What Did You Make a Conscious Decision to NOT Buy This Month? [Alternative Title: Celebrating Consumer Restraint]

[Deactivated] on 30/09/2022 - 08:04

tl;dr OP "saved" $1,350 by changing an imminent purchasing decision and asks if you did anything similar this month.

==

I know it's a running joke about mindless consumerism here on OzBargain (says the bloke who just had another 500 Christmas lights delivered to go with the 1,200 or so that haven't been opened from the 2019 post-Christmas Bunnings clearance) but I want to explore the topic of conscious consumer restraint. You know that "Hang on, WTF am I doing? Close the web browser and go for a walk before you make another stupid purchasing decision" type of moment.

For me, it was right at the start of the week. I'd tracked-down an in-stock LG C2 42" OLED to use as my primary monitor and negotiated a price in-store that I was very happy with. I was literally moments from walking to the counter to tap my credit card and then loading-up my car with the display.

The adrenaline from "the chase" for a deal had switched to the inevitable surge of dopamine but I had a moment of clarity and stopped myself from proceeding with the purchase.

My main use case was WFH productivity - an upgrade from an old cat-scratched/cat-gnawed^ Xiaomi ultrawide. But WFH is only three days a week. And my gaming PC hasn't been switched on in maybe two years (seriously….THAT was a waste of money). And my gaming consoles are hooked up to an OLED in the game room. And all streaming content consumption is all on the big TV in our living room.

Yep - I had a robust "Hang on, WTF am I doing? I don't need this!" discussion with myself before thanking and apologising to the store salesperson and heading back to my car. Later that night I pulled the trigger on a HP X32 and have just finished setting it up next to an old 27" Agon display in portrait mode. I'm pretty chuffed with it.

So - what DIDN'T you buy this week that your present self is pretty happy about?

(^)Yes, I'm now looking for a deal on a new cat. šŸ˜›

General Discussion

Comments

    • [Deactivated] on 30/09/2022 - 15:08

      My last purchase was a 1080 card in a stupidly overpriced MSI desktop gaming rig on 24Oct17 when I thought I might give PC gaming a try.

      It's been used for <100 hours total in the last five years. Most of that usage was probably doing Windows updates. The case is currently under my legs as a footrest šŸ¤£

      • Transient on 30/09/2022 - 15:17

        Probably could have sold it for double the price last year! šŸ¤£

  • JimB on 30/09/2022 - 16:01
    +3

    Basketballs and Basketball shoes.

    There was a decently priced Wilson basketball on OZB a few weeks ago.

    I ordered a smaller one for my son, but had to fight the urge to buy myself another regular sized one.

    Currently have about 3 unused (good) ones for myself. The one I do use will last a few more years as I play indoors only. Hopefully the unused ones won't deteriorate with age.

    I justified the 3 unused ones saying my son will eventually use/lose it. haha

    I should note my son has 3 new indoor balls and 2 new outdoor balls in his size… here's to another season of basketball starting. Good luck to those trying out for Rep Basketball.

  • DemocracyManifest on 30/09/2022 - 17:48
    +1

    Hmm, times are tight and itā€™s getting closer to Christmas - so thereā€™s lots of need for restraint. Probably going to homebrew again over buying beer

  • MegFan on 30/09/2022 - 20:38

    Yesterday, we postponed the urge to buy a 55'' LG OLED TV for the $270 series S Xbox with two controllers we bought last week.

    I guess that's restraint, but idk how long we can holdback for!

  • gaynamedpaul on 01/10/2022 - 07:32
    -7

    No longer buying the climate change alarmisim, the safe and effective lies by government and big pharma regarding the vaccines, that lockdown were required. Not buying any of it.

  • reactor-au on 01/10/2022 - 07:37
    +5

    Fast food (few months)
    Junk food (few weeks)
    Alcohol (34 months)

  • KaTst3R on 01/10/2022 - 07:54

    COD Modern Warfare 2.

