Do you ever just "crack" from being frugal?

**BlackstoneMama** · 04-26-2007, 04:57 PM

Hi Everyone,

I'm curious if others have noticed the trend that I have noticed in my spending.

I will be frugal for long periods of time to build up reserves and feel real good about my financial position, I mean months and months of leftovers, Salvation Army trips, just about every frugal tip we've posted on these boards and THEN I "CRACK."

I get this "darn, I work so hard and keep so much going in this life, I deserve luxury too!" How awful is that? This sense of entitlement washes over me and I end up spending on over priced items and realizing w/in a couple weeks that it wasn't worth having to pay off the cc's again! (except for the piano I bought a couple months ago...I totally LOVE studying piano!)

What do all of you do if/when that feeling washes over you?

**staceyy** · 04-26-2007, 05:14 PM

Yes, this is why its important to give yourself small free or inexpensive treats on a regular basis. Like giving yourself regular manicures and pedicures, homemade facials, bubble baths, afternoon tea with homemade gourmet desserts, attending the $1 movie theatre etc.

**julieb** · 04-26-2007, 05:15 PM

Well, I have been feeling that way today so I went online and did some financial calculators to see how long before I a debt free. So far it has helped and I know I can do this.

**FrugalMomof3** · 04-26-2007, 05:35 PM

I give myself a treat every now and then to avoid such events, if I get in a "splurge" moment I usually find my way to the thrift shop or a yard sale, that helps ease it a bit.

**BlackstoneMama** · 04-26-2007, 06:21 PM

Nice to know others feel this way too!

I do try to do things for myself occasionally, piano lessons and once a month facials at the salon. Its as if those things have become regulars instead of "luxeries"...my bad, for sure. I will come back to reality.

I think I should take up strenuous running and then when the urge strikes, I'll be too tired to even think about shopping!

**Dancing Lotus** · 04-26-2007, 07:13 PM

When this happens I usualy hang on to whatever it is a bought and in a few weeks when regret kicks in I return it. Lately for me cracking means a trip to salvation army.

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 04-26-2007, 08:09 PM

I guess I agree with the Tightwad Gazette line of thinking. I am frugal so that I can spend as little money on the necessities and have money for the things I want. Do I want to start a college fund for my kids? Do I want to send my child to gymnastics? Do I want that new pair of shoes? Many times I am frugal because I have to be. But many times I am also frugal because I want to spend that money on something else that is important to me.

There are 2 parts to this. Goals is an important one. If you realize that spending for no reason is not in line with your goals, then it should help to stop that. Another part of this is, why do you want to just spend money? Are you cracking because you just need to spend? or because there are things that you have wanted for a long time and you get sick of trying to be frugal to get them and then crack and purchase the stuff on credit? If you are just spending money because you feel like spending money, that is kind of ridiculous when you think about.

When things get really tight I do get frustrated and want to be able to spend money without worrying about it. However, I try to remind myself of why I am being frugal. Also, I save giftcards for these occassions. We get them from Mypoints or as gifts and I save them for when it is really tight financially. Then when I feel frustrated about the lack of money, I go and spend someone elses (the giftcards, not credit cards.)

Good luck and I hope you figure out a solution. I think it is a struggle for everyone, me included.

**Nada.Leona** · 04-26-2007, 08:09 PM

I go hunting for my always handy copy of the Complete Tightwad Gazette, and I start reading. It's almost like a Bible, sometimes -- I just get a great sense of relief.

**claimsgirl66** · 04-26-2007, 08:33 PM

I am like that. However, now that I am more frugal ( thanks to this forum) and have $$ squirrelled away, when I do fall off the wagon, I pay cash and not use credit cards. My indulgence is eating out, so when I do, I do not use the c.c. So I feel it is a small victory.

**IntlMom** · 04-26-2007, 08:35 PM

I don;t really struggle in this area, but then I am always spending my mystery shopping money, watching it grow with each shop that I do. I do around 20-30 shops a month - so I am always out interacting with others, and spending maybe 10.00 of my mystery shopping money for a 10.00 grocery store shop, or doing a 30.00 bank shop, or whatever. It's great - I am able to be out spending my revolving/growing fund, and yet not spend a cent of our budget! It really keeps me personally motivated to be frugal without feeling like I am missing out........

**Marie78** · 04-26-2007, 08:51 PM

I splurged today and I bought a $5 mascarra. I used a coupon and I didn't feel too bad, because my other one was about a year old and I really needed a new one. I wear it a few times a month (when I go out), or daily if I am working outside the home.

**peanut** · 04-26-2007, 08:52 PM

I had that happen the other day. I just snapped over all this frugal stuff. I'm having a hard enough time dealing with my life right now.

My solution? I got on-line and ordered 4 secondhand books. Total cost about $30cdn. I can easily cover it with my allowance when the CC comes due.

Often times I'll go to the secondhand store and buy something, but I didn't have the car to get there!

**Kana** · 04-26-2007, 09:01 PM

This doesn't happen to me too bad, and that's a good thing because I used to be mildly addicted to shopping. First it was handbags, then perfume. I have around 100 bottles (which I am now using up

). Whenever I get the urge to spend I look at my bank balance or spreadsheets and get satisfaction from my progress.

Good luck!!

**she who can not cook** · 04-27-2007, 08:30 AM

i have been good for so long but as i am off on holiday from work this week i find myself going out shopping, nothing for me but i have this feeling of not having done something in my day if i DONT COME HOME WITH MY ARMS FULL of b1g1f

**pkellyc** · 04-27-2007, 11:54 AM

You need to cut yourself a little slack. You didn't acquire your debts all at once and they won't be paid off that way either. It sounds like you need to budget in a little fun without a I won the lottery mentality. Frugal to me is to be able to do what I really want in life and to feel good about it.