Where else have you changed?

[sarah4554]

Re: Where else have you changed?

I am careful not to over consume. If I want something I try to see why I want it. Does my family have a need for it or do I just want it to ie; keep up with the Jones, feel better, I am bored, think it will make my life happier.

Everything especially food has a value. I am careful what types of food I buy, what types of food I cook, and to not eat excessively. I budget for normal eating if I decided to pig out one day that takes away from food available for later on in the week.

I try to stay organized so that I do not buy duplicate of things, I also organize my coupons, and my finances.

I try to manage my time so that I am most efficient. The more efficient I am the greater my earning potential.

I am conscious of energy usage and the amount of trash we produce as a family. I try to recycle as much as I can. (Not only traditional recycling but also finding household uses for items that normally would be thrown away.)

I try to find friends that are like minded with similiar family situations. I like to barter clothes, food, babysitting time, magazines, and toys with my friends.

[tgavin71]

Re: Where else have you changed?

The most significant aspect of our lives has been a change of friends. Prior to simplifying our lives we associated with what we thought were friends. Turns out that our friendships were sustained by going out to pubs, clubs, restaurants and shopping. ONce we elimated these the friendships all but died out. We would easy spend $100 on a night out for the two of us.
Now the friends we have are on the same wave length and we do frugal pastimes together.

[Snoopy2645]

Re: Where else have you changed?

I have changed also in that I try to find free things to do not stuff that cost money!!! I dont go out on the town much with friends anymore maybe one time a year!! I think I have started working again since I found this board. I went from sahm to working pt to next month ft so I have found ways to help with families finances without much changing for the family

[Ima saver]

Re: Where else have you changed?

I am really trying hard not to buy anything from the grocery store unless it is on sale. That does not always work, but I keep a list in my purse of things I will only buy when they are on sale.

[Broken Arrow]

Re: Where else have you changed?

I went through a very messy divorce where I felt like I was the miserly bad guy who didn't want other people (namely my ex) to be happy. For a while, I felt isolated and guilty.

After meeting you guys here, especially hearing from so many women with a similar financial mindset as mine, I didn't feel as bad. It was like, "Look! There are women who thinks frugality is a good idea!"

So, being in a supportive environment has really helped me cope, and for that, I thank you all.

[kealina]

Re: Where else have you changed?

we've always been good at daily saving with vague long-term goals but since i've come here i've been paying more attention to long-term goals and savings and all the details...

[Great to be Debt Free]

Re: Where else have you changed?

I've only joined recently, but I am much more aware of what I was wasting. Money, energy, water, landfill space, etc. Now time is the one area I need to manage better. Currently I am so drawn to this site that I spend more time here than I should -- no offense, but with DH working out of town I am really isolating myself too much. So, in an effort to do better, and a way to further reduce costs I will definitely go to the gym tomorrow and then I'll shower there and use their hot water! We pay a lot for our membership, but it is really necessary for both of us and we are in a good financial place (no debt except house, etc., etc). And we go alot (usually 4-5 x per week, and me sometimes 2x a day). Just last week I got off track.

[Bookie]

Re: Where else have you changed?

It's still a financial change, but this place has absolutely ruined impulse spending for me.

The innocent joy of casually picking up a gadget because it looks useful gets hauled up short as the impulse police start their interrogation:

• What will this do that you cannot do without it?
• How have you managed to accomplish the same task in the past?
• What do you currently have that would serve as an alternative?
• How often do you really expect to use said gadget?

"All right already. I'll put it back." Thrift is such a killjoy.

[LuxLiving]

Re: Where else have you changed?

Bookie - those were so well articulated!!

Broken Arrow - you are among the friendlies now!! I love the little cabins you highlighted the other day!

[Ima saver]

Re: Where else have you changed?

It is amazing how long you can go without spending money, other than paying bills and buying groceries.

[Great to be Debt Free]

Re: Where else have you changed?

That's certainly true, at the same time, not spending on frivolous things means money can be available to help someone else out. My friend was in a car accident today -- everyone's okay but her car is totalled. Not her fault, the other driver ran a light. But I have a "gift and occasion" budget and so I was able to send her flowers. Just to let her know I'm glad she's okay and everything will work out. It's a small gesture, but one she'll get today, when she needs it. She has no sig other, and she loves fresh flowers but won't splurge on them for herself. I may be miles away, but she knows I'm here for her...

[Ima saver]

Re: Where else have you changed?

That is very sweet of you.!! That is worth splurging on.

[rob62521]

Re: Where else have you changed?

Hey, Broken Arrow, there are both men and women who are frugal -- you just met the wrong one, apparently. Glad you feel supported -- it can be a lonely ole' world out there!

[Broken Arrow]

Re: Where else have you changed?

Thank rob. I realize that now, but not before, when my perspective of women was largely shaped by one woman.

I've also become twice as determined towards financial goals since being here.

[Ima saver]

Re: Where else have you changed?

I even got my husband use to warmer temp. in the house. i use to keep the a/c set at about 70-72! Now I keep it on 77 for me in the daytime and turn it down to 76 for him at night. Last night it was running,(a/c) and dh says to me, it is too cool in here. It ws 76 in here so I turned it off. My elec. bill show that I used 100's of kilowatts less this year as compared to last year.