    Played the beta, core gameplay is decent albeit some issues. Read the stuff the developers have been posting recently and felt they dont give a shit to their fan base. Locked up my credit card in the safe so i cant make a purchase.

    • CtrlAltSpoods on 04/10/2022 - 13:54

      Amen to this, I also played the beta.

      As someone who still enjoys MW2 (2009) to this day (yes the servers still have many players), the new version is just simply boring in comparison.

  • Brick Tamland on 01/10/2022 - 08:15
    +1

    This is my wheel house at the moment. I want to buy then deny myself.

    This month I did not buy the Logitech G29 that was on special at JB Hi Fi. I'd really love a wheel to play Gran turismo but my use will be low (at max play PS5 once or twice a month) and its hard to justify the expense. I've also stopped buying games as I know I will never get round to playing them. However, I will buy God of War when it comes out. Every time I want to buy a game I tell myself, not before you finish the other 6 or 7 games you haven't even installed yet.

    • FimpBARGAIN on 01/10/2022 - 08:51
      +2

      In the same boat, the pile of shame is never ending and lucky if I get 5 hours a week.
      They should last me until I'm at least 150 years old šŸ˜†

    • Randolph Duke on 01/10/2022 - 09:13
      +3

      Whatā€™s the going rate for @SlavOz & @Gervais fanboy?

      • Motek Benzona on 01/10/2022 - 09:42
        -7

        You strike me as a very lonely person if you have to ask rates from randoms on the internet however im sure as unvaccinated heroes they will attract a premium,. after all who wants to risk having to use a defibrillator during coitus? Not me!

      • Gervais fanboy on 12/11/2022 - 06:49

        Whatā€™s the going rate for a pair of šŸ€ ?

        I donā€™t think I have ever even interacted with you and yet you couldnā€™t even tick the ā€˜notify the tagged userā€™ checkbox. What a puny little man.
        God forbid this was real life and not the internet, youā€™d probably go in hiding or something..

    • JIMB0 on 01/10/2022 - 10:29

      Probably saved yourself getting a rash as well.

      • Motek Benzona on 01/10/2022 - 10:44
        -7

        Wow…clever…did you get help?

  • based on 01/10/2022 - 08:53
    +4

    Alienware 38" monitor šŸ¤£
    Although I'm not sure that counts as restraint if it wasn't me that cancelled

  • serpserpserp on 01/10/2022 - 08:57
    -1

    OzSavings this site is not.

  • Seaeagles on 01/10/2022 - 10:22
    +4

    Was planning on buying a tank of BP 98 last night but saw the price and decided against it.
    Going to a BBQ tonight so will take the electric scooter instead.

  • veclubbyy on 01/10/2022 - 10:37
    +2

    AMD 5800x3d deals, means I would also have to cough up for a graphics card.

    Running a 5600g right now and the integrated graphics are more than enough for the older 2000's games i'm currently playing. Having a blast with doom 3.

    Maybe in a year or something if they get slashed to around $300.

  • v7dal on 01/10/2022 - 11:44
    -1

    If youā€™re seeing this comment Iā€™d recommend reading the barefoot investor. Then you wonā€™t struggle with this. Itā€™s easy and practical and I think every Australian should be reading it at school

  • Embaloo on 01/10/2022 - 12:56
    +2

    So many!!

    Having financial or giving goals as well as multiple people relying on the income are helpful incentives to be mindful with the spending.

    Fast food is in my face so much, there are so many FFR along my commutes, but this month have consciously been taking edibles in the car to avoid these. Works!

    Sushi whilst out doing grocery shopping too. So cheap to DIY but smells so good, so is always difficult, but have avoided well!

    • sw00p on 02/10/2022 - 08:56
      +2

      I would have thought edibles in the car would make you more prone to impulsive fast food purchases - aside from being very dangerous!

