A Lightbulb Moment

[PrairieRose]

Another little trick that I've learned Ruth and it has really made a big difference in our situation is this: (from the book The Richest Man in Babylon) put aside 10% of everything you bring in. We've been doing this, into a special account and the book was right, you don't miss it and it really, really adds up fast.

[RuthNY]

I had to bump this to remind myself.
I've been bad, but this morning I let DBF know that I have to be good and not spend anything for three weeks. If I can just get this little shot in the financial arm I should be ok.
We've made so many plans that are going to require a bit of money that I HAVE to start really saving!

[Diana in Wisconsin]

"So, what are your thoughts on all this?"

This used to trip me up, too. Then I read a quote somewhere that goes:

"Even if elephants are two for a quarter, it's NOT A BARGAIN unless you NEED two elephants, and you have a spare quarter."

That one has always stuck with me for some reason, and has helped me out. I used to spend a lot thinking I was saving in the long run (and sometimes I was) but all I was really doing was tying my money up in "inventory." Working in retail made me see that very clearly. Something sitting on the shelf was doing me little or not good, when the cash it represented could be used for debt reduction, or to pad the emergency fund, or send an extra payment into the mortgage company, etc.

Good luck! Being aware of a problem is the first step in solving it!