tips for avoiding frugal burnout?

**Sara Noel** · 12-10-2007, 09:10 PM

Some people start feeling frustrated with frugality. What are your tips for avoiding burnout? It can be difficult especially around the holidays when you see such excessive spending or having a spouse that's not on board. What prevents you from throwing in the towel and simply giving up?

**baxjul** · 12-10-2007, 10:03 PM

Can't wait to read everyone's tips!!! I have none and really need motivation in this area!

**justpeachy92** · 12-10-2007, 11:07 PM

For me it is budgeting in some mad money. Even if it is just $5 a month I can spend anyway I want without accounting for it, keeps me from feeling that my frugal efforts aren't just a way of self-deprivation.

**acidcookie** · 12-10-2007, 11:19 PM

Definitely, allowing myself to blow some money, like justpeachy said.

For me it's allowing myself the occasional time at a coffee, shop, lunch out with a friend, etc., because I'm more into those things than buying things.

**frugal-fannie** · 12-11-2007, 03:36 AM

Not sure where I read this, but it was a great idea.Go shopping and look all you want then buy a gift cert. for a small amount. Save them up and get yourself something nice.That way you cover your urge to shop. You can also give them as gifts if something unexpected comes up.

**monkeymia** · 12-11-2007, 04:02 AM

Wonderful tips, I will keep these in mind.

**Nantahala** · 12-11-2007, 05:16 AM

Nix "all or nothing" thinking before it gets crazy. If I slip up with something I don't let it spiral out of control, one "off the list purchase" at the grocery does not mean I can't budget and therefore I should blow the entire month with insane spending.

**baxjul** · 12-11-2007, 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by frugal-fannie

Not sure where I read this, but it was a great idea.Go shopping and look all you want then buy a gift cert. for a small amount. Save them up and get yourself something nice.That way you cover your urge to shop. You can also give them as gifts if something unexpected comes up.

That is a great idea!!!!!

toile · 12-11-2007, 07:04 AM

I have to have a goal at all times to stay consistant.
The goal can be large or small.

Sometimes too... I have to move to another frugal area if I get burned out in one area.

To be honest this site has always kept me from burning out.
I read here forever before joining.
You all are a motivating bunch

**shoiji** · 12-11-2007, 08:54 AM

Someone else has suggested this and I realize I have been doing this. Go "shopping" in your own home. I have found incense I forgot about, soaps, even a cast iron griddle. Reseasoned the griddle. Also doing this makes me realize I really don't need anything. Also setting aside some "monthly mad money" helps. Usually around $20.

**Ceashels** · 12-11-2007, 09:08 AM

I keep a stash of mad money as well. I try not to dip into it, but it has helped me when I have the urges. Yesterday I dipped into it for baking supplies so I can make cookie and cake gifts for the people in my bell choir and assorted others. So I splurged on my urge and have gifts to give in the end which saves me money. I love that logic!

**Hardy1** · 12-11-2007, 10:55 AM

I love the shopping in your own home idea. Today I found a pretty cool T shirt which will fit my 13 yr old step son (prob bought for the 21 yr old but forgotten about- label still on!!), an unopened set of Simpsons playing cards and a few gift tags which should mean i have enough now for this year (I often clip out scenes from old Christmas cards and use them but if DH needs some he'll just buy some over-priced pack!!)
When I need a break from being frugal I sometimes watch a TV programme here in UK called Spendaholics - maybe you've got something the same? It certainly keeps me frugal!
other times i go to a really nice coffee shop or tea room and have something like a chai tea latte or pot of tea. Maybe bring a book with me to read and just relax.
W

**Tango** · 12-11-2007, 11:20 AM

I always plan to spend about $100 extra in december. I also stay out of places like malls and walmart until at least mid January. I entertain at home and have homemade meals or potlucks and bake from scratch. We do go out for a few parties but always go with people who are frugal like us so the parties and restaurant chioces are always easy on the budget. For the most part we have a wonderful time in december just by letting everyone know we want to celebrate the season with them in a more relaxing way.

**acidcookie** · 12-11-2007, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by shoiji

Someone else has suggested this and I realize I have been doing this. Go "shopping" in your own home. I have found incense I forgot about, soaps, even a cast iron griddle. Reseasoned the griddle.

This is a great idea!

**daisymay1960** · 12-11-2007, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by Hardy1

I love the shopping in your own home idea. Today I found a pretty cool T shirt which will fit my 13 yr old step son (prob bought for the 21 yr old but forgotten about- label still on!!), an unopened set of Simpsons playing cards and a few gift tags which should mean i have enough now for this year (I often clip out scenes from old Christmas cards and use them but if DH needs some he'll just buy some over-priced pack!!)
When I need a break from being frugal I sometimes watch a TV programme here in UK called Spendaholics - maybe you've got something the same? It certainly keeps me frugal!
other times i go to a really nice coffee shop or tea room and have something like a chai tea latte or pot of tea. Maybe bring a book with me to read and just relax.
W

Just Watched Spendaholics tonight , i find programmes like that give me inspiration , also here in the UK we have the moneysaving expert sight