      • Horacio on 02/10/2022 - 13:34

        lol

  • AustriaBargain on 01/10/2022 - 14:56
    +1

    The new iPhone. My old iPhone 12 is more than good enough. I ended up buying the new iPhone anyway, but for a time I did make a conscious decision to not buy it.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2022 - 09:47

      iPhone 12 = iPhone X v3
      iPhone 12 = iPhone X v5

      You're not missing out on much. Sage non-purchasing decision, I say.

  • bigbadboogieman on 01/10/2022 - 16:42
    +1

    Logitech MX Keyboard and mouse.

    Bought the $9.60 deal for 12 Pepsi Max bottles. Beats paying higher at the supermarket.

  • Horacio on 01/10/2022 - 18:38
    +1

    Future purchase averted: bought myself the Leatherman I've always wanted the other week but instead of opening the package the moment it arrived, gave it to my spouse to give to me for my birthday.. Now I won't end up with something expensive that I didn't really want

  • Windows7forever on 01/10/2022 - 18:52
    +1

    Nothing for me. I try not to buy anything unless I really need it. Sometimes my resistance breaks down though and I splurge.

  • azero on 01/10/2022 - 21:30
    +2

    Sony 24mm F1.4 GM — resisted for the last year - but I might when I get the tax refund or may be wait until black fiday….

  • Name on 01/10/2022 - 21:41
    +5

    I wish I had a story to share. I have a problem.

    • [Deactivated] on 02/10/2022 - 09:45
      +1

      You should delete this site from your favourites as a matter of urgency

  • ILikeMoney on 02/10/2022 - 06:53
    +6

    Alcohol

    Wife and I are trying to be that bit healthier. Along with increasing costs, it seems like a great place to start to save some money.

    • sw00p on 02/10/2022 - 08:57

      +1 So many kilojoules saved!

  • Karupan on 02/10/2022 - 08:22
    +3

    Desperately wanted a Pi 4B 8GB for no reason in particular. Availability and pricing are atrocious, so repurposed a old unused laptop which is almost as power efficient, and comes with free battery backup!

    • noz on 03/10/2022 - 11:19

      I had a very similar experience - except in my case I did have a reason - something to host Home Assistant. The re-purposed laptop has been great, only uses about 4W, and has built-in pre-OS-level remote access (vPro).

  • Ace26 on 02/10/2022 - 10:33
    +4

    Bought the DJI mini pro RC combo that just sat on the dining table for 2 weeks. Realised how busy I am and the fact I won't probably use it often or have the time to edit the footage. Took it back for a full refund. Felt both good and bad.

  • No ONE on 02/10/2022 - 12:18
    +1

    Throwing $10k on dog shit ZIP.asx but the price didn't hit my target.

  • Tiredman on 02/10/2022 - 13:00
    +2

    Some car assessories.it's just endless.

    • Tiredman on 05/10/2022 - 15:30

      Accessories

  • PlushToys on 02/10/2022 - 14:05

    Waiting for new Sony cameras

  • CheapAddict on 02/10/2022 - 16:25
    +2

    I needed 2nd monitor for my 2nd home/office space and was looking at 5k2k monitors, 49ā€ super ultra wides and 38ā€ ultrawides to upgrade from an ultra wide 34ā€.

    I then came to my senses and ask myself how much more productivity would i get from those monitors that would justify a $1k increase? Most of those monitors started at $1500+.

    The 34ā€ are at sweet price point and Iā€™ve been getting lots of productivity out of them. I ended up buying a dell s3422dwg for $539.40 saving my self $1k+
    as i had been really keen on getting a Lenovo Thinkvision 5k2k 40ā€ monitor.

    Very happy with the decision I made. Whilst those other monitor were very nice, it just wasnā€™t worth the price.

  • Shame on 02/10/2022 - 17:24
    +1

    Mortgage and car. Waited 14 years for The Ponzi to end, feel it's getting close

    • yoquierotaco on 04/10/2022 - 22:29

      You have waited 14 years to buy a house?

