Do you ever feel like taking a vacation from frugality?

**justjenn** · 03-23-2003, 09:44 AM

I am really needing a vacation from everything, including frugality. I'm just so down in the dumps. I know that it will hurt us in the long run if I take a break, but I'm just so tired of not getting what we want. Dh should have a better job by July (he is on the list to be hired by then, by a great company), and we will have more money then, but I'm just really aggravated with it all right now.

Help!

**homesteadmamma** · 03-23-2003, 09:59 AM

Sweetie, be careful when your down to not go back into debt. You can never count of a new job in July or a bonus coming in say in Sept. (I'm just using this an example.) Nothing is sure in this life anymore.

We always thought dh would be employed at the same company until his full retirement. He was there 20 years, but the company sold and no longer wanted "older" employees.

There are times I do want to give up frugality and during those times, I'll purchase something. I keep a "slush" fund just for this because I know if I don't, I'll give up. Usually it is something for the kitchen (antiques come to mind).

BUT we have not used a cc in 8 years and won't ever go into debt again, no matter how much I would like to at times.

My advice is to take some time and just maybe window shop. Dream about some of the goals you've set for yourself and some of the things you want. If you have a few extra $$, purchase something that might lift your spirits - a new set of bath towels, new sheets for your bed, maybe a new set of dishes but pay cash only. Again, I'm just using the items as an example, you might see something else you might want to purchase.

But please be very careful when your down. You had a bummer day yesterday and I know it will take time to get over it, but don't let that get you off track. You've done so well, I'd hate to see you do something you'll regret down the road.

{{{{{{hugs}}}}}

**MJsLady** · 03-23-2003, 10:00 AM

What i do in these cases is I take $5 from the grocery money ($5 is a lot to me!) I go to the $ store (usually $tree) and walk through all the aisles and imagine each thing I like in my home.
Most times I come home with the $5 in my pocket but somedays soemthing really works and I spend most of it. It works for yard sales too.

**melina123** · 03-23-2003, 10:17 AM

Hi there,

ohhhh.....I know what you are talking about. Some days I really just want to go buy myself a nice outfit and go out to a NICE long dinner and dancing with my DH.....or buy furniture.

What we do in this case is what was suggested above. We go window shoppig for houses (because we are saving every cent or a downpayment) and by the end of the day after seeing some houses I am back into the saving zone in full force. I would focus on what you are saving for it seems to put thins in perspective until the spending bug hits again.

Take care,

Melina

**Heather** · 03-23-2003, 10:24 AM

Great advice ladies!!! I need to hear that too sometimes!! Hang in there justjenn!!

**AmyBoz** · 03-23-2003, 11:16 AM

I can't think of any better advice than that which has already been given! Hang in there, Jenn...it'll get better!

**PrairieRose** · 03-23-2003, 11:40 AM

One thing that helps me is to make a written list of "things I'll die for if I don't get soon". Put that list inside a kitchen cabinet door, with tape. Make a vow to leave it there for 2 weeks before you go and buy one of those "must haves". Usually within 2 weeks I'm over the urge to splurge and have saved $$$ and even left feeling like I've overcome an obsticle. What you're going through is natural, especially if you're fairly "new" to the frugality game. It can get to be a bit much but cut loose and do something (but take care not to go into debt for it!) for yourselves on occaission.

Hang in there, being debt free is sooooooo worth it.

**rebecca** · 11-23-2004, 05:54 PM

Yes! Yes! Yes! I don't though. Know in the long run I will benefit from being frugal. It's just that sometimes I get so tired of not being able to do things due to my limited income. Tired of sitting home. It seems that if you want to do anything that it cost money. In the summer time I do my gardening, but in the winter there is nothing to do, unless you want to go outside and freeze to death and that's not my cup of tea. Sometimes I just feel like going out and buying what I want. Would love to have a new couch, but to cheap to buy one. Guess I'm just in one of those moods today. Will feel better tomorrow. Thanks for all of you listening to me rant. Gosh I'm so bored I'm losing my mind!!

Renee

**Michelle** · 11-23-2004, 06:02 PM

Yes, and often! But I can't afford to, so I just plug along.

**AmyBoz** · 11-23-2004, 06:05 PM

Feeling that way right now, but as Michelle said, can't afford to so I continue to find inspiration at the village.

**homesteadmamma** · 11-23-2004, 06:11 PM

Originally posted by AmyBoz
Feeling that way right now, but as Michelle said, can't afford to so I continue to find inspiration at the village.

I'm feeling the same way especially the last couple of days. I so want to go and shop until I drop for Christmas. For some reason this Christmas season has been the worse maybe because I know I can't if we want to achieve our goals.

Renee, your not alone.

**Shell** · 11-23-2004, 06:24 PM

I feel like it a lot but then I think how wonderful it feels not to owe on my credit card, not to owe on my furniture and how wonderful it feels to have money saved!

Also, when you feel like that . . . STAY OUT OF THE STORES AND PUT YOUR CREDIT CARDS AWAY!

**BlessedMommy** · 11-23-2004, 07:25 PM

((((((((HUGS))))))))) to you ladies who are feeling frustrated and down in the dumps! I hope the feeling passes soon!

**rebecca** · 11-23-2004, 07:47 PM

Oh, it will pass. Feel better after reading everybody's posts. You guys can get anybody down out of the dumps! Hope I worded that right. Makes me feel better that others feel the same way I do. Sometimes you feel as if your the only one feeling like this. BlessedMommy thanks for giving us all a hug!!

Renee