I need some motivation

**thrifty gal** · 09-01-2004, 12:20 PM

Lately, I haven't been very frugal at all, and have lost a lot of my motivation and inspiration. Any advice?

**homesteadmamma** · 09-01-2004, 01:01 PM

The best advice I can give is to set some goals, both short term and long term. I always find when I fall of the frugal wagon if I can refocus on those goals, it quickly gets me back on.

**AmyBoz** · 09-01-2004, 01:01 PM

Jennifer...I feel your pain!!! Is there anything in particular you are saving for? Sometimes having a goal is a great motivator. It would be nice if all goals were to save for something fun, but sometimes just being able to pay all the bills that month is the goal!

So, I would start there...identify your need, set an amount for what you will need, and then start "frugalizing" toward that goal!

**Sara Noel** · 09-01-2004, 01:44 PM

What motivates me is results. I like to compare figures. As an example, I like to look at my electric bill and phone bills from last year and I like to try and lower them from last year. Even if it's just a little.

I also like to crunch numbers on items. Like snacks as an example. I'll add up how much we spend on certain snacks (per year and how much we'd save by not buying them) and then try and eliminate them.

I also don't have all that much of a choice, so that is always motivating. lol

Our biggest goals were our home and our new car. Next is increase savings, home improvements, and educational savings for the kids. Both children will most likely not be in public schools.

Of course, we didn't have to purchase the home we did or the new car, but those were our goals and I'm happy we were able to achieve them.

**Shell** · 09-08-2004, 10:59 AM

Hi thriftygal. I also find setting goals very helpful. I write down what I want. I've read that you have to write down our goal. It kind of makes it more official. Like a promise to yourself.

I also sign up for challenges at frugal village. I wanted to pay off my credit cards so I did a credit card challenge and then with all the extra money I had after they were paid off I increased how much I put into the emergency fund challenge.

I find coming to frugal village helps keep me motivated as I share my success' with other people. It feels good so I want to do it more!