      • drprox on 05/10/2022 - 09:44

        perhaps they are 14 years old, in which case best wait a few more years.

  • rinco on 02/10/2022 - 17:43
    +1

    I refrained from buying a sanctioned Russian billionaireā€™s superyacht. Is a bargain at ā‚¬29.5m.

    • OzzyOzbourne on 03/10/2022 - 11:00

      My main concern was they'd come looking for it!

  • T1OOO on 02/10/2022 - 20:23

    Yep basicly everything like 5-6 years ago. Ozb was doing more harm for good I found and despite it being 33% off or even 40% which is rare I really didnā€™t need most things.

  • bmerigan on 02/10/2022 - 21:36

    New wheels. I've never liked the ones that came with the vehicle.

  • Eeples on 02/10/2022 - 21:47

    Reebok Jurassic park boots.

  • readeral on 02/10/2022 - 22:31
    +2

    Avoid Maccas month for me. Maccas monopoly throughly changes my consumer behaviour, so now I avoid maccas when it rolls around.

    • DiscoJango on 03/10/2022 - 18:49
      +1

      once i found out you can only cash in 1 freebie ticket at a time, i didnt bother. Last time i saved up like 3 fruit bags and cheeseburgers to go and claim at once, nope, you cant do that sir

  • FujiFruit on 03/10/2022 - 10:27
    +1

    I slowed down spending on fast food and question do I really need to spend everyday. So instead of spending 5 days take away , I do 1-2 times a week take away

  • Hangryuman on 03/10/2022 - 10:36
    +2

    '(^)Yes, I'm now looking for a deal on a new cat. šŸ˜›'

    what I didn't buy - was a new car

    sold my old car - don't need a new one

    as a retired guy living inner city, I find driving in Sydney traffic stressful, and prefer to walk most places, and have a discount Seniors Opal card for public transport to occasional places - so less stress, less expense - money in the bank - and the money I save by renting out my carspace and not re-registering my car can cover share cars on a weekly basis if and when I choose.

  • payless69 on 03/10/2022 - 11:21

    Cancelled my Tesla order on the likelihood of a certain country wanting to sell dearer gas to Europe with some suspicious explosions!

  • foxpants on 03/10/2022 - 12:27
    +1

    A was all geared up to buy an RTX 4090, but I ain't spending bloody $3k on a graphics card. In hindsight I'm not sure what I expected it to cost, but at $2k or less it would be an insta-buy to power my LG C2 42"

  • jaimex2 on 03/10/2022 - 17:12
    +1

    Loving this thread.

    The RBA wants a recession? Let's send our economy back to pre-industrial times.

    I haven't spent anything on non essentials and have started growing my own veggies.

    Running car on over inflated tyres and walking where I can.

    If I do but anything non essential I'll make sure it's from overseas.

  • vtml on 03/10/2022 - 17:37

    I moved to a new house recently (the whole family is still excited about this purchase). I was going to get an electrician to come in and run CAT6A ethernet cables everywhere in the house for security cameras and just all sorts of devices so that the devices can run on hard wired cable instead of WiFi, and also decking out UniFi gears. That whole exercise was going to cost close to $7k.
    I ended up with just one Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 on a special and additional cash back and discounts by purchasing using gift cards. Then just using the free router that was provided by my ISP that I have been using for the last 5 years instead. It does not have all the bells and whistles that UniFi gear has (firewall between different VLANs, VPN connectivity etc), at least I can put all my IoT devices on the WiFi guest networks and they are running ok with no complains from the rest of the family.

    • DiscoJango on 03/10/2022 - 18:52
      +2

      haha i did the same, moved into my new place last year, had big plans of all the smart tech to get, watched all the youtube videos, made a spreadsheet etc etc

      Didnt get most of it, mainly because the cost of getting other priority stuff got in the way, i do have a full ring camera setup which is handy tho, especially if your the type to forget if you closed the garage or not…

  • morebunnings on 03/10/2022 - 17:46
    +1

    Been looking to upgrade my almost 2yo 75" $700 bigw tv to something better, but cant see the value out there in the <$2k 75" tv bracket at the moment.

