December 18: Shop of 2009

2009 was the year of cutting back on spending... not only for me, but for most of the country.  I have at times spoken of my debt on this blog.  And I must say, through the grace of Christ and His mercy on teaching me this lession, I am slowly but surely climbing right on out of debt. 

That being said... I still like to shop. :-).  I have just put myself on a budget -- and have had to tweak it as I have learned things about myself and my spending habits.

First, I model my budget off of Bryan Allain's -- he shared it once on his blog.  It was just a great format to use and I really appreciate the breakdown.  Thanks to Bryan for doing a lot of the hard work for me (figuring out the categories, etc) and then sharing it.

Second, I have realized I will "borrow" from categories if I don't get certain categories in cash. I now spend cash only on groceries, eating out, clothing, and entertainment (movies, etc).  It has helped me control my spending tremendously.  It also makes me wonder where I spent all of my money before adopting the budget and cash-only spending in some categories. 

All of that being said -- I think I have an idea of where I spent most of my money (and still do)...

iTunes.

iTunes is defintely my shop of 2009.  And most likely the shop of my life.

I love iTunes (and my iPod).  It is far too easy to just download one song... or a whole CD.  I don't think I could list all of the music I have bought this year (Hanson EP, Brad Paisley CD, songs from Fee, all of the Glee music, and much, much more)... but let's just say it was probably way too much!

That being said in 2010, I am sure iTunes will still be my best shop.  But I am not planning on ways to curb my spending on there (when it is tied to your debit card, it is too easy to go over budget).  My friend Stephenie told me about this great idea!  Buy yourself an iTunes Gift Certificate.  That is all you get each month.  When it is up, it is up!  Then either reload at the beginning of the month or buy a new one.  Genius!  I am planning on trying this out in 2010.  Wish me luck!