What keeps you going?

[jill5]

I constantly struggle with staying "on the frugal wagon" as you might say.
I keep seeing things that I think I "need" or start dreaming of vacations, etc.
How do you stay focused?
The hard part for me is that we can actually afford to do stuff, but we need to pay down our debt and start saving more.... but I see the money there and think that I should spend it... know what I mean? Obviously though this gets me into trouble because I start with a little spending and that turns into a lot of spending and then we have a big credit card debt... it's still there!

Any tips for staying focused??
Thanks!!

[Momto2Boyz]

I always had trouble staying focused too. Dh and I had a really easy time with money for the first several years we were together. It was always there to be spent (and sometimes saved, but more often spent), so I never thought about it not being there... until we both lost our jobs at the same time, with a newborn in the house. Suddenly, we had no money and no idea of how we were going to buy formula or diapers or even ramen noodles for ourselves.

I think it was hitting that "rock bottom" for us that made me realize how important it was to save my money for when it is needed. Plus, we have realized over the years that the material things just don't make us as happy as they once did. I found myself buying things for us or the house, only to sell them a few months later at a garage sale for a quarter! I realized I would have just been better never buying them! So, I had to examine my spending habits seriously in order to change them!

[Jskell911]

I used to be the same way! If it was there it must be spendable-LOL!

Now I view frugality as not only a necessity, but a fun challenge. The fun part helps keep me focused. We choose this lifestyle, and really do enjoy it so that helps. But yes, I get the wants. Or the I deserves.... etc. So, I try to do the wait and see method. If I put off the buying I usually find I really didn't want it too much anyway.

[WV_mom_of2]

I have this problem too. We don't have much extra money, but when we do have it, I can think of a million ways to spend it LOL. Lately I've been trying to find a good use for the money immediately and then I put it there. For instance, I will use a vacation check that my dh gets for paying the property taxes. I know what we owe on, where the money is going and I immediately put it there! Then it's gone and no chance of spending it.
This week I'm working on a list of financial goals for my family. When I get the urge to go shopping for the heck of it or to buy something I don't need, I get out that list and look at it and it keeps me focused!

[Samigirl]

I listen to the Dave Ramsey Show online, and I come to Frugal Village to keep me motivated. I'm here daily, reminding myself of what can be accomplished with some sacrifice. It helps me to know I'm not alone in this journey. There are many others who are on this same path....and some, who have crossed that debt-free finish line. It CAN be done! Don't forget to treat yourself to a little "blow money" (within reason). You don't want to get burned out.

[TheRootedNomad]

I just keep thinking about not "having to work" and "that the house will be ours soon".

In the short term I try to stay focused playing frugal games with things so I can get some of those wants/needs with the money I save in other areas. Like saving money one month on groceries to buy paint for a room.

[justpeachy92]

Being frugal doesn't mean we can't have nice things, go on vacations, etc. In my opinion it means doing those things without going into debt. What fun is a week in Disney on credit, if it is going to take 3 years to pay that trip off. To keep me from overspending on little things and encourage me to save for those fun things. I treat the fun things as a mini goal. If I wanted to take the kids to Disney next year, I would figure out now how much cash I will need to do that. I would set aside a certain amount per week. To keep me from freely using the debit or credit card I wrap a picture around the cards of what my little goal is, seeing the picture when I pull out the card generally stops me from spending on a non-needed item at the moment.

[luv-my-lexi]

My focus on frugal living is that I am no longer a "slave" to a full-time job. I am not one of those that "can do it all" and I just always felt tired and like nothing was done quite "right". Now after getting our finances under control I only work 3 hours a day and LOVE it. If/when this ends I plan on being a SAHM. If I want to constantly shop, blow money, try to keep up with the Joneses, etc. I would "GET" to go back to work full-time and that just is not for me.

I also LOVE visiting this frugal village forum to keep me motivated. Everyone here is AWESOME!!

[geckoace]

i let myself have an inexpensive treat every now and then and i do listen to dave almost everyday

[jill5]

Being frugal doesn't mean we can't have nice things, go on vacations, etc. In my opinion it means doing those things without going into debt. What fun is a week in Disney on credit, if it is going to take 3 years to pay that trip off. To keep me from overspending on little things and encourage me to save for those fun things. I treat the fun things as a mini goal. If I wanted to take the kids to Disney next year, I would figure out now how much cash I will need to do that. I would set aside a certain amount per week. To keep me from freely using the debit or credit card I wrap a picture around the cards of what my little goal is, seeing the picture when I pull out the card generally stops me from spending on a non-needed item at the moment.

I love that idea!! We are hoping to go to Disney next year or the year after.
Good idea!

[nodmicks]

Being frugal doesn't mean we can't have nice things, go on vacations, etc. In my opinion it means doing those things without going into debt. What fun is a week in Disney on credit, if it is going to take 3 years to pay that trip off. To keep me from overspending on little things and encourage me to save for those fun things. I treat the fun things as a mini goal. If I wanted to take the kids to Disney next year, I would figure out now how much cash I will need to do that. I would set aside a certain amount per week. To keep me from freely using the debit or credit card I wrap a picture around the cards of what my little goal is, seeing the picture when I pull out the card generally stops me from spending on a non-needed item at the moment.

I agree 100% with you! We took two cash vacations back when we still had debt. We took some debt free too. To be being frugal is cutting corners where things are not important to us to have $ to do the things that are important to us.

[santoria]

it keeps me going when we have a lean month for pay and don't have to cut way back on anything, we're already used to keeping it frugal.

then in the good months its just amazing that there's extra!

[Starlight9803]

I try to stay as focused as possible with staying frugal. Sometimes I get off track, especially since DH tends to be the spender, and sometimes I feel like I am the only one sacrificing in order to achieve our goals. I find that concentrating on frugal things I enjoy (gardening, reading books from the library) help, also, we treat ourselves to several camping trips a year at a campground about an hour away. It's far enough to feel like a vacation, but close enough so that gas/etc doesn't become a huge issue. No, it's not an all-inclusive resort get away, but when the alternative is not having a "break" at all, you learn to enjoy what works within the budget. We still have debt to conquer, but planning (and saving up for) some small indulgences help us to not feel deprived.

[forHISglory]

My motivations for staying frugal has changed over the years. My family struggled financially when I was a child, and that gave me motivation to keep on saving and not go into debt very much. Later, my inlaws inspired me to live the simple life and never go into debt. Still later, I focused on the long term goals I wanted to achieve, and the peace I felt at not having to turn my money over to other people. Finally, I was motivated by being close to retirement and wanting to retire early and live a good life.

[Athena31]

I agree with rewarding ourselves form time to time for being frugal even if this means a new item of clothing from goodwill. Life should have some fun you know?