  • sheebies on 03/10/2022 - 18:15
    +1

    I wanted to buy a Cricut machine for doing up labels for my Christmas presents this year..

    I talked about it, tried to justify the price, tried to make myself believe Iā€™d use it a lot.. and then I didnā€™t buy it.

    However my partner didnā€™t listen to me and purchased one anyway. Iā€™m asking him to return it.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/10/2022 - 13:01

      I bought one about 18 months ago along with a bunch of vinyl and accessories. I literally used it TWICE - first for the obligatory test project and second for a (failed) attempt to make some vinyl decals I needed. Ended up ordering the decals from a shop on eBay and the Cricut has been boxed-up ever since.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/10/2022 - 19:02

    I still haven't bought into anything Ozzy Slav is selling

  • THICKnSLOW on 04/10/2022 - 08:56

    expensive petrol

  • Stingy Student on 04/10/2022 - 11:34
    +2

    When shopping for clothes, Iā€™ve started evaluating purchases based on dollars per wear. Essentially if I think that Iā€™m going to wear something more times than the dollars it costs, then I should get my value out of it.

  • ChipsChicky on 04/10/2022 - 12:41
    -2

    I wanted a Boeing-777 but the were not offering any free trials , cashback or payment via gift cards, no trade-up bonus, no referral bonus and warranty claims doesn't include free return shipping labels. Saved couple of $$$$'s.

  • Buckshot on 04/10/2022 - 12:42
    +2

    Whisky. I'm on a monthly subscription which is opt-out.
    Rather than get wrapped up in the FOMO, just suspended my account for three months and didn't think any more about it.

    That's $140-$150 saving for me right there.

  • IMadeYouReadThis on 04/10/2022 - 13:19

    Tried not to buy AirPods Pro 2 but bought it, then tried not to buy the Dyson v12 but bought it. Failing miserably to my temptation so far..

  • capslock janitor on 04/10/2022 - 13:27

    Analysis Paralysis helps me with that every month …

  • Donaldhump on 04/10/2022 - 15:59
    -1

    bullets and tampons

  • Cluster on 04/10/2022 - 19:11
    +1

    I didn't buy condoms this week. I'm sure it won't cost me more in 9 months time.

  • Raj09 on 04/10/2022 - 20:40
    +1

    My samsung s21 was having some speaker issues so was about to get the s22. However the speaker resolved itself after coule of days. So I'm not getting the s22 and will buy the s23

  • R4 on 04/10/2022 - 20:56
    +1

    I really wanted the limited edition KFC popcorn chicken slab for lunch today but I didn't. I came home and made a sandwich instead. My heart and waistline Will thank me later.

  • crimemastergogo on 04/10/2022 - 21:56
    +1

    iPhone 14. Watched tons of review, unboxing, comparision videos but still not convinced that its time to replace my iphone XR. Its still works like bloody charm.

  • readyState on 05/10/2022 - 10:09

    2 * Hobonichi Weeks Mega from their Japan store ~$100

    • [Deactivated] on 05/10/2022 - 11:48

      Did you know Hobonichi now sells directly to Australians via Amazon AU Marketplace? Pricing isn't as sharp as from Japan (even factoring-in shipping) but next-day gratification is a winner.

      • readyState on 05/10/2022 - 11:59
        +1

        I didn't know this. Just had a look and you are right, pricing is steep. Milligram has better pricing.
        Going to stick with my local planner for 2023.

  • beyondtool on 05/10/2022 - 16:28
    +2

    I decided to wait for next iPhone. My 8 plus still works fine so it wasnā€™t essential to upgrade.

  • Hardwood198 on 05/10/2022 - 16:48

    SPY 350c 10/5

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