On my way home, I was thrilled about my Steve Madden shoes but I realized the Puma shoes weren’t necessary. If I kept all three purchases, I would have pretty much negated my whole reason for coming into work on my normal day off. The Puma shoes still sit in my living room unopened and unworn. I feel too guilty to wear them, because I know that the short term good feeling of something new won't help me with my long-term goals. I am taking the Puma shoes back to Foot Locker this week. I don't want to but as long as I get to keep the handbag and the pointy-toe shoes, I'll get over it.

This entry is also posted at Financial Freedom Trek.

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