I work fortunately, and unfortunately, a block from an art supply store. Next to hardware stores and bookstores, this ranks as one of my financial undoings.
However, I am still somewhat frugal. I amassed my supply of inks and pencils by buying a couple a week until I have the whole set. It took a long time.
I applied the same thinking to buying my supply of winter socks. Buy a pair every week until I had a adequate supply. Ditto for food items I stock up. I’m like a bear about to hibernate, or a squirrel I suppose.
Time goes by fast and next thing I know I have enough. I don’t have to have everything all at once. It is also kind of fun, collecting with an end goal in mind.
Some people can save up for things. If I put money in the bank I find it way too hard to withdraw it. It was so hard to earn in the first place. So I budget how much I can spend per week on something, and then do it. Unless a sale captures me!
The thing that put me in debt this year was my health. That was a lot more dollars than a few colour pencils and ink. If there is such a thing as good and bad debt, I suppose this is good. But I’d rather have been in health and bought an SUV to tell the truth.