celebrating the small things

**mek42** · 04-26-2010, 07:52 PM

I had been planning a trip to visit a couple Craigslist sellers for some good deals on a couple toys this weekend. After doing the budget for next week, I'm having trouble making the numbers work. So I sent them both an email explaining that I had car repairs that went over-budget over the weekend and could I come out in 2 weeks? (I live about 100 miles from both sellers who are in the same city, so time is a concern too.)

During these two weeks I'll be able to replenish my BEF and pay off the Home Depot card. Then I will go treat myself for getting the first card paid off. This delayed gratification thing was hard for me, but I'm already feeling less stressed.

I almost think it is silly to post this, but I guess I could use some affirmation for these lifestyle change beginnings.

**Vanilla** · 04-26-2010, 08:08 PM

Thank you for your post. I need the inspiration.

**daughter of pearl** · 04-26-2010, 08:29 PM

How you handled this is great, and I'm so glad you posted it. It's important to acknowledge the little things that prove that you are really learning new ways of doing things!

Good job!

**porembam** · 04-26-2010, 09:28 PM

Are you still buying the toys or are you going to save in the future for deals.

**mek42** · 04-26-2010, 10:06 PM

If they are still available in two weeks (closer to three - 15 May), I'm going to get them to celebrate the first BS2 card payoff. My plan is to treat myself with a small toy purchase after I payoff each card.

**Siebrie** · 04-27-2010, 04:57 AM

If the toysellers are 100 miles away, it's going to be an expensive toy, because you use so much gas in getting there. Have you added that amount to the price of the toy? Is it cheaper for them to send it to you?

While you're in the other town, have you planned on doing other errants? Do they have a store with great prices, a yard sale weekend, family you can visit, an interesting free museum, etc?

**mek42** · 04-27-2010, 07:35 AM

I am planning to also visit a friend while out there. Even with gas, the cost of the toys will be under market if they are in reasonable condition.

**Darlene** · 04-27-2010, 08:39 AM

Learning to work with a budget isn't a little thing, good for you for seeing what your priorities should be and holding off.

I'm guessing that maybe after these 2 weeks you may even reconsider if the toys are really something you want after all. Sometimes the reward is just saying "I really don't need that" and being OK with it.

I'd still meet the friend half way and make a day of it. Having a picnic and just walking around and talking and laughing your hearts out.

**frugal is fun** · 04-27-2010, 03:36 PM

its all about the baby steps! great job!

**Debbie-cat** · 04-27-2010, 03:56 PM

Great job! It will be so worth waiting for.

**mek42** · 04-27-2010, 08:58 PM

About the same time I started reading Dave Ramsey I had a different life event that prompted me to re-evaluate my spiritual beliefs. While I cannot with any sort of honesty say that I am glad that the car repairs went over budget, I do recognize that the timing of them happening right now as I am making some lifestyle changes led to my decision to delay gratification. Even a couple months ago I would have likely put the toy purchase as a higher priority than debt reduction. In the end, I am glad that I have had the chance to exercise restraint*, even though I am in no way fond of the situation that led to the decision.

This sort of thinking is also a new way of thinking for me. I hope I chose words that allow you to understand.

*and it was exercise, albeit of the mental variety ...