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aobanion
PeaNut
PeaNut 475,224
July 2010
Posts: 129
Layouts: 35
Loc: Monroe, Ohio
 |  Posted: 2/7/2013 12:44:41 PM
I don't know if it's just me or not but sometimes it seems as if people spend hundreds of dollars shopping for products. I know that it's not in my budget to do (although I have been saving back for the new Amy Tan line) and was just wondering if scrapbooking is a huge credit card hobby or if people really do spend such large amounts of money on things. I would love to know how much some of the scrappers that I watch on YouTube, Pinterest, etc who always seem to have the newest gadget and embellies, and papers, pay for it all or if they are simply picking selectively.
I don't mean to be rude or nosy! I'm just wondering!
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Keianna
PeaAddict
PeaNut 260,218
May 2006
Posts: 1,526
Layouts: 31
Loc: Missouri
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 12:51:10 PM
I have never charged a scrap supply and that includes my Cameo, SLR camera, printer, etc. We do not use credit cards in my house. So if I spend a hundred or two hundred dollars it is cash. The whole country isn't struggling and there are people who still have discretionary income. I find it amusing that there are so many posts about others spending habits on this board. Seems a bit voyeuristic  | |
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Cinderelly
PeaNut
PeaNut 566,536
September 2012
Posts: 256
Layouts: 1
Loc: Land of Eternal Snow aka MN
| Posted: 2/7/2013 1:00:00 PM
It's likely that most of the scrappers you are watching on YouTube etc are part of a design team and therefore receive "free" product so that they can then do those videos that show techniques while also promoting the products.
It can be an expensive hobby, that's for sure. |
"When smiling, the whole world smiles with you."
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CreativeEngineer
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 134,808
March 2004
Posts: 6,141
Layouts: 4
Loc: East Coast
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 1:05:33 PM
I watched a YouTube haul video last night by the cutest young gal. She shopped LSS yard sales and clearance sales. She kept pointing out the retail price and how much she paid. She kept saying things like "I would never pay that" or "I can't afford to pay that much for embellishments".
My favorite was when she was talking about scoring lots of rubons. She said they must not be popular anymore but they were just fine for her. 
It was really refreshing to see someone scrapping within her means and thrilled with something less than brand new and cutting edge.
There are people here who make $300k/year and those who make $30k/year. I don't give much thought to how people pay for what they buy unless they mention it. |
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voltagain
OklaPhoma
PeaNut 18,334
July 2001
Posts: 35,148
Layouts: 15
Loc: State of cultural confusion. Yeehaw and Aloha have collided!
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 1:07:53 PM
Plenty of people have the discretionary income to spend a couple of hundred a month without really thinking about it. |
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Cricutgirlg
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 160,610
August 2004
Posts: 5,842
Layouts: 82
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 2:14:25 PM
My credit cards ( And I have several ) have been at O zero balance for over a year and before that was at 0 zero for many years. I shop carefully and go for deals and I save my money for my shopping. My family gives me money for birthdays and holidays to use for scrapbooking purchases and I save monthly for it. My brother just sent me $50.00 just because and I saved it for future shopping. I learned many years ago as a young one that shopping on credit doesn't work well for me. So, when I spend, I use saved cash. |
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magoosangel
PeaNut
PeaNut 374,888
May 2008
Posts: 469
Layouts: 0
Loc: SW Florida
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 2:20:55 PM
I think most of the bloggers and DT get their items free or very reduced. The scrap celebrities get lots of stuff free because who wouldn't want their name on the products. That being said us mere mortal folks just spend in our means. I never go in debt for anything. I have a lot of stuff and have gotten it over several years. Some people cook, some woodwork, some work on cars. I think it just depends on your interests. | |
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aobanion
PeaNut
PeaNut 475,224
July 2010
Posts: 129
Layouts: 35
Loc: Monroe, Ohio
| Posted: 2/7/2013 2:40:05 PM
I am so glad to hear that not everyone can dish out tons of money! I think it would help me feel less guilty if my husband had a hobby that he spent money on, but his hobby is running so unless he needs a new pair of shoes or some running shorts he is good to go. I have tried being frozen a couple of times and I do okay. Participating in Lain Ehmann's LOAD challenge is definitely helping me get through my supplies so I don't feel as bad ordering some Amy Tangerine Yes Please when it gets here.
