How do I get back on the frugal wagon?

**sueh** · 06-05-2007, 06:14 PM

Help!

I don't even know where to begin. I had so much debt that I thought I would never see the end of the tunnel. Well I worked my butt off and I was debt free. I was doing so good. Using coupons, rebates and watching for sales.

Then I started working on building my credit. So I got a few new cards and they gave me good credit limits. Well of course I started feeling really good about myself and lost some weight so I had to buy new clothes blah blah blah.
Now I buy anything I want at the grocery store and don't even bat and eye spending $100 at a time.
What is wrong with me?
I now have new cc debt and I really want to live frugally and get back to were I was only a few months ago.

I already have almost all of my holiday shopping done which most of the stuff I got for next to nothing.

Where do I begin? Any suggestions?

Thanks

**FrugalMomof3** · 06-05-2007, 07:35 PM

I think that you need to "reprogram" yourself to act like you have no CC's, that will help you stop using them. If that doesnt work DONT TAKE THEM WITH YOU to the store, that's what I do!

In time you will get back on but it takes persistence and you have to want to not have any CC debt. I carry one card with me for emergencies only.

**geckoace** · 06-05-2007, 10:14 PM

i definitely would stop taking the cards out with me. and i would write down the balances cause it sometimes shocks you back inline.

**Domestic Gal** · 06-05-2007, 10:54 PM

Put your debt balance on the fridg. so you can see them all the time. After looking at them you will jump back on the band wagon.

**DJ1972** · 06-05-2007, 11:47 PM

You should start writing down everything you spend...that will shock you back into reality. Knowing you have to write it down makes you think twice before buying it. It was a real wake up call to me when I saw how much I was nickel and diming myself to death. It became a game to see how many "no spend days" I could have in my spend journal. Even with the bills..keeping a journal of what I pay out reminds me to try to lower my utilities and pay extra to creditors.
We all fall off the frugal wagon.....I think the wagon ran over me in May LOL! But getting back on track now! Good luck!

**ubumartin** · 06-05-2007, 11:58 PM

I know that I spend on the credit card and don't even realize what I have on it. I thought one card recently was only 47.00 on it and then I got the statement and it was 106.00. That is a big difference. I thought it must be wrong but I looked at the purchases and sure enough I had done it. So I would suggest you use a debit credit card and write down everything. It will save you in the long run.

**bumplett** · 06-06-2007, 01:09 AM

I fell off in May also ~ I swear a squirrel ran out in front of my wagon & caused it to flip over though

I had to make myself write everything down - and read, read, read the frugal books - it's a mindset more than anything else - you have to find your happiness within your frugality, otherwise it will never work -

JMHO

**cheappearls** · 06-06-2007, 09:40 AM

I'm right there with ya. I fell off for a couple of months, saw my credit card statment and got hit with a late charge on a bill and EEK! I jumped back on so fast I almost gave myself whip lash.

I took our credit cards out of our wallets and promised my husband I would stop buying "needs" when I go to the store. I even pulled out my dusty coupon book and reorganized so I'm ready for my next trip.

Good luck! Remember we are here when you need support, a kick in the butt or to celebrate a success.

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-06-2007, 09:48 AM

Once in a while I just get tired of working so hard at saveing and I will give up. It never pays in the end.

**Mom23boys** · 06-06-2007, 12:06 PM

I agree with everyone else, leave the credit cards at home! If you know you have them, you are more likely to overspend. Pay cash for everything and stick to a list when grocery shopping.

Just hop back on the bandwagon!