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What happened to my resolve?

October 10th, 2007 at 03:12 pm

It has been a while since I've posted, and maybe that has something to do with the fact that I have lost focus regarding frugal living.
I have not been doing as well as I should, and have not been saving as much as I had hoped. I haven't been out of control, but I really have not been following the budget, and have used my credit card, when it wasn't necessary. Shopping on line, and eBay purchases have made a dent, and I purchased a few Christmas gifts, that were more expensive than I had budgeted for.
I hope this realization that I was not controlling my spending will be a wake up call, and will get me back on track.
How does one keep on being frugal month after month, without "falling off the wagon"?

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments »

9 Responses to “What happened to my resolve?”

  1. fern Says:
    October 10th, 2007 at 04:43 pm 1192034593
    1192034593

    First, no one is perfect. I guess it's like alcoholics or dieters in a way, it doesn't matter that you tried not to use the credit card and failed, the important thing is that you tried. And if you keep at it, you will eventually see greater success.

    Being frugal should not be about deprivation. If you don't allow yourself any leeway at all, well, you're only human and you will fail.

    Try 'rewarding' yourself for not shopping by treating yourself in ways that won't cost money.

    Establish some concrete goals and most importantly, write them down. Don't just say, I want to save $1,000 this year, figure out how much per month, and how much per week, you'll have to save to reach that goal. At the end of each week, monitor your progress.

  2. nance Says:
    October 10th, 2007 at 05:46 pm 1192038407
    1192038407

    Thanks, fern. Those ideas are helpful. I guess I also need to drag out the books I have on frugal living, and re-read them for motivation!

  3. My English Castle Says:
    October 10th, 2007 at 06:47 pm 1192042038
    1192042038

    I also like the idea of asking yourself, "What can I do today" to save some money?" It's helped me make some (interesting and often edible) refrigerator meals, motivate me to put the storm windows up, and investigate the benefits fair at work. Sometimes that kind of positive thinking and daily reminder helps.

  4. nance Says:
    October 10th, 2007 at 09:43 pm 1192052618
    1192052618

    My English Castle: That is a great idea. I need to ask myslef that question every day! Actually, today, I did ask myslef why I planned to go to the co op to buy some expensive cheese, and decided we don't NEED it. So, I didn't go! Thanks.

  5. denisentexas Says:
    October 11th, 2007 at 04:29 am 1192076987
    1192076987

    Nance, perhaps your resolve ran off with my gumption? It's been MIA lately! Actually, I think Fern is right that it's like other things and any progress is still progress.

    I have to say one thing that helps me is counting before I make a purchase. I don't just count to 10, though. Sometimes I get way past that. And sometimes I spend the money anyway but I don't have guilt afterwards because it was a conscious decision to spend it. Another thing that has helped lately is what My English Castle suggested - asking myself what can I do today to save money. The answer is usually staring me in the face but I'm learning to be more aware of it.

    It's a process and while I'm just beginning it, I'm working it every day. Keep it up - you'll do fine. Smile

  6. reflectionite Says:
    October 11th, 2007 at 06:09 am 1192082959
    1192082959

    i find that when i dont blog here regularly i spend more money! weird!
    i've also found that when you write down your expenses it seems to help (i dont know if you write down your expenses?).

  7. Carolina Bound Says:
    October 11th, 2007 at 01:59 pm 1192111186
    1192111186

    If you practice frugal living long enough, it becomes as much a part of you as your heartbeat! Just keep at it, and keep pulling yourself back on the wagon!

  8. momandmurray Says:
    October 11th, 2007 at 02:26 pm 1192112813
    1192112813

    Before blogging was even thought of, my mother wrote down every single cent she spent. She had a little flip notebook that she had faithfully in her purse at all times. She has hundreds of those notebooks from 1962 on. Each day she wrote what she spent and on what, what she wanted to buy, but didn't, and how much money she saved and put into her account. When my parents married,they had $117 in 1963 and a car that only went in reverse. With her habits and my fathers work habits, they retired in 1981 at the age of 39. Yes, she fell off the wagon a few times, but writing it down helped it become a habit. She would have loved the blogging of her habits, but she was ahead of her time. She once told me that she questioned some of her decisions on not purchasing things as we grew up. And, I am sure I was not happy when I didn't get the latest barbie or the new record. But, because she didn't spend money on things that I would have quickly forgotten, I got to travel the world when I got older. You can change your habits and your future with some little effort. Write it down. The good, the bad, and the ugly. You will become a hero, to yourself, your husband, children, and friends. Good Luck!

  9. nance Says:
    October 11th, 2007 at 02:33 pm 1192113217
    1192113217

    Thanks everyone, those are great words of encouragement.
    I think I am on the way to getting back on track. Focus, focus, focus, is the only way to go.

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