I would never judge anyone for how much they spend as I know that others have much more than I and probably less than I to spend. Sometimes I just get overwhelmed when I see everyone's pretty things and I am already past my budget for the month! | |
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craftymomto3
PeaAddict
PeaNut 547,251
March 2012
Posts: 1,105
Layouts: 24
Loc: MS
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GwynnAsbury
50 Peas in a pod.
PeaNut 578,564
January 2013
Posts: 71
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/7/2013 2:47:06 PM
You know, I'll be honest. The economy is hard right now and has been difficult for many, but there are still who have a lot of discretionary income - or choose to spend their discretionary income in other ways. Right now it is just my husband and I, no kids, I do not drink, take vacations, dye my hair, get my nails done, etc.. the end result is that there is a lot of discretionary money to spend on Scrappy stuff. I go through periods where I will not spend anything and periods where I spend a lot. However, I am also a big believer in being conscious of how the money is spent, what it is spent on, and the circumstances of others. I also happen to be the type that shares with others- I like going to crops and scrapping in groups because it gives me a chance to share with others and trade supplies - see what I like/don't like. I have had people make very hurtful and mean spirited comments about my age and how "nice it must be to be able to purchase whatever you want." With that said, I have never gone into debt to supply my hobby. | |
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birukitty
PeaFixture
PeaNut 35,782
April 2002
Posts: 3,583
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 2/7/2013 3:11:52 PM
I've been scrapping since 1998 so I've built my stash up over the years. We don't use credit cards in this house either.
I also think it's important to remember what people choose to spend their money on. I drive a 1999 Honda Civic. I love my car and have no intentions of getting another one until my current one hits 200,000 miles. I don't need a new one. So no monthly car payment.
I missed the woman gene about shoes and handbags, so my money doesn't go in that direction either.
I color my own hair at home so no salon bills for me. I have a very easy haircut that just needs trimming 2x a year, so that's another big savings.
The discretionary money I do have I like to spend on either scrappy stuff or save for travel. I do prefer to shop the To buy/sell board here at Two Peas, use coupons, or shop sales.
Debbie in MD. | |
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birukitty
PeaFixture
PeaNut 35,782
April 2002
Posts: 3,583
Layouts: 1
| Posted: 2/7/2013 3:12:31 PM
I've been scrapping since 1998 so I've built my stash up over the years. We don't use credit cards in this house either.
I also think it's important to remember what people choose to spend their money on. I drive a 1999 Honda Civic. I love my car and have no intentions of getting another one until my current one hits 200,000 miles. I don't need a new one. So no monthly car payment.
I missed the woman gene about shoes and handbags, so my money doesn't go in that direction either.
I color my own hair at home so no salon bills for me. I have a very easy haircut that just needs trimming 2x a year, so that's another big savings.
The discretionary money I do have I like to spend on either scrappy stuff or save for travel. I do prefer to shop the To buy/sell board here at Two Peas, use coupons, or shop sales.
Debbie in MD. | |
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crimsoncat05
PeaFixture
PeaNut 273,602
August 2006
Posts: 3,300
Layouts: 99
Loc: Phoenix, AZ area
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 3:13:59 PM
I think most of the bloggers and DT get their items free or very reduced. The scrap celebrities get lots of stuff free because who wouldn't want their name on the products. That being said us mere mortal folks just spend in our means. I never go in debt for anything. I have a lot of stuff and have gotten it over several years. Some people cook, some woodwork, some work on cars. I think it just depends on your interests.
^^^^^ I agree with this.
I spend $$ on scrappy stuff sometimes, but then I can go for months without buying much of anything at all. Most of my tools and supplies have been accumulated over the course of the past 10+ years, just like someone else's woodworking equipment, fishing equipment, etc. may have been acquired.
