Sailboats vs Cobwebs

I admit it, I am Horrible with money. I was never able to "save up" for that larger purchase (which explains why I don't have a nice sofa; that takes some time to save for!) I typically buy what I want, went I want. I'll pat my back for being pretty good at not wanting lots of things or stuff. I crave things and desire things, but I tend to not go off the deep-end with my spending (no $250 shoes or $300 dresses for me; yet). When I do go on a spending spree it's at a Dollar Store or the Salvation Army. Both of which it's hard to completely break the bank.

I also sheepily admit I'm great at spending all the money I have quickly as I can and then going without any for a long period. This characteristic of my money personality SUCKS! It's from the "I want when I want" problem. I'm not so good and the delay gratification stuff  when it comes to money... Hell, with anything! Sucky... Pucky...

While out today on my walk I wondered across a Garage Sale.  There wasn't very much I wanted. (The home-owner is a hunter and my "I can't even kill a Spider" life doesn't call for many forest-cameo blinds. Imagine that...) However, there was a small sculpture of a copper sailboat on a chunk of stone. It captured the water part of our new Lifestyle. Going for evening walks watching the boats on the ocean. Taking week long vacations on a chartered yacht. I would have loved this nick-nack on my shelf reminding me what TJ and I are working toward.

This is where my amazing magical ability to make money disappear got the best of me. There are cobwebs in my wallet instead of spending money. As a result of my previous actions, I couldn't get this really cool thing I wanted. (and wow, wasn't that a mature adult statement... and it came out of my mouth! WOW!) On the flip-side there was a very nice, complete, leather crafting kit with punches, tools, leather, and storing case I would have enjoyed owning, could live without, and I'm ok I didn't have the money. Chances are, I would have bought it, not used it often, and downsized it in a couple of years. It wasn't worth the space it would have taken up.

 As I ventured home empty handed I kept hearing Dave Ramsey lecturing me about the benefits of delay gratification.  I hated it. I wasn't happy to walk away without the representation of our future life. But, I'll try something different. They say; "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results." Time for something new.  

I am going to go back on Saturday to see if it's still there. If it is - I AM GOING TO BUY IT. If it's not - I can save my money for something even better in the future. No consolation gifts or spending here. Only getting what I really want and saving for the expensive items I desire.

What about you? How is your money spending? How is your ability to delay simple gratification for long-term goals? What are some tips you have to stay on track?