A confession of sorts ...

**Clutterbug Jen** · 06-21-2008, 10:42 AM

Lately I know I haven't been near as frugal as I could be and have just been having a hard time in getting back on track.

One reason could be is that I've been really stressed lately with different things and when I'm like that, I almost get in an to heck with it attitude.

Not good, I agree!

I'm thinking that maybe I need to sit down with a pen and paper and really think and make a list of where I need to improve at.

I know this should be so easy [I mean, I know what to do and how to be frugal.

At times like this, I feel like such an idiot ...

Just wondering if any of you have gotten this way and if so, how you got yourselves back on track again?

Love,

Jen

**earthymom** · 06-21-2008, 10:45 AM

I know I've felt that way more than once -- and I'd wager most everyone has.

I think your idea of writing down what you want to do and how to get there compared to where you are right now is an excellent idea. Set a new goal and reach for it.

**Clutterbug Jen** · 06-21-2008, 11:15 AM

Thanks so much for your reply ... for the past couple of weeks, I'd started to feel almost hopeless with it.

I mean, reading the boards I don't feel hopeless but just when I think about trying to get back on track again.

Love,

Jen

**earthymom** · 06-21-2008, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by Clutterbug Jen

Thanks so much for your reply ... for the past couple of weeks, I'd started to feel almost hopeless with it.

I mean, reading the boards I don't feel hopeless but just when I think about trying to get back on track again.

Love,

Jen

You're welcome

**AmyBoz** · 06-21-2008, 11:52 AM

Nobody is perfect. Even the most steadfast "frugalistas" fall sometimes. It's human nature. I absolutely understand where you are coming from.

It's fine. Now that you know you've fallen, stand up, dust yourself off and try again. No one died because you stopped being frugal for awhile. Just pick back up and we're always here to support you!

**Buckeye5** · 06-21-2008, 12:00 PM

Listen we all jump off of the frugal wagon for various different reasons and at various times. I hope this helps this I what I do when I need to get refocused and becaome better: First, deep breathes it will be okay, secondly, go back to the older posts and re-read them also, if you have frugal books reread them or go to the library and check out some other frugal books. I thelps me to refocus and jump starts the frugal engine again. Good luck.

**magoo** · 06-21-2008, 12:18 PM

I wish I had advice, for I am in the same situation. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone in this.

**Gotonenerveleft** · 06-21-2008, 12:41 PM

I'm right here with ya. Trying to get back in the swing of things. Our situation is a bit different from most. I received an inheritance last year, paid off a lot of debt, did the Dave Ramsey thing with the emergency fund, etc. The problem I'm facing is that now we spend without thinking. Frugality has flown the coop and I'm not liking it. I do have money in the bank but at this rate it won't last long. That's why I'm back lurking around here trying to get inspired by all you wonderful posters. It helps so much when I can come here and see what others are doing. Makes me more accountable to myself. Thanks!

**Terri** · 06-21-2008, 12:59 PM

You are not alone. I have fallen off big time during the end of the school year. I am planning on attacking being frugal this summer while dd is at a 5 week summer program. I added up my gas costs for May and was shocked that it was over $500. I really need to analyze where all my money is going.

**fernykins** · 06-21-2008, 01:01 PM

I've been there more then once........I just gave myself a talking to and wrote everything down on paper so I could see what I was doing. I hope you can get things straighten out..........
Fern

**angelbumpkin** · 06-21-2008, 01:07 PM

We have all been there. Just take a deep breath ,now relax and start all over again.

**Drgnfly423** · 06-21-2008, 01:16 PM

I am completely in the midst of the same thing. Maybe we should make a pact to get back on the bandwagon together, Jen. I know I should start using my tracking spreadsheet and tracking every penny again. That is my best tool. It's the one thing the keeps me on track and vigilantly frugal.

**Natalie** · 06-21-2008, 02:30 PM

I keep sticking a foot off the frugal path. Then I get a replacement for my department store card, which I'm swearing I'll not use again. It've been upped to premiere member (Hey, this thing spell checks!), and they sent me a $50 gift check. So now I have to go and buy stuff to just over $50 so I get every little penny out of it. 'cept there's nothing I really want, let alone need from there right now. Maybe before the check expires on 9/11.

Don't you hate it when you have to buy to be frugal?

**Natalie** · 06-21-2008, 02:34 PM

I looked closer at the gift check. Always stipulations! $50 off of a purchase of $150 or more, $25 off of $75+, $75 off of $225+...

(Okay, it missed a spell check.)