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"Accepting anything without question is the antithesis of critical thinking and education. ~wren*walk, 8/20/12"
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cdnscrapper
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 21,328
September 2001
Posts: 6,180
Layouts: 0
Loc: at my computer
| Posted: 2/7/2013 3:21:45 PM
I think it varies widely. I think that people should spend what they can afford and not worry so much about how much other people are buying. Just like anything else in life there are some people who have little disposable income while others have much more. | |
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*kaleidoscope*
Leader of the Banned
PeaNut 52,171
October 2002
Posts: 17,512
Layouts: 105
Loc: Froogville
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 3:26:05 PM
I think it's like everything else... you're going to have the credit card spenders, you're going to have people who have the money, and you're going to have people who save, people who shop with coupons and good sales, etc.
Not just that but on top of it I think some people just have a real shopping addiction - regardless of where the money comes from.
I'm the opposite - I've had to talk myself into buying things rather than out of.  |
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Brickle
Will I ever get to Buckethead?!
PeaNut 524,253
October 2011
Posts: 445
Layouts: 50
Loc: New York
| Posted: 2/7/2013 3:43:10 PM
I only have my debit card. I have a credit card but it's really only for emergencies and scrapbooking isn't an emergency to my hubby  I won't lie that I spent $130 yesterday in the store but I was holding out for awhile and my paycheck goes to bills and then my spending money. If I spend it, it's gone so I really really wanted what I got and I'm excited. Everyone has different "needs" and "wants" and I tend to spend my own spending on all my scrapping. Don't forget it's easier for me since I don't have any kids so our money is mine and my hubby's and he supports my scrapbooking addiction
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PennyPaws
PeaAddict
PeaNut 551,978
April 2012
Posts: 1,447
Layouts: 60
Loc: Canada
| Posted: 2/7/2013 3:45:53 PM
I think most of the bloggers and DT get their items free or very reduced. The scrap celebrities get lots of stuff free because who wouldn't want their name on the products.
I don't know, but I think that's probably how it works too... I don't have the kind of budget to try all the new stuff... I shop sales, use coupons, and split products with my mom if it's something expensive that we both like... I also mostly make 8x8 albums so I have the leftover strips - helps stretch the 12x12 papers, and I can get away with buying the 6x6 pads instead of the 12x12 packs for those collections I want to have all of... Most of my product envy is about embellishments - die cuts mostly  |
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scrapper100
Budletsmom
PeaNut 65,877
January 2003
Posts: 12,551
Layouts: 30
Loc: So CA
| Posted: 2/7/2013 3:50:59 PM
It can be an expensive hobby but I would never go into debt for it. I used to spend a lot more on it than I do now but again I always paid off my CC at the end of the month. If I can't afford it I don't buy it same as with anything else in life.
I am sure a lot of people on those videos are getting compensated in some way to be able to afford it all and if not and they can afford it more power to them. Since I don't know anyone on the videos personally I don't know their situation. If you see someone spending a lot of money on stuff you assume they or their spouse makes a good living and has a lot of disposable income. I hope no one is going into debt because of it. I know I wouldn't be able to enjoy my stash if I was wondering how I was going to pay for it - I mean really if you only pay your minimum you are paying 3 times the amount you actually borrowed. Now how many of us would choose to pay say $15 for a package of Thickers that is crazy. |
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txanstolte
PeaNut
PeaNut 521,093
September 2011
Posts: 105
Layouts: 14
Loc: Texas
| Posted: 2/7/2013 3:53:12 PM
I scrap on a budget and make it point to use products. That is not to say I have wasted money on products either. I have a cricut that I never use anymore. I plan on selling. But I do learn when I feel I have wasted money on product, I know not to buy anything like that again. So I have not bought a cameo for that reason.
I use credit card but I pay it off each month. |
-Crystal
YouTube.com/user/txanstolte | |
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paperpilekitten
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 118,945
December 2003
Posts: 2,821
Layouts: 126
Loc: Stockholm, Sweden
| Posted: 2/7/2013 4:16:07 PM
I have spent a ton of money (most of them went to Two Peas, actually!) on building my stash since I started to seriously scrap in 2010 (before that I didn't scrap that often but I didn't buy much either). I don't even dare to add up the total sum.
