Purchasing/use/lifestyle habits you had to consciously break?

**acidcookie** · 01-25-2008, 11:33 AM

What routine ways did you used to live in that you had to consciously undo in the name of frugality. I had to break out of the routine way of buying produce that I grew up with. I grew up always have apples, bananas, oranges, and potatoes in the house, and maybe something else. But I've had to train myself that it's ok to eat lots of a certain kind of fruit for a while and then others for a while. So I maybe eat pineapple for weeks on end when it's cheaper, and then consume mostly yams but no salad for a while, etc. I had to get over the mindset that I should always have broccoli or always have carrots, or whatever. I do still buy bananas year round because they're always $.29/lb and usually buy apples simply because they keep well and are easy to grab and go.

So, what about you?

**bumplett** · 01-25-2008, 11:40 AM

eating out whenever I felt like it ~ that's still a tough one for me -

**rachelMcK** · 01-25-2008, 11:56 AM

My mom has 2 fridges and 3 freezers at her home. One freezer is for meat, one is for convenience foods like frozen entrees, veggies etc and the other is for deserts like ice cream. And I'm not talking about a fridge freezer combo, I'm talking 3 full size deep freezes. Growing up with all that food and then living on what I can now is a huge adjustment.

**mamber79** · 01-25-2008, 12:25 PM

Eating out is one that I cannot break. I have it down to once a week at sit down and maybe once a week fast food for me if i dont have kids. I was used to 4 times a week sit down, so its better.

**Darlene** · 01-25-2008, 01:11 PM

My biggy was when I was first out on my own and thought that only magicians could cook. Too much time & trouble to make things from scratch. I used to by those suddenly soup things where you just add water & thought that was cooking,lol. I've come along way, eat better,save money and it really doesn't take alot of time & effort to do so.

**StaceyS** · 01-25-2008, 01:32 PM

My hardest was eating/drinking out. I have a lot of single friends who can spend HOURS at the bar (I live in Nevada so we also have slot machines at the bar!). I have completely given up the gambling and now go out MAYBE once a month with friends. It's hard to see your friends lose hundreds of dollars at one sitting! Plus, bar food is horrible for your waistline!

**jvera** · 01-25-2008, 01:52 PM

I'm still trying to break myself from eating out so much. I have back pain if I stand for very long, so trying to cook a meal is torture for me and then having to do dishes is awful. I've promised myself to wean going out for fast food and cook at least 3 to 4 meals a week.

**qtkitty** · 01-25-2008, 05:49 PM

Eatting out.. its still hard for me to break

**peanut** · 01-25-2008, 05:57 PM

Definitely eating out was my big problem. Also spending on educational stuff. I homeschooled my girls, and I did not go cheap! If a 'field trip' to the other end of the country was what they needed to teach them something, it became our summer vacation. The most expensive field trip is a toss up between whalewatching in B.C. or the time we went to Nfld. We live on the Prairies!

Jean

**claimsgirl66** · 01-25-2008, 07:47 PM

I think my "thing" is grocery related.

Buying and eating foods that are on sale vs. making a list of what I want and planning a meal around those wants. After a while you get a stockpile and can toss together a large variety of meals though.

But I had to get away from the " Oh I want cantaloupe and chicken, etc." this week so that is what I will put on my list and buy.

Now I buy what is on sale & stock up when a good deal. So if I eat turkey burgers, canned mandarin oranges or bananas bought on sale for 1 week, that is fine!

**Toonces2** · 01-25-2008, 08:03 PM

I used to buy convenience foods more often. Also junk food. Now I buy healthy whole foods to cook from scratch and no junk and my grocery bill has gone down and so has my clothing size.

Also I stopped getting pizza take out once a week. Thats a $30 savings a week alone.

**Mamaof2rugrats** · 01-25-2008, 09:42 PM

I stopped eating out entirely. Now I may go out to eat every few months.
I started making a list and having a budget for groceries and really sticking to it.
I quit buying clothes that we didn't need. That used to be something I would spend a good deal of money on. Well, not alot of money because it was just WalMart or something like that but still, money that didn't need to be spent.
I quit buying single portion groceries and started buying bulk to save money.
Got rid of my cable.

**Marie78** · 01-25-2008, 10:02 PM

It was hard for me to give up prepared frozen lunches, but I have eliminated them completely and now I bring dinner leftovers or soup and PB&J.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 01-26-2008, 03:32 AM

Going thru the drive thru when I'm exhausted, buying convenience foods (frozen meals, boxed helper meals, bisquick). Buying new clothes when I saw something "cute" I'd like to have. Buying already-made dessert whenever I want it.

I've overcome these for the most part...though sometimes I fall "prey" to the bakery.

**Daisygirl** · 01-26-2008, 05:47 AM

Wow, as I read through this I find nearly everyone's financial transgressions revolve around food.

I'm pitching my name into the hat too. I have cut way back on convenience foods and eating out. I have also cut out my moorning routine of getting drive-thru coffee every morning on my way to work. Often, coffee would turn into coffee and a muffin, or and iced cappacino, and boom $3 a day on NOTHING!