It’s a new year and after two not-so-great years, I will be trying my best to prevent this one from becoming one. I think I’ve finally come to terms with my father’s fairly sudden death in a way that it’s not affecting my thoughts and feelings every day in an energy draining way.
‘Cause I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again”
While I’m not a fan of any New Years Resolutions, I did decide to make a plan for this year, including a study plan (yikes! back to university lectures . . . ) and a personal budget and savings plan. The latter is largely motivated by my dear boyfriend. (Editors note: university studies don’t require budgeting as they cost basically nothing in Finland.)
The budgeting will also mean that I will not be buying as many clothes as my wardrobe is full of clothes already! I know I will occasionally slip from that decision, but I have already had a great start and have not caved in to buying anything from the sales. Even though I have put items in my online shopping cart, I have managed to stop myself before check out.
When it comes to clothing, I suppose I just lost my senses for a good while after discovering clothing that fits and flatters and felt like I just had to have more and more! I did end up renewing my wardrobe entirely in a space of two years. But I’ve now got my solid items in great shape, such as my Campbell & Kate white and blue classic shirts, Pepperberry trench coats & LBD’s, NYDJ black trousers and Very Nice stretch classic blue jeans, etc.
I’ve realized how much money is just slipping through my fingers into clothes and lingerie, and I really do not need that much. I just read lately that fast fashion, such as H&M, is designed to hook consumers into buying more and more. Luckily being a shape that doesn’t easily fit into just any clothes, it’s not as addictive, but when I find something that fits like the Wallis printed dresses that I love, it is. It feels like they come up with new prints nearly every week, and once hooked, I just feel like I have to have that new gorgeous print. But then there’s another one next week and a week after that and a week after that . . . .
At the same time, I want to renovate my kitchen this summer, buy a great quality sound system for our smart TV and do another horse trail vacation. Without saving money I can never fulfill a few of my travel dreams, like the Machu Picchu trail, seeing the Atacama desert, a Yangtze river cruise or a train trip from Helsinki to Beijing through Siberia or ultimately, an Antarctic cruise. I’m like a kid in a candy store when it comes to wanting something–but it does take budgeting and a savings plan!