But during this period, scrapbooking products have been my first priority for my monthly spending 'allowance' and I would guess that 95% of it was spent on supplies. I haven't bought almost any new clothes or shoes or home decor, just the necessities. It's a question of priority.
Now that I have my great scrap stash, I don't feel the same need or want for new supplies, so my scrap budget has decreased significantly lately. I only buy a few things that I really really love (like the gold polka dot vellum from Dear Lizzy).
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Madeline
Jeepers PEApers
PeaNut 54,155
October 2002
Posts: 2,209
Layouts: 357
Loc: River Ridge, Louisiana
| Posted: 2/7/2013 4:20:24 PM
You know, when I first started scrapping I thought it was one of the most economical hobbies one could have! and it really could be, still! Cardstock and patterned paper are not expensive. It's the accessories that can get you. But, you can make some of your own embellishments. I've made flowers, feathers, journaling cards and more. We used to do a lot of our titles with a printer...on cardstock (back in the day)! But the industry is going to reach into your pocket as far as you will let it. Now there are any number of fancy embellishments and lettering options to go with every collection out there. And I'm sure there are many who can afford it. But I don't think creating wonderful pages is out of the reach of anyone, regardless of how much they spend. (Although it is probably easier when you have it all at your disposal!) I'm lucky to be on a design team and have a pretty big stash from many years of designing, but I think I can still do a pretty nice page with only paper, patterned paper! |
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*Delphinium Twinkle*
I'm just a pea:)
PeaNut 163,613
August 2004
Posts: 68,332
Layouts: 236
Loc: *Sunny Southern California*
| Posted: 2/7/2013 4:32:36 PM
On the rare occasion I buy anything I pay cash |
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mebarnet
I am not the Pea you are looking for
PeaNut 434,276
August 2009
Posts: 7,484
Layouts: 8
Loc: Tarpon Springs, Florida
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 5:03:17 PM
This has been talked about before!
I'm sure there are all types of scrapers both those that stay within a budget and those who don't budget, make a lot of money, not so much, etc.
I could spend a lot more than I do, I just choose not to! |
Mari - Loving Scrapbook Generation kits and sketches!!!
2013
2012
12x12 double LO - 267 / 7 cards
2011
12x12 207 doubles / 8x8 39 doubles / 3 6x6 Holiday Daily / 20 cards | |
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cristi_ann
AncestralPea
PeaNut 302,923
March 2007
Posts: 4,147
Layouts: 47
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA.
| Posted: 2/7/2013 5:35:14 PM
well, my husband and i each have a hobby - his is working, mine is shopping... lol...
seriously, though, i work 50ish hours a week. we have no kids. i don't really do anything else - no shoes/purses/nails/hair (other than getting it trimmed)/starbucks/[insert whatever else it is that women spend their money on these days]. for me, it's scrapbooking/art supplies/books - nothing else...
we actually charge everything on credit cards, but pay it off every month, so - for us - it's just like spending cash. |
organize your stuff challenge (master thread).
dysfunctionally-functional
and yes, he did use the ladder...
"some day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful." -sigmund freud
there are some things that you should just not have to hear for the first time on facebook.
"our lives at times seem a study in contrast... love & hate, birth & death, right & wrong... everything seen in absolutes of black & white. too often we are not aware that it is the shades of grey that add depth & meaning to the starkness of those extremes" -ansel adams
crisann
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EllenPea
Pea with a Pen
PeaNut 70,644
February 2003
Posts: 19,335
Layouts: 783
Loc: Southern California
| Posted: 2/7/2013 5:35:55 PM
In years past, I and at least one IRL friend spent more than $1,000 a year on stuff. And we didn't have that much new stuff! I can't say I NEVER charged scrapbook supplies to my credit card back then, but it would have been rare, and it has been probably almost 10 years if I ever did.
These days, in part because I never was a product-intense scrapper, in part because I have a lot of stuff even if it isn't new, and in part because I just don't have what works out to $83.33 a month ($1000/12 to spend on scrapbooking, I spend a lot less.
