What do you do when you have fallen off the frugal train

**schellie69** · 10-17-2005, 10:06 AM

I have had a bad week We have ate out way to many times I I feel that the whole family has fallen off the frugal train and I am not sure how to get everyone back on track, does any one have any ideas, it feels like I have to start all over again. Has this happened to anyone else thanks for any help

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 10-17-2005, 10:16 AM

Yep, we have all done this before. The best thing to do is stand up, take a deep breath and haul yourslef bak UP onto the train! Don't go out to eat and make your cleaning supplies!

**homesteadmamma** · 10-17-2005, 10:20 AM

I agree with Lori. Take a deep breath, learn from the mistakes you feel you've made and hop right back on the wagon.

I found when we did this, it was good for us to re-do our goals that we had for the long term. Everytime we did this, it put us right back on track.

I also think it's okay to fall off every now and then. Life is so short that going out for a meal isn't all that bad. We did it last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Did it mess up my well planned budget - YUP however it's okay. I'll find the $22 somewhere to replace it.

**DorothyBeverly** · 10-17-2005, 12:38 PM

Just start over and do your best! None of us are perfect, and we have all been there. Just make a promise to yourself to do better next time and you will!

**canadian gardener** · 10-17-2005, 12:49 PM

yep, fallen off so many times the train makes regular detours, just to pick us up!

LOL it's normal, and the more times, the better you get at dealing with the problems.

Dh and I just seem really good at finding NEW ways to shoot ourselves in the foot!

Hugs.

**schellie69** · 10-17-2005, 01:14 PM

well seem to got back on the train, Have turned all lights off, been hanging cloths (sheets and blankets and rugs) out to dry, haven't had to turn heater on yet. making dinner tonight. been looking for hot chocholate mix reciepes. wish i could find the one that was part coffee. (using instead think I will do some experimenting with this) kids loved this mix but can't find reciepe will see what I can come up with. planning on sewing some more today. have new project turning old itchy blanket into curtins for kids. glad that this train moves slow it has been easier to get back into the swing of things then I thought Thank you all for all the help

**Michelle** · 10-17-2005, 01:49 PM

It happens to the best of us. Don't beat yourself up over it. Just get back on the frugal wagon asap. You can't change the past, so look forward and get back to your frugal lifestyle

**PrairieRose** · 10-17-2005, 02:55 PM

Heck, I have to say that I split my time between being on and off the train, almost equally......

I work on trying to stay focused on track but I backslide...often.

**Mom23boys** · 10-17-2005, 06:10 PM

Originally posted by homesteadmamma
I agree with Lori. Take a deep breath, learn from the mistakes you feel you've made and hop right back on the wagon.

I found when we did this, it was good for us to re-do our goals that we had for the long term. Everytime we did this, it put us right back on track.

I also think it's okay to fall off every now and then. Life is so short that going out for a meal isn't all that bad. We did it last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Did it mess up my well planned budget - YUP however it's okay. I'll find the $22 somewhere to replace it.

Well said. Just hop back on that train.

We fall off once in a while too, but we always hop back on!

**Valerie in WA** · 10-17-2005, 06:28 PM

I find that when I make mistakes, it motivates me to do better later. I'm usually so disgusted with myself that I redouble my efforts to save money. It also provides a good lesson to me about the what I value for my money. For instance, if I buy or do something, I ask myself, "Was this worth $x?" Sometimes yes, sometimes no. If I realize it's 'no' I'm less likely to waste my money in that area again.

Bottom line: learn from those mistakes.

**SHOPGIRL** · 10-17-2005, 07:17 PM

Just start over and get back on the train! It's just like dieting, some days I blow my diet, but the next day, or next meal, I get back on track.

**Shell** · 10-17-2005, 09:19 PM

Sure, I get sick of being frugal too! But it was worth it!

**Rachel Barratt** · 10-18-2005, 09:38 PM

I think about why I fell off the wagon and try hard not to do it again. I've been trying to go frugal since August and in the beginning I was off more than on the wagon but I've tried to learn from my mistakes and so far I've only fallen off the wagon twice this fortnight - which is good going for me. Don't loose heart just ask yourself is there anything you could do in future to lessen the need to eat out so often. Maybe make double the quantity of a meal and portion up the half left so that you have a quick meal on hand when your pushed for time or too tired to prepare and cook a meal. Good luck.

**thrifty gal** · 10-19-2005, 12:53 AM

Yes, we've all been there. I've been there so many times I'm embarrassed to say how many. lol Actually, I am trying to pick myself back up right now. Went over the bills for the rest of the month-looks bad. You can do it!!