Needing frugal motivation

**Layne** · 03-22-2005, 05:58 PM

This week until the end of the month I need to summon all my frugal ability. I remember something that Amy D. called black belt frugality and I think that's what it's going to take so I don't have to dip into the emergency fund.

I had several unplanned expenses the past two weeks and then my pay check was less than normal because of the short pay period. I need to work on being more prepared so that when something unplanned comes up I don't blow my budget.

I have $300 in my checking and $40 cash. This needs to pay for groceries, the cell phone bill, credit card payment, gas, my DD's state banquet, and anything else that comes up during the next two weeks. I keep thinking I can do this if I'm disciplined. I don't have anything for the kids for Easter, they are older 16 & 20 but I always do a little something, and I want to take my mom a nice bouquet of flowers for Easter. I need to work on creativity.

I'm running low on some of the items I stock up on in bulk. Of all things, toilet paper! LOL I need to wait until April to stock up again, so I went out and raided the camper. We now have plenty.

Tonight I'm going to go through the cupboards and freezer to get as many meal ideas as I can.

Sorry this is so long. Part of me feels like I just need to work harder to make ends meet and part of me just gets so tired of not having enough money. Pretty sure I'm just having a moment of self pity.

**i.m.cheap** · 03-22-2005, 06:13 PM

Layne, I feel your pain.

Reread the Tightwad Gazette books for inspiration. Be proud of your small "victories". Think of it as reaching your goals when you go without something, or find a low-priced alternative. Frugality without creativity is deprivation.

**sunshine** · 03-22-2005, 07:20 PM

Look through the threads in celebrations for recipes to make your own Easter treats for those baskets (I'm making pudding and jello eggs for my teens and adults)

Post what you have in the pantry/freezer/fridge and we''ll help with menu plans.

You can do this! (and boy can I relate to the moments of self pity lately)

**pip** · 03-22-2005, 07:21 PM

Just tell yourself that you don't need to go to the store and you don't need to buy. (Easier said than done, I know.

).
You know, I'm thinking of making sugar cookies for the kids' easter baskets...little bunnies and chickies!

**Darlene** · 03-23-2005, 07:21 AM

Save Layne Save!

Ladies ahead of me gave you some great advice. Just want to add that if you want to give fresh flowers and have a walmart near you, they have fresh bouquets for $3.88 that are so pretty and last for weeks. I usually get them during the winter. Last week I decided on a plant instead from my local market, a nice pot of petite mums for $3. Picked the one with the fewest buds open so I could enjoy it longer.
Wishing you some fun too as you get creative saving money & making do.

**cau** · 03-23-2005, 03:02 PM

Homemade coupons for your kids & mom. Offering a free night on jobs or a favorate meals. My kids used to love a pretend birthday no jobs & they picked dinner as a treat, or better yet staying a a friends later than usual. . My mom used to love the coupons for my time, just the 2 of us . Hang in there you can do it. cau

**thrifty gal** · 03-23-2005, 06:37 PM

I'm with you on needing frugal motivation. We have a lot going on here right now, and our budget is very tight. But, lately we haven't stuck with our budget, and haven't been as frugal. Good luck!!

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 03-23-2005, 07:22 PM

Instead of going out for a movie, give a coupon for a rental and they can choose the kind of soda and homemade popcorn. I like doing this waaay better than going out to the movies because I can't see how the movies out are worth 7.00 (or more!) to see!

I agree--post what you have in the pantry and we'll help you come up with some ideas to tide you over.

**Layne** · 03-23-2005, 09:50 PM

Thanks for all the great ideas. I've been working on a menu and checked out the sale ads on line. I have most of the main part of meals already in my pantry and freezer. I even found a rump roast in the freezer that I somehow had forgot about. My goodness how do you forget about something that large! :surprise: I want to keep groceries to no more than $40, I found bone in hams on sale and would like to get one for a Sunday supper in April.

King Soopers has their potted bulbs on sale for 2 for $10, this might be a good idea for my mom. I hadn't thought about baking for the kids. My DS is coming home from college for the weekend, I'm sure he wouldn't mind taking back some homemade snack cakes.

I don't have time tonight, but will post my pantry menu ideas over in the kitchen section in the morning.

Thanks again.