I suspect if you see a layout with a lot of product on it, it was done by someone who receives free product for design team work. So even if they didn't do a particular LO for the DT, they had leftover product to do more with than most scrappers do. |
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*kaleidoscope*
Leader of the Banned
PeaNut 52,171
October 2002
Posts: 17,512
Layouts: 105
Loc: Froogville
| Posted: 2/7/2013 6:15:23 PM
well, my husband and i each have a hobby - his is working, mine is shopping... lol...
i don't really do anything else - no shoes/purses/nails/hair (other than getting it trimmed)/starbucks/[insert whatever else it is that women spend their money on these days].
ditto. I don't buy a lot of shoes (other than this year when I finally found and bought cheap boots that actually fit my feet) I don't even get shoes every year. I don't buy myself purses, get my nails done (don't want to either) or buy expensive drinks (I'm not a coffee drinker anyway). I cut my own hair.
And no, I don't spend a ton of money a year on scrap/craft stuff either. |
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Jjmikrut143
BucketHead
PeaNut 567,699
September 2012
Posts: 896
Layouts: 3
Loc: NJ
| Posted: 2/7/2013 6:27:47 PM
Scrapbooking is a hobbie and one that many people will or can spend a lot of money on! It's no different then any other hobbie where you have some people that can afford to drop hundreds and others can't! It's life, its every where you go! Some people are blessed and have loads of money and don't have to worrie about what they spend and some people live paycheck to paycheck and cant hardly afforded a gallon of milk! There's nothing you can do to change it! |
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Tashak
PeaFixture
PeaNut 223,381
September 2005
Posts: 3,403
Layouts: 79
Loc: somewhere over the rainbow
| Posted: 2/7/2013 6:28:35 PM
We don't have or use credit cards in our home. We pay cash for everything small or big! Yes I spend a lot on scrapbooking but we are financially able to do so. If I don't have the cash I don't get it. I do not want to be in debt over my hobby.
Exactly that. |
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alone_inacrowdedroom
What are you looking at?
PeaNut 477,798
August 2010
Posts: 1,398
Layouts: 49
| Posted: 2/7/2013 8:54:08 PM
No credit card here, and I don't plan on ever having one. For me, discretionary income had two priorities: experiences (date nights, very occasional visits to good restaurants, concerts, day trips, and big trips, etc.) and my only "spending" hobby, scrapbooking (my others are reading and writing - my books are mostly gifts, or borrowed from the library in physical form or on my Kindle, which was also a gift).
I like cute clothes, but every time I see a really nice dress or top or something, I think of all the scrappy stuff I could buy with it and am usually deterred from buying it. I've never gotten my hair dyed/highlighted/done (in fact, it hasn't even been cut since last May), I stopped getting my nails done years ago, I wear my clothes until they are holey, and I drive a really old car. No kids here, either.
Bottom line: I took a good hard look at what actually brought happiness to me on a daily basis, and scrapbooking won out. So I make it my priority for discretionary spending. |
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NativeNewYorker
black eyed pea with soul!
PeaNut 15,878
May 2001
Posts: 24,966
Layouts: 70
Loc: LI, NY
| Posted: 2/7/2013 8:59:06 PM
I got a gift certificate for Xmas from my brother and my son gets me scrappy gifts for my birthday in September. I do get some stuff online because my ACM stopped carrying Webster's paper. They went from a rack to 3 sheets last time I was there. I don't have a ton of discretionary income at the moment but I still try to cut expenses whenever I can. My heating bills are rough in the winter even though I've bought it down some. |
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KBPea
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 395,153
October 2008
Posts: 9,916
Layouts: 135
Loc: Here
 | Posted: 2/7/2013 9:03:24 PM
I'd guess that it's probably a mix of both. Some people have the discretionary income. Some are probably accumulating credit card debt. Besides, in the grand scheme of things scrapbook products are not that expensive. What I mean is that in most cases I could get close to an entire line of new products for $20. I could spend two or three times that in one night, easily, going out to a bar (I live in a major city).
