Need Encouragement to Stay on the Frugal Wagon

**mauimagic** · 04-02-2010, 11:36 PM

Love the control over your own finances!!....and a bubble bath sounds really fin!!

**shoiji** · 04-03-2010, 05:28 PM

Just keep on reminding yourself what your goals are. Sometimes having it written out where you can see it on a daily basis helps.

Once in a while a small splurge that is affordable can help curb the urge to really spend some money. For me that could be $10 for a thriftstore purchase, buying a cup of tea or coffee, purchasing some really good skin care at a reasonable price. It all depends on what you can afford. After a while it just becomes difficult to part with money on items you know you do not need.

I always like to say shop your closets and drawers. So many times you forget you have something. It is the best way to save money. This was one of the first tips I got from FV.

**peanut** · 04-05-2010, 07:48 PM

I sooo identify with the original post right now. I don't know what it is about spring, but I get this urge to just spend like crazy!

My solutions vary.

1) Give DH the car to take to work...we only have one vehicle and that limits me to shopping within walking distance. Which I could blow a wad on because it's pretty upscale shops. BUT they're so upscale they are offensive to my sensibilities.

The worst place is the grocery store...I just compare prices to my normal grocers and realize it's not worth paying 50% more. And if I keep my house well stocked, then I have no need of going to the local grocers.

2) I find a cheaper alternative. DH and I were at Chapters today to buy a book. DH is a librarian, so this was hard for him. He thinks we should always use the library. Well, this particular book we've had out of the library for almost 3 months now. It's a retirement book...but basically it's on the psychology of any life change...and has tons of quizzes and exercises to work on as a couple. We'd get our money out of this book several times over. I justified that way and cut the cost by using an irewards card.

BUT while there I almost picked up a journal for $9CAD for recording health stuff like food eaten and exercise, etc. I wandered around the store trying to justify it to myself. I thought "this is crazy!" I put it back and DH and I stopped at Dollarama on the way home for a journal with more pages and a better binding...for $2.

3) I always have homemade treats in the freezer for when I feel like I need to be pampered. Today was a really bad day for me. I pulled out the fancy teapot and teacup for a cup of tea...and the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies from the freezer. DH and I had a decadent teatime.

I also have the equipment and supplies for home facials, pedicures and manicures. If I feel a real urge to splurge on luxury things I give myself an afternoon of pampering.

4) And, yes, I remind myself what I'm saving my money for...that kitchen renovation. That is really keeping me in check right now. Gotta stay focused...

**frugalfoster** · 04-10-2010, 10:31 PM

[QUOTE=peanut;1348794]I sooo
2) I find a cheaper alternative. DH and I were at Chapters today to buy a book. DH is a librarian, so this was hard for him. He thinks we should always use the library. Well, this particular book we've had out of the library for almost 3 months now. It's a retirement book...but basically it's on the psychology of any life change...and has tons of quizzes and exercises to work on as a couple. We'd get our money out of this book several times over. I justified that way and cut the cost by using an irewards card.

Could you give me the name of this book? My husband and I are hoping to retire in the next eight years...sounds like this is a book for me!

**peanut** · 04-11-2010, 12:24 AM

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Joy-Retirement-Finding-Happiness-Freedom/dp/081448056X"]"The Joy of Retirement"[/ame] by David Borchard. I see Amazon sells a copy used for $1.99!

**mndtrp** · 04-27-2010, 11:51 PM

When I get the urge to buy something, I make it a point to decide how I'm going to feel after I make the purchase. Generally, it's a quick bite to eat, or a soda, and I know that afterward I'm not going to feel much different, except I'll be several dollars lighter. If I'm getting the urge for something more substantial, a CD usually, I'll tell myself to wait until the next day. The next day comes, and I generally don't want to make the purchase.

Another thing that helps me, and I try to tell everyone this, is to reward yourself once in a while. Tax returns, bonuses, money gifts go three places: 1/3 to debt, 1/3 to an emergency fund, and 1/3 to whatever I want. This helps alleviate the potential for negativity when thinking about not spending money.

**frugal.lass** · 04-29-2010, 07:43 PM

Mndtrp, I think I'm going to switch to your manner of using "windfall" money. I usually just stick it all in savings (I'm lucky enough to be debt-free..now) but like the OP, I can get discouraged. Using a bit of the un-budgeted money that comes in every so often to treat myself will definitely help keep me on track.

**dcompton** · 04-29-2010, 08:40 PM

This may be just be a quirk of mine, but when I am giving myself permission to spend some extra for a treat or on a project or hobby or something, I try to do it all in one day, or as short a time as possible. Shopping too easily becomes a habit when I spend a little of it here, a little there, now and then. A splurge quickly over with and then cold turkey works best for me.

**mauimagic** · 04-29-2010, 09:04 PM

When I am on a trip, I tend to spend a lot more than I would normally do at home. On Oahu last weekend we were in Macy's and I purchased some make up from Clinique - haven't done that in over a year. Granted I did need the makeup and there was the free goodies with it - but really now. Fortunately I did stop with that one purchase and I did pay cash. Good thing I don't travel too much.

Before I purchase any nonsensible things now, I have been asking myself if I want to spend money now or when I am visiting my daughter? Works everytime for me!!