I know that most people on this forum are having it hard financially. I was just wondering something.
Since you have discovered this forum have the tips and opinions helped you to spend less money?
Before October of 2008 I was in a serious debt situation. I am sure that most of my financial woes were from wanting material things instead of holding on to the money and saving it for a rainy day. I would sit and watch tv wishing I had the house, cars, clothes and in general the lives those people seemed to have. I was whiny and cross all the time.
One day, I wandered over to this forum and a light went on. Why was I working so hard to have-have-have? What was I trying to prove? I didn't spend any time outside other than to sit by the lake or weed my flower gardens. I couldn't believe what a waste I was making of my time.
Now instead of spending money to entertain myself I have started spending time outside, even on the coldest days I am out there with my chickens or hauling wood, shoveling snow or walking with the dog. I feel better and have saved thousands of dollars in a few months.
Some of the things I have done are:
Stop spending money for everything I want. I make something instead. Beading, quilting or cooking the presents I used to buy for my mom or family.
Stop using credit and debit cards. I would always find myself trying to catch up to the last shopping spree or fun time with the family.
I only shop for groceries every four to five weeks. Suprisingly enough I still only spend the same amount of money that I spent every two weeks. Another suprise, I have more groceries now than ever before.
I shop for soaps and supplies about once every two months, buying enough to keep us until the next time. I even splurged on fancy soap for me. Again, I have more supplies than ever before.
I cut out junk food completely from the grocery bill. I won't buy pizza, chips, pop or candy in the groceries anymore. I won't buy frozen dinners either. My son has lost about thirty pounds and has improved in sports ten fold.
We now have four times as much money set aside than in October. My credit cards are almost paid off again after my little Christmas spree. (which I think I did out of habit)
It feels good to have money in the bank and things to do other than stress about bills.
What have you done to cut down on spending in your homes?
Since you have discovered this forum have the tips and opinions helped you to spend less money?
Before October of 2008 I was in a serious debt situation. I am sure that most of my financial woes were from wanting material things instead of holding on to the money and saving it for a rainy day. I would sit and watch tv wishing I had the house, cars, clothes and in general the lives those people seemed to have. I was whiny and cross all the time.
One day, I wandered over to this forum and a light went on. Why was I working so hard to have-have-have? What was I trying to prove? I didn't spend any time outside other than to sit by the lake or weed my flower gardens. I couldn't believe what a waste I was making of my time.
Now instead of spending money to entertain myself I have started spending time outside, even on the coldest days I am out there with my chickens or hauling wood, shoveling snow or walking with the dog. I feel better and have saved thousands of dollars in a few months.
Some of the things I have done are:
Stop spending money for everything I want. I make something instead. Beading, quilting or cooking the presents I used to buy for my mom or family.
Stop using credit and debit cards. I would always find myself trying to catch up to the last shopping spree or fun time with the family.
I only shop for groceries every four to five weeks. Suprisingly enough I still only spend the same amount of money that I spent every two weeks. Another suprise, I have more groceries now than ever before.
I shop for soaps and supplies about once every two months, buying enough to keep us until the next time. I even splurged on fancy soap for me. Again, I have more supplies than ever before.
I cut out junk food completely from the grocery bill. I won't buy pizza, chips, pop or candy in the groceries anymore. I won't buy frozen dinners either. My son has lost about thirty pounds and has improved in sports ten fold.
We now have four times as much money set aside than in October. My credit cards are almost paid off again after my little Christmas spree. (which I think I did out of habit)
It feels good to have money in the bank and things to do other than stress about bills.
What have you done to cut down on spending in your homes?
