Why am I sad?

[Contrary Housewife]

You're thinking of the budget as a negative thing, like it's a sign of failure or a punishment for spending.

Try to think of it in positive terms. You are taking back control of your finances. You are developing good spending habits. You are going to stop wasting money.

[227melissa]

You need to make a game of it, scan the sales ads get the best prices, use coupons, try to get items for free or almost free. For the shopping bug go to thrift stores or yard sales. Get the whole family involved, my dh and I compete on who can get the most groceries for the least amount of money.

[miss_cas]

I understand. I am doing my own debt snowball. I'm on a fixed income with a part-time job and going to school part-time.

I'm doing okay with the sandwiches, carrot sticks and apples for dinner between work and school -- it's easy to eat and drive.

I don't mind hanging out the laundry to dry.

I like to cook and don't mind leftovers.

I like walking the dog for exercise but am keeping the gym membership as my only luxury.

I don't mind the cheaper/slower internet (required) or the $20 networks only cable package (stinking reception with antenna).

I don't mind getting a couple of magazines a month from the library for bedtime reading.

I don't mind the thrift store clothing.

Realize, the rice and beans thing Dave Ramsey mentions can (should) easily be supplemented by $1 a bag frozen veggies and $1 a lb fruit plus the always cheap bananas. Meats are cheap from the sale ads or marked down to move out. Figure out when you market puts things on the discount rack.

I would recommend you make a list of all the free stuff you could do to entertain yourself so you don't feel deprived.

Free stuff:
craft stash
computer games
computer magazines
library books, magazines, reading groups, adult education, internet, movies and CDs
learning new skills (basic sewing, cooking, gardening, plant propogation, etc)
walk the neighborhood
volunteer within walking distance (libraries, senior centers and schools always need help)
gardening (10/$1 seeds started in recycled containers or propogating plants from neighbor's clippings)
TV
hulu.com
PBS.com (tons of popular programs for immediate viewing)
organize closets (and selecting unused stuff for donation)
hot bath
massage your feet/paint toe nails
visit with friends in your neighborhood
pot lucks
free day at museums, festivals, art galleries, sports events (kid stuff is free)
usher at paid events to watch for free - talk to management at venue

I encourage the craft stash. Pick something that looks interesting - about.com has a lot of craft tutorials on almost any subject. Find ways to get your equipment cheap and supplies almost free (garage sales, thrift, Big Lots, Tuesday Am, estate sales, craigslist, freecycle, trash picked). Stop into these places frequently to check over the craft stuff.

My likes and stuff I already have: Watercolor, drawing, scrapbooking, crochet and cross stitch.

[my4littlebuffaloes]

You said you feel like you have to do this. Why? You don't HAVE to. You made the choice to do this. Does that help any? I know when I think of things that way it helps me. No one else is forcing you - you choose this. It will get easier and it is normal to be emotional about money.