I Have a Spending Problem (And Found a Solution That Actually Works)

Hi, my name is Ami, and I have a spending problem. Not the "maxing out credit cards" kind—more like the "came for toilet paper, left with $127 worth of Target nonsense" kind.

You know the one.

The Year I Went Full Monk Mode

In 2024, I did a no-spend year. Only essentials: food, housing, utilities, emergencies. And it worked! I discovered I was hemorrhaging money on random Amazon purchases and subscription services I forgot existed. For the first time in my life, I embraced hand-me-downs, discovered Buy Nothing groups, and actually got to the bottom of my supply closet.

By December, I felt superior and enlightened. I had conquered capitalism!

Then January 1st hit.

The Spectacular Relapse

Within two weeks, I bought a fancy coffee maker I used twice, anti-aging skincare that didn't work, organization systems for my organization systems, and at least fourteen things I can't even remember.

I felt worse than before because now I knew better. Classic.

The Solution That Actually Stuck

Instead of swinging between extremes, I found a middle ground that works for real humans: I only spend money one day per week.

Every Tuesday, I handle everything. Groceries, gas, bills, that cute mug I've been eyeing, kids' shoes—all of it. If money needs to leave my account, it happens on Tuesday.

For essentials: I plan ahead like I'm preparing for the apocalypse. Grocery lists on Monday, bills scheduled in advance, gas tank filled even when it's half full.

For wants: I write them down and wait. By Tuesday, I've either forgotten about it (60% of the time), realized I don't need it (30%), or still want it and buy it guilt-free (10%).

Why This Actually Works

Turns out, most of my spending wasn't about wanting things—it was about that instant gratification hit. Adding a few days of buffer time broke the impulse cycle completely.

Plus, when you can only spend once a week, priorities get real clear real fast. That random kitchen gadget has to compete with groceries and soccer cleats. Suddenly everything makes sense.

The Newsletter Connection

Every "I BOUGHT" item in my newsletter survived this system. When I recommend something, it means I remembered it for a week, spent my limited Tuesday budget on it, and used it long enough to know it's actually worth your money.

No impulse purchases or affiliate fever dreams here.

The Results

Four months in, I'm spending 60% less but don't feel deprived. Tuesday money dates with myself have become weirdly therapeutic. The kids now ask "Can we write this down for Tuesday?" instead of demanding instant gratification.

It's not perfect—sometimes I overspend, sometimes emergencies happen on Wednesdays. But having some structure beats financial free-fall every time.

Your Turn

Tired of the spend-regret-promise-repeat cycle? Pick your own spending day. It doesn't have to be Tuesday or perfect—just intentional.

Because the goal isn't to never spend money. It's to spend it on purpose instead of letting it leak out of your account like some accidental financial sieve.

Your future self will thank you for the breathing room.