stumbling blocks?

[Patty A]

What do you find are your stumbling blocks for living frugal?
I know there are some things that really make me stray from the path of being totally frugal. I find that staying on the path is much easier when I make sure I touch base here daily. The people here inspire me, and give me the motivation I need to strive harder at finding ways to make the frugal path easier.

Some of my stumbling blocks are;
Straying from my grocery list, always seem to toss in something extra.
Good sale prices, even when I already have the items I see it many times as a way to stock up.....even if the stock is full.....
Thrift stores......oh man I always find things that are a great deal, but that doesn't mean they are a "need"!

Things that help me stay frugal......
Knowing that frugal living is an on-going challenge, and that I must push myself in more ways to find ways to save and make it a lifestyle change that there is no end to. You keep pushing and learning new things and new ways.

Know that without goals and knowing what destination I want to reach I have nothing to strive for. Goals in budget form can really help you pick a path. You can't follow every path that others do, you have to pick your own way, and keep searching for other ways to help YOU stay on track.

Remember that baby steps are steps in the right direction. It isn't a race, and its ok to take time to check out what is right for me!

How about you, what are you stumbling blocks?

[homesteadmamma]

Mine:

~thrift stores
~yard sales (although I'm much better than I use to be)
~quilting and scrapbooking supplies

What keeps me frugal:
~knowing what my goals are
~my kids (I never wanted them to have to pay my debts after I'm gone, thus no debt. And I want them to learn a lifestyle that will help them as they leave home when it comes to their finances. Whether it stays with them or not, I know being frugal that I've done my best to make it happen.)

[cab54]

Knitting and quilting supplies

[khjmom]

Walking through the craft section will get me in trouble every time. I also get cases of the "I have to spend money, right now." I end up just blowing it. So I have written down my goals where I can see them. I am working on organizing my craft supplies so I can see exactly what I have, no need to buy just because I can't find something. I know that my posting and visiting here, the "I wants" should be easier to deal with.

[known2him5]

Stumbling blocks?

impulse items at the grocery store -- I'll have my list, but see something and think "Oh, I could make such and such, if I had that. . "

new yarns, fabrics -- they are definitely my weakness. I see new yarns and just have to "pet" them, and love to buy them to try.

[MommyBliss]

Impulse shopping and scrapbooking supplies

[elphie]

books... oh how I love books

Our library is small. I have almost depleted the supply of books I'm willing to part with for trade at the used book store which is also small. I tend to finish books quickly and am itching for something new as soon as I finish. There are always used books on Amazon but they don't qualify for the free shipping. I just have to get more creative in finding fresh materials I suppose.

[Starlight9803]

my biggest stumbling block is my DH. He is much more frugal than he used to be, but every once it awhile he gets the "I deserve's" and really gives the budget a hit. On my end, when he does that I have to try hard not to throw myself a little pity party and slack off with my frugal endeavors.

[joyofsix]

Time! I most often stumble ( a fast food meal out, not getting to a project, buying something instead of making it) when I am busy with a project, kids or some other family responsibility. Even having a back up plan doesn't always work if you need a back up to a back up to a back up.

[brennasmom]

Stumbling Blocks:
* not making a weekly menu
* not having easy "go-to" meal ingredients on hand
* I like to eat out. Try not to do it often, but I do love it

There are not a lot of *things* I buy but I must have Yankee Candles and Bath and Body works bubble bath. My indulgences. I did get a gift card to BBW for Christmas so that will help