Spending on Clothes

If you asked me to name the most stylish people I know, my friend Jane would definitely be on the list. When I think about how I want to wear something, I can always look to her for inspiration. 
But the reality of a lot of clothes is that they aren't cheap. Yet, one of the best parts of Jane is when you ask her where she got something, it's often a "I got it at TJ Maxx," or "I found the best deal at Target," or even just "It was on sale!" 
So when I asked Jane about something she's recently purchased, to no surprise it was a pair of sneakers she bought on the clearance rack at REI. 

1. How did you decide you wanted to go forth in this purchase?

I tried on the shoes, and I had been wanting a pair of slip on sneakers. (I looked for a pair I liked all summer, but never found any!) I tried on the shoes, they were super comfy and I liked the color! Then, I checked my bank account and I had just gotten paid, so I decided to treat myself!

2. Do you set a budget for spending on this type of stuff? Did you change your spending budget after this purchase?

I don’t really have a budget for shoes, usually I think about what I want for awhile, research options, and then order something online! I will probably adjust my other spending to accommodate this shoe purchase, I’ll probably buy less coffee and not go shopping so I don’t tempt myself!

3. Have you forgone participating in other activities or purchasing other items in order to purchase this/these item(s)?

Now that I bought these shoes, I am trying not to buy any more clothes/shoes this month. I am also a little more money conscious and I want to save the rest of my paycheck, or only spend that money on needs, instead of wants.

4. How much would you say your spending habits changed while in college? (1-Not at all, exactly the same as before college. 10- It has done a complete 180 and I spend much differently) Why?

In high school, I never really bought my own clothes or shoes, and so when I do buy something now, I think about it and try not to make impulse purchases, as I would if my mom was buying something for me! I’ll rate it as a 7!

5. Do you think you will you continue to spend the same after college?

I expect that when I am no longer supported by my parents at all, and I’m making my own money, I will be much more conscious of my budget and spending. 

After hearing how much Jane normally researches to make sure she's making the right purchase, it makes total sense how she gets the best deal. Most students are often pretty aware of finding lower priced goods, but it gets messy when it gets to clothes, a non-necessity most of the time. She noted she bought it after getting paid, meaning it was a little bit of a treat for herself. Is that how most of us view our spending on non-necessity items? I believe that can be a useful way in budgeting, but wonder how common of a consumer behavior it has become.

Jane also noted that she checked her bank account to see that she had just been paid, something that has not always been able to be done. How has the ability to check things like our bank account and paychecks affected our spending? Do you think people spend more or less? Does being more conscious of our accounts really help limit us that much?