My spendthrift days are over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[momofslg]

Hi all!
I just have to tell someone, I have had it. I hate being in debt and I want it gone. I tallied everything up and am astonished. CC debt over 13,000 and we owe 114,000 still on our mortgage. How did this happen you ask... we were stupid and thought that we "needed things" that we really didn't. Not any more!

I am a SAHM and I do a little side job that hardly earns anything, but I get to be home while I do it so I'm going to keep it.
Hubby is an auto mechanic (and does side work at home so that helps a little too).

I have done very well the last 2 weeks and haven't spent 1 cent on anything other than food and gas for the cars. I do need to get some clothes for my kids this weekend so I'm going to the thrift store and am setting a budget of $25.00 for this. I know that I can get what I need.

HELP! any advise is welcome.

~Lisa

[ktsmama]

No advice, just a little encouragement!!

Good luck!!

[Michelle68]

THe thrift store is a great place to buy clothes and it sounds like you're already budgeting a certain amount, so you're doing well with that. Also, I would suggest making a list when going grocery shopping and sticking to it. A lot of people use the "envelope system" for staying on track (putting money for different categories in different envelopes and when that money runs out, not spending anymore.). There are some very smart, frugal people here and they can share many different ways for saving money and paying off debt. Good luck!


--Michelle

[so68]

I can totally understand with this post! My dh and I are really bad that way about thinking we "need" rather than we "want". We have ended up putting credit lines, credit cards balances, etc onto the mortgage when we go and renew the mortgage. For the first time in a long time, we don't have anything owing on our credit line, and our credit card is at a very reasonable amount. The reason for this? This forum!! I have learned so much here, and have heard so many stories, tips, you name it. And I love to be able to come on here and find people like myself who now realize we don't "need" some stuff, and putting stuff on a credit card for the hell of it isn't that smart of an idea, etc. I have a couple of friends that urge me to go on a trip, to do this and that, and yes, those things do count, but really, I'd be happier being debt free when it comes to credit cards, etc. My advice is to make a hobby out of being frugal - you have to admit, it's probably the cheapest hobby out there. Realize exactly what you're saving when you dry that load of clothes on the line, turning off those lights you aren't using, that sort of thing. Be patient paying the credit cards off, but be diligent as well, and set goals for yourself when you find that the usual payment seems to be a bit easier that month. Trust me, it can be done. Literally, every single cent helps. It may not seem like a lot but wow does it make a difference when you save money over and over again, incorporating new money saving ideas along the way. Good luck to you!!

[mikandmari]

I found the 1st step to not spending is to stay out of the stores.

Congrats for tallying up the numbers, and making plans for change. It's amazing how little we actually "need" and how little $$$ we can get by on when we put our minds to it!

[Its_Donna]

and

My advice would be to have a written budget, plan menus and shop according to your menu needs, cut down on going to restaraunts, build up a pantry and cook from scratch as much as possible. Try not to throw away anything that can be re-used in or as something else.

You'll do great and you be so excited when you start seeing how your frugalness is making a difference in your family's future.

[cdmom]

As far as childrens clothes go you may want to check with Freecycle.org if you have one in your area. It doesn't hurt to ask.
Check in this forum everyday it will keep you motivated!
Good Luck Lisa