It keeps getting worse...

[rachelMcK]

I need help. I'm once again addicted to stuff...and just spending money in general. I keep track of what I spend, I do have a budget and we normally use cash only, but lately, we've been lazy. I keep spending money on convenience items and we've eaten out at least 4 times in the last 5 days, maybe more. We're both busy. DH has 2 jobs and when I'm not in school, im working as well. Its my last semester ever and i'm just getting burnout. I start to think, whats a couple thousand more debt? BAD I KNOW!!!

what can I do to stop this? I'm gonna go pick up Dave Ramsey's book tonight i think, my final purchase hopefully, for some inspiration because I really need it!

Do you guys (who are obviously more successful at this than I) have any suggestions to overcome?

Thanks!

[bumplett]

let's start with not buying the books - try the library first

Pick up at least 5 budget/frugal living books & take them home - relax & read, read, read

[Scattymum]

((Hugs)) we all have relapses, hopefully reading a few frugal books and posting here will get you on track again!

[claimsgirl66]

I have been there, kind of like dieting: you have a bad week or get sick and stop working out and then start eating bad foods...then slide back to the old ways. It is hard when things get hectic to stay focused on your long term goals. Re-read some of the posts here and then whipping out the budget and looking at the black and white numbers will refresh your memory & get you back on track.
Write down a spending plan for the week , including meals and snacks, and do some cooking or sorting foods into individual serving sizes so you have them handy. Keep healthy snacks stashed on you or in the car when you are on the go so you do not get tempted when hungry to hit the fast food place. I wash & reuse the single serving ice-tea and juice bottles & fill a few at home with home made tea or lemonade to bring when I am on the go. I buy a box of big pretzels or a pack of PB Crackers for a $1 and then keep a pack in my desk, and a pack in the car, so at least if I am hungry, I have something to eat. Make muffins, a couple of sandwiches or whatever you like and freeze them ( PB&J seems to freeze OK) so again, when you are rushed, you can at least grab something homemade. Maybe allow yourself one trip a week of convenience foods for now. Another trick is buy a gift card to your favorite coffee or fast food place and then use it sparingly...if I know I have just $3 left on the McD card, I will save it for when I really need a treat. You are human, forgive yourself but then move on & re-commit yourself to your goals.

[kaykwilts]

Go out to eat but designate it in the budget. Start an envelope just for eating out and when it's gone you don't go out to eat. You could also put junk food in the envelope.

[geckoace]

yes i say setup a budget with a line item for eating out or other indulgences put cash in an envelope do whatever you want with it but when its gone its gone. no borrowing. and after a while shrink the amount and so on til its a minimal amount i think you should be able to treat yourseld sometimes but it has to be done responsibly.
my mother always used to say that if after working 2 weeks she couldnt afford a pair of dollar store earrings than she was doing something wrong.

[tigo]

Part of what happens with burn out is you are forgetting to be kind to yourself. For me - going out to eat feels like I am being pampered. Going through a divorce though, cuts that out as an option when I feel that need. What other things make you feel cared for or pampered. I like to take a bubble bath (I use baby shampoo from the dollar store). With teenagers and a cat, it seems like I never get to have the bathroom to myself without someone banging on the door. I tell them I need 15 mins of "me time" then set the clock on the stove. After 15 mins they can bug me. I used to feel like a "bad mom" when I did it or heated up 6 different containers of leftovers, but you do have to give yourself a little space in order to recharge.

[prairie_girl]

Sounds like me with the Rice krispie treats sitting on the stove LOL. I purposefully left extra in the bowl and promised myself that once i'd eaten the bowl I'd leave the pan alone. yeah right.
All I can give you is my support. I've frugal by default right now. But once I start making good money again it's going to be REALLY hard for me to pare down.

[Edna_E]

Recognizing addictive behavior is often the first step to overcoming the addiction (or more realistically controlling it). I have a tendency to get very frustrated and then "run away from thinking" about budgets, chores, responsibilities, etc. I should say "had", because I honestly think I've got it pretty well beat. I have over MANY years, learned to identify the rising sense of frustration and take steps to deal with it in a less damaging manner. In my case that often means curling up with a good library book and a cup of low fat cocoa while a load of laundry is in the washer - I can convince myself that I'm "spoiling" myself a little, while still being frugal, not blowing the diet, and even accomplishing something. The first thing I found that worked for me, however, was a tea ritual - proper china, good tea in a teapot, and sitting properly in my living room to do nothing but have tea by myself - somehow it renewed my sense of being in control of something. Hope you find something soon that works for you. Blessings to you!!!

[nwmissourigal]

We all have had set backs. But, you just have to set your mind to getting back on track and staying there. There is alot of information on the net about frugal living and simple living. Most of them are very inspiring. Good luck with getting back on track...Blessings..Kathy

[Marie78]

I would also try to borrow Dave Ramsey books from the library. I waited a couple of weeks, but it was worth it and now I can make an informed decision on whether or not to buy it and make it part of my library. I loved the book, and I might own it someday (but I can't afford it now and I think his book helped me realize that even more). I think a budget is the best thing to help see where the money goes. I write down everything I buy in a month, even if it's a small pack of gum or a chapstick. I think that writing things down helps me to not spend on so many "little" things. I know being busy are my worst times for getting off track financially. I find that preparing a casserole the night before for dinner tomorrow takes a little time, but it also saves money on tomorrow's dinner and if you make two and freeze one, that extra one will take care of another meal on a busy night. Just some ideas, I wish you luck