To add to my previous post: my parents were well off – only because they were so cheap. We had plenty of money but they refused to spend. It is still true to this day, but it works for them. (I think I resented their “cheapness” more because they refused to spend it on me; if they didnt have the funds I think I would have endured it better. The rejection was tough – b/c they never said “No, we cant afford it.” It was “No, because I said so).

I’m the opposite really: my mum was tight with the clothing dollars – I only had three shirts and one pair of jeans to wear all three school seasons when I was in high school – so I went CRAZY with the clothing moola as soon as I was able. I never wanted that “I look stupid/I am deprieved” feeling again. I went to school in a rich area so socially I “suffered” because of my crappy wardrobe or lack thereof. When I started earning my own cash, I had a huge and stylish wardrobe – and didnt give a darn that I used CCs for it as time went on. (of course I eventually outgrew that and don’t care how stupid I look now :P).

The upside though to my parents tight purse strings – it motivated me at a young age to earn my own cash so I could afford things for myself they refused to pay for (contact lenses, clothes, movies, travel, toiletries, etc).

As far as your suggestion on how to outline for clothing purchases, I started that new system myself recently. I reviewed my 2007 expenditures and my jaw dropped when I realized I spent $1800 on clothing (all clothing, including socks/underwear, shoes, etc) that year – and that was in a year I actually thought all along I wasnt buying anything! Ack!

I went shopping this w/e, coupon in hand to buy one specific thing: a pair of black pants dressy/professional enough to wear to work and/or with my suit jackets. Found it, paid for it, left the store. The end. Whew!

Fast forward to now when I have my own children. Not only do they have TOO many clothes, they have TOO many BRAND name clothes.

I guess the point is that even when one did not lack in an area necessarily, there are still things that cause an overspending in a certain area.

Also, I envision those kids I knew that did not have a lot of clothing or money while I was in school. Everyone “knew” their economic status BECAUSE of their clothing. I do not want my children to ever have that humilation. Which is why I overbuy in clothing. That way they “look” normal.

I am getting better about it. I have stopped buying brand name clothing. Anything they have that is brand name comes from Grandma, yes, the same woman who would not buy anything brand name for me. How funny is that? I also have stopped buying clothing once a week and only buy when they need things. But when I do go out to buy, I still buy too much.

Maybe the inventory list will help me!