The good, the bad and the ugh…

**Newsnerd68** · 08-21-2005, 09:48 PM

So, here's the good news, bad news deal-
The good news is I found a really good discount/salvage grocery store not far from my house. I got a lot of great stuff including carb control pasta for .20 a box, V8 Smoothie juices for .75 (!), dented canned goods for about .30 - .35 per can, name brand spaghetti sauces for 1.00 a jar and herbal teas for 1.00 per box. I was so excited. (It doesn't take much!)

The bad news is I overspent trying to help a friend. He is newly divorced and is raising his daughter. He has been my husband's best friend for about 15 years and they recently moved to our town (700 miles from their home, our hometown) and are staying with us. Well, school is starting next week and he spent most of his check on her school clothes, with really nothing left for supplies. She's been through so much, I wanted her first week at her new school to have as few bumps as possible, so I bought her supplies and a couple of extras and took her for a MUCH needed haircut. She'll be 12 next week and I remember how tough those days were.

In my defense, I did shop at $1 stores and Dollar General, plus we scrounged the little things, like pencils, pens and a backpack that I had sitting in the closet for the past few years. But, I wound up plunking down about $60, including the haircut, which was specially priced for back to school.

Ugh, these next weeks will be so tight, I'm not sure we'll make it.

When you fall down on your new frugal path, how do you get back up again?

**Michele Annette** · 08-22-2005, 09:33 AM

Great job on all your deals! It's so very nice of you to help even though money is tight. I hope your friend and his daughter are appreciative of everything you are doing.

I just take a few deep breaths, a walk each night and hold on tight until the next paycheck. You will make it!

**tbs727** · 08-22-2005, 10:41 AM

When you get up in the morning, think about how you can get through the day spending nothing. Decide what you will eat and what you will do for entertainment. I'm sure you will get through and if you need help, post here. Good luck to you!!!

**PrairieRose** · 08-22-2005, 12:03 PM

Ok so you may have gone over what you intended to spend, but gosh it wasn't frivolous stuff. WTG on helping out your friends and being sensitive to a 12 yr. old girl's needs. Now, you may truly have to be creative to get through this pay period but just keep your eye on the ball and take it one day at a time. I second the other girl's advice.

What do I do? HHmmmmm, I don't dwell on it, I look for ways to come up with cash and ways to cut down on spending. That's it.

**Lucky Star** · 08-22-2005, 01:33 PM

Just want to say - What you did is really admirable - helping another person in need, even when you don't have much to give.

I personally believe that every unselfish deed is returned to us ten-fold. I'm sure that some day you will also receive an unexpected gift when you most need it.

As to getting back on track - I do fall down regularly, and what helps me get back on the wagon is coming here, posting about my progress (or lack thereof) and reading about what everybody else is doing. Posting makes me feel accountable to myself for my spending and saving, and reading other posts inspires me to do more, try new ideas and keep up the positive attitude.

**Mamaw** · 08-22-2005, 05:05 PM

Anytime you help others in need God will bless you. It will work out to your benefit. Just take one day at a time and do what you can

**AmyBoz** · 08-22-2005, 05:15 PM

I don't think you need to be beating yourself up over this. You did a generous thing for someone who needed it. You'll be just fine. Tighten up the purse strings from here on out and bask in the girls smile as she goes to school with her new stuff and new hair that she wouldn't have if not for you!

**forestdale** · 08-22-2005, 05:33 PM

You might have fallen down on your frugal pathway but you've more than compensated for it with character building and generosity. You're a nice person, and in addition to your generosity you're being a great role model for that little girl.

I'm sure you'll pull through with your budget and even if things get really tight, remember that it was for a very good cause.

**Newsnerd68** · 08-22-2005, 06:26 PM

Thanks to one and all! I feel so much better and know the money wasn't wasted.

Y'all made my day!

**KimSecret** · 08-22-2005, 07:06 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Lucky Star
[B]Just want to say - What you did is really admirable - helping another person in need, even when you don't have much to give.

I personally believe that every unselfish deed is returned to us ten-fold. I'm sure that some day you will also receive an unexpected gift when you most need it.
[QUOTE]

I also believe this!! What you did was a wonderful thing. My Dd is almost 12 and I hope that if I were ever in that situation, someone like you would help her (or my ds who is 10)

As far as getting back on track...just take it a day at a time and use only what you already have in your stock pile. Things WILL get better! (big hugs)

**nodmicks** · 08-22-2005, 09:12 PM

That was so very kind of you to help! Money very well spent!

**RuthNY** · 08-23-2005, 01:04 PM

I can't figure out why you feel you've fallen off the wagon?! Would you REALLY want to be so good at being frugal that you would close your eyes to a 12 year old in need?!?! Your actions need NO defending! I'm glad you are there for those people.

**Newsnerd68** · 08-25-2005, 09:23 PM

OK, a little update for any who are interested:
the aforementioned 12-year-old had a great birthday (Wednesday)- we made homemade Chinese stir-fry, fried rice and lo mein noodles, which she was crazy about, I made her a strawberry cheesecake and bought a cute top that I found on clearance at Wal-Mart. Today was her first day at her new school and she LOVED it. She was so excited when she came home that she had already met a friend who wanted her phone number and she really liked all her teachers. Of course, that could all change next week, but at least for today, she was happy!

**voodidit** · 08-25-2005, 09:47 PM

I agree, you can forgive your break in frugalness since you where doing a good deed!

**Nada.Leona** · 08-25-2005, 10:36 PM

Personally, I think what you did was so wonderful that you will be provided for. I'm a strong believer in the Three-Fold Law (whatever traits you emit into the world will come back to you threefold) so I personally don't think you have a thing to worry about -- some day you'll be blessed with something as wonderful for you as you were a blessing to that little girl and her father.