I remember the days before debt was an issue at the forefront of my mind.  When I would go about my life with the ethos, “work hard, spend hard”.  And when every shop window, with something that glimmered, would “speak to me” and I would have no choice but to go in and take it home with me.

But times have changed – and so has my budget!

Everyone has a back story and mine was running a business which went under due to the harsh realities of the recession.

I came to work at ClearDebt almost two years ago, and what a wake up call that has been.  There are certain lessons in life you need to learn when finances are “stretched” – and if you’re reading this right now, as a client of ClearDebt or someone with money worries, I suspect you’re nodding your head in agreement.

My words of advice to anyone who can’t resist the shops – is don’t go shopping!  And if you have to…..every time you pick something up that you don’t really need, think about what else that money could be paying for – a phone bill, a mortgage payment, your weekly food shop, your children…or your savings for the future.  Eventually….the guilt works it magic and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be proud to become “frugal”.

In today’s Daily Mirror, there’s an article by Emma Grace Smith on how much money women spend on their daily wardrobe, you’ll see I proudly took part in the story, which was based on a survey claiming the average woman spends £1000 on her daily wardrobe! Shocked? Well it does add up – even for one lady, also featured in the article, who spent over £4,000 on hers!  So, I think it’s time for you to add to the debate and let us know how much you spend on your daily outfit – go on…take a look at what you’re wearing today – including your underwear and your bag….and cost it out. Mine was a total of £79:

Dress: £14 from George/Asda
Underwear: £30 from La Senza and Bravissimo
Tights: £5 from M&S
Shoes: £30 from Dorothy Perkins
Bag and bracelets: Gifts

Why not take part in our poll and let us know if your wardrobe spending has changed since you’ve become more financially aware and how much you think you spend on your own daily wardrobe.

We’re giving away the value of my daily wardrobe to one lucky participant who we believe contributes the best comment and fashion/money saving tip to this blog!

Many thanks to Emma Cattell/DailyMirror for use of photo.