going back to start

**inneedofhope** · 07-21-2006, 12:14 PM

Well, I have gotten myself into a financial mess, trying to live the high life on my small earnings. So now I'm back to watching every penny and cutting every corner because the savings is gone and the bills are piling up. My first step for today was to take a small notebook to add to my purse and I am writing down every $ I spend, including when I use the cc and checking cards. My totals just from adding receipts from my purse were frightening.

**frugalfarmwife** · 07-21-2006, 12:19 PM

I think we've all been there at one time or another so know how you feel. Keep us updated and know we're all here with you and for you! Best of luck and remember, babysteps are the key, you didn't get there overnight so can't get out overnight.

kj

**danni** · 07-21-2006, 01:29 PM

I can understand over the past year I thought we were doing pretty good all of our bills were being paid on time with a little extra on each, but we didn't seem to be getting ahead. Over the last month dh and I have recorded everything and we were amazed at how much we were still wasting even though we were on a budget. Now we are really budgeting and getting serious about it. But I keep kicking myself when I think of where we could be I we had been paying better attention.

Just keep tracking everything and you'll get there. On top of that you are here and these guys are great.

**inneedofhope** · 07-21-2006, 01:44 PM

Another important step for me is to plan out things to do with my ds that don't cost $$ I don't have ac, so we have been going out to eat or shop just to be in the cool air. That's going to have to end.

**thrifty gal** · 07-21-2006, 03:52 PM

I am in the same boat. I have not been at all frugal for the last few months, and now I am seeing the results. Keep your chin up, and pick yourself up. I'll do the same.

**AmyBoz** · 07-21-2006, 03:57 PM

You can do it! You've already taken the first step, so good for you!

**dwallyfam** · 07-21-2006, 07:07 PM

You can always go to the library. That way you can look at books and maybe attend a reading or two. Barnes and Noble is also good for that.

Kellie

**barky586** · 07-21-2006, 07:39 PM

..and when you *do* choose to eat out, you can do inexpensively. Two $.99 burgers and two $.99 fries and two cups of ice (bring canned soda in your purse) would be less than $5.

**autumnlynn** · 07-21-2006, 10:20 PM

Yes, we all have been in the same boat. I keep a journal of my spending. I balance it every week (against the amount I have budgeted to spend that week) and I can see if my budget is out of whack anywhere. It is a real eye opener when you see everything in black and white!!

You've come to the right place for help, and I know you can do it.

**Nada.Leona** · 07-22-2006, 11:20 AM

I'm with you on this one, heart and soul. Bring on the challenges, I'm ready!

**Daisygirl** · 07-22-2006, 11:52 AM

I know it is really scary, and on top of that is the stress of knowing you truly were aware that you were not being careful. At least that is true for me. I try to allow this to underline the value of frugality in the future, even when I get to the point of having everything under control - I never want to have this feeling again!

**Droppedonmyhead** · 07-22-2006, 02:08 PM

cat.gif Hang in there!! It's happened to almost everyone at some time or other. At least you are aware and have taken steps to work your way out of it. Maybe you can find someone willing to part with a window a/c so at least one room could be cool. You need some type of relief. You can't keep staying away from home to keep cool. The money you might end up spending eat out and shopping could soon buy an a/c unit. Keep your chin
up!!

**napswithkats** · 07-22-2006, 04:16 PM

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt! Climb back on the frugal bandwagon! (and don't beat yourself up over what is over and done with)

3 years ago we pretty much had CC's paid off and were living the high life...hubby got laid off TWICE, I had some medical issues, a car died and had to be replaced, etc etc .......and here we are standing on our heads , knee deep in stinky stuff (LOL!)

**marei** · 07-22-2006, 11:58 PM

You have come to the right place to get you back on track. If there's a way to save money somebody here has thought of it. Read all of the old posts, so many good ideas. Think of it as being a challenge and try not to think you are being deprived. I love a challenge and am always so happy when I figure out a way to do something in a more frugal way that saves me money.

**SammeyG** · 07-23-2006, 08:48 PM

I agree with all of the other post. I thought that I was in control of mine as well. As well as living the high life. I didn't relize how much in debt that dh and I were. But when I actually starting writing all of the debt down on paper then that wad the real eye opener for me. I have even tried to tell dh how much debt that we were in. We have nearly $11,000 debt. All of it is c.c. It is not including my truck loan. The only good thing that my dh and I have going for us is that our mobil home is paid for. But I am like the rest of the other ladies here if you read all of the post you will get some great tips. I know that I sure have. I have even read some of the old post as well for tips and ideas.