One thing I know I need to change

**Jeanna** · 12-08-2008, 10:09 PM

I realized today that one of the biggest frugal downfalls I have is reading so many blogs. I seem to be drawn to blogs like this http://warmpiehappyhome.blogspot.com/. Now there is nothing wrong with the blog, but I have noticed that it and others like it seem to breed discontentment. I mean these people are just not in the same financial realm that I am in and yet I find myself wanting the stuff they have. So I have decided to go through and delete a lot of my bookmarks. I believe for me this is like some have said that cutting out tv has helped them. I also realized that I am going to limit the magazines I read. Now I don't buy many, but I do get lots passed to me and pick them up and read them in doctors offices and the like. What about you guys have you found that there are certain things that it is just better to not expose yourself to when you are trying to be extra frugal?

**Rebookie** · 12-08-2008, 10:12 PM

don't torture yourself!!!

STUFF doesn't make people happy... Life, family, and friends (like FV!!) makes people happy...

PLUS you buy all that junk and all you are left with is debt and clutter.

**nvmommyx6** · 12-08-2008, 10:19 PM

here, here, rebookie......I spend more time on line than I ever do watching TV or movies, I do not like TV!! Hubby and kiddo's are out there watching TV right now and choose not to because I feel it is a waste of my precious brain cells, of which I do not have many left I am afraid!!!!!!!!!!
I work on line, so you will find me running round the house doing my chores and hitting the big comp in my room, and the laptop always in my kitchen!! I run 3 forums so I keep it moving!!!
I don't blame you, I agree on cutting things that are just not necessary and if that is one of them, cut it baby!!!!

**Rebookie** · 12-08-2008, 10:23 PM

I wasn't trying to be preachy!!! I was hoping it was some what encouraging!

**ironmaiden** · 12-09-2008, 01:40 PM

Sorta like calling all the catalog companies and telling them to stop sending you their catalog. If you don't see it, you wont "want" it. So I think that you have the right idea.

It's the time I spend reading blogs that could be spent doing frugal things or just getting things done that gets me. At least it doesn't cost me extra money - I know, we pay for the internet, but it keeps me off the streets (the ones with the stores on them

Sometimes when I feel like "splurging", I go to the library - I can have EVERYTHING I want there and not think twice about it

Maybe a gratitude journal. Spend some time thinking about how you have "enough".

And when I think about other's lives, there is not anyone I'd like to trade with - all lives have their ups and downs and the trials and tribulations. No one's life is perfect and easy.

**rowdy35** · 12-09-2008, 02:00 PM

it's funny. I work with a lot of people who can afford to buy a lot of material things and live in nice houses and it doesn't really bother me that I can't because I'm so happy to be me, warts and all !! Hang in there Jeanna !!

**LastDragonfly** · 12-09-2008, 08:07 PM

I've really considered having my cable removed completely. I haven't given up on that yet. dh is worse than the children!

I turned into a news junkie during the first Gulf War and I cant seem to stop.

When I watch HGTV I just see all this stuff. Sometimes I want it, sometimes I'm greatful that's not my mortgage.

I've given up some sites too. I want to spend my time (which is worth a lot to me) with people of like mind.

**annymoll** · 12-09-2008, 10:07 PM

I love Ruthie's blog and read it every day.I enjoy decorating, and I like to do it on a shoestring, or creatively.I never feel the discontent reading blogs. I am always inspired.I can take junk, and make something beautiful out of it! Ruthie would be proud! LOL.It's all in perspective , to me, and in my opinion.

**madhen** · 12-09-2008, 10:42 PM

Silence of the Lambs had it right: you covet what you see.

For me, being around my sister used to be a problem. She spent money like she was printing it in her basement, and she'd always "encourage" me to spend, too. But then I started talking about how I was trying to retire early, and she kind of bought into it, and now she is a LOT better, which means it isn't quite so dangerous hanging out with her anymore.

**Drgnfly423** · 12-09-2008, 11:45 PM

I've noticed that when I watch HGTV too much that I develop a nagging discontentment with my surroundings. I just have to stop watching for a while and remind myself what is really important.

I also have a sister that spends, spends, spends whether she has it or not...it's hard to always remember that I don't have to have what she has and "stuff" is not important.

I'm glad I finally figured out what was making me unhappy and can change the channel and focus on something else! =P It's not always easy being frugal, but to me it's worth it in the end.

**Momto2Boyz** · 12-10-2008, 07:12 AM

Now, now...don't go too crazy! I wouldn't cut yourself off from blogs altogether, you might start to hyperventilate!

Maybe just take some time and search around for some new blogs to read! Search your hobbies or interests and find more blogs that are more tailored to your interests!

I read tons of craft blogs becuase that is what I am interested in, and I find myself deleting many after I've read them for awhile, just becuase the crafting they are doing is very expensive, and I know I won't be able to get any ideas or afford what they are making. So I keep searching until I find some that are more suited to me!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 12-10-2008, 10:25 AM

I can think of a few things off the top of my head that I avoid when I'm being extra frugal:

1) The Victoria's Secret emails I get that promise me free shipping or $$ off a specific order amount,

2) The mall and certain stores in it (shoe stores - where the shoes are about $80-$200 or more, certain clothing stores, etc),

3) 7-Eleven because I end up spending money on a $10 lottery ticket and then I also can't help buying overpriced foods,

4) Poker programs - DH and I like putting $50 at a time into poker and that's what got us into a mess with the VISA

I find that if I shop online, I don't look at anything beyond what my actual limits are. I always get discouraged and impulsive when I see that stuff.

**fixer** · 12-10-2008, 11:11 AM

The two things I need to avoid when I feel frugal is Home Depot and Lowes. I can always find a project that I want to do around the house. I have decided while others restore old cars, my hobby is working on my house. I have learned that anything I do ends up costing much more than I planned.

**kmonokwe** · 12-10-2008, 11:16 AM

I've recently taken up knitting...and my next-door neighbor is Hobby Lobby!! In some ways it is a frugal hobby - I'm making almost all of our Christmas gifts this year! However, I have to remind myself to use my stash of yarn rather than going for more. Its just so close!