As others have said, it's about priorities. Instead of buying the twelve pack of beer I just bought to tide me over during the blizzard we're getting this weekend, I could have bought a new stamp set, several rolls of Washi, or quite a lot of paper instead. | |
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AJCs_mom
PeaNut
PeaNut 553,849
May 2012
Posts: 133
Layouts: 5
Loc: Way down South
| Posted: 2/7/2013 9:19:11 PM
I charge all my scrappy purchases as I mostly shop online but pay of credit card every month. I have finally reached a point on my life where I actually have discretionary income because my dh and I both have professional jobs and our kids are grown.
I don't have many expensive habits - other than having my hair done monthly and my grandkids! Scrapping is my thing...while my dh enjoys hunting, fishing and guns.
As long as our bills are paid and savings accounted for I don't sweat my purchases which are sometimes more than others. After years of living from paycheck to paycheck I feel I have deserved it. | |
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AJCs_mom
PeaNut
PeaNut 553,849
May 2012
Posts: 133
Layouts: 5
Loc: Way down South
| Posted: 2/7/2013 9:19:39 PM
I charge all my scrappy purchases as I mostly shop online but pay of credit card every month. I have finally reached a point on my life where I actually have discretionary income because my dh and I both have professional jobs and our kids are grown.
I don't have many expensive habits - other than having my hair done monthly and my grandkids! Scrapping is my thing...while my dh enjoys hunting, fishing and guns.
As long as our bills are paid and savings accounted for I don't sweat my purchases which are sometimes more than others. After years of living from paycheck to paycheck I feel I have deserved it. | |
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MetalDancer
PeaAddict
PeaNut 328,901
July 2007
Posts: 1,826
Layouts: 1
Loc: I like calling North Carolina home!
| Posted: 2/7/2013 9:42:33 PM
I spend hardly anything, really. Since XH walked out almost 2 1/2 years ago, I have been struggling a lot. I don't have credit cards so everything is paid in cash or debit card. Since he left, I think I may have spent $75.00 total in the last 2 1/2 years and those purchases were a couple of chipboard books and specific papers for Christmas presents. I shop my stash, and even that isn't over the top. I've never bought a roll of Washi tape (didn't even know what it was till I read about it here). And I don't buy lines of products, even though there are some I would LOVE to have the whole line.
I have ordered photos via WalMart on-line maybe 3 times and that was also part of that $75.00. My SIL and I get together at least once a month (sometimes twice) for crop weekends and we share our stuff. Lately we've been making cards. I have a nice selection of stamps and inks, we both have lots of ribbon and maybe "older" (translate; not in current style) embellishments and even pretty stickers that we jazz up to them look more alive. I would dearly love to have a hundred bucks a month of disposable income to spend on scrappy goodness, but I just don't. I do have a whole scrap room (after XH vacated his "office" ; it's bright and filled with posters (Jack Sparrow and Def Leppard), photos of friends and family and places that I love, little nick nacks that makes me smile and an old, but killer stereo system, so it's really all good! I'm working to re-finance my house, and that will allow me to get out of my hole and maybe actually same some money.
You know, it felt kinda good to get that out. |
Lisa =^..^=
"What fresh hell is this?" Sheldon Cooper | |
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k d girl
PeaNut
PeaNut 68,628
February 2003
Posts: 267
Layouts: 28
Loc: southern california
| Posted: 2/7/2013 9:53:53 PM
I don't use my credit card to shop. I think I spend about $100 to $125 every 2 months. Not counting big items like the Cameo for my birthday. But I've been scrapping for 15 years so that adds up to a lot of money and stuff! | |
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lblair
PeaNut
PeaNut 555,199
May 2012
Posts: 84
Layouts: 0
Loc: Michigan
| Posted: 2/8/2013 1:55:43 PM
Some years I spend more than others, but i try to put aside 50 per month for all my scrapbooking needs, including hotel for my annual get-a-way crop.
I try to only buy what is on sale or clearance, and will stock up on paper if the price is right. My stash may not be current but it works for me.
My sister, SIL and I will split a scrapbooking kit for places our families visit together, since we know we won't use it all and soon that helps the budget. | |
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