Okay…. So this is a work in progress…. Those of you who know me know that I am the LEAST frugal person in THE world…. I have told some of my closest friends that I am experimenting with this, it is always followed by billowing laughter… Unappreciated, if I do say so myself.
So this makes me want to dive in even further. I may not be frugal, but I am competitive, so I plan to save so much money it knocks all my closest friends socks off…. I don’t feel remotely guilty for getting a good deal, since I have paid my my dues for all these years paying the manufacturers suggested retail price or higher in some cases.
This is a TOTAL work in progress….. I plan on taking steps to figure this new lifestyle out and hopefully all of you walk with me!
But this is what I have learned so far….
1) A treat should feel like a treat. Stuff like Starbucks, going out to dinner, getting new outfits, and other nonessentials should not be a run of the mill occurrence and for me, I have taken these things so for granted that they are no longer even pleasurable, frankly, going out to dinner was almost annoying. I would leave a $4 coffee in the car to go bad. Even worse, buying something for myself was nothing, I felt nothing.
So my first commitment to my new venture was to start treating treats like treats. I made restrictions on my budget for these things, so when I have them I will savor them, and if then I do not, I will release them from my life… You and I both know, Starbucks is not going anywhere!
2) Gifts= Gifts instead of Gifts= Love
I LOVE buying something for someone, I mean, it makes me so thrilled. Now, this up into this new adventure has meant that when I find something for someone I buy it, with out hardly looking at the price. My family and friends do not care remotely how much I spend on them, truthfully, most would rather I did not spend on them at all. That being said…. Who am I really buying for, them, or myself? So here is what my plan is to do…. I will be much more creative, take my time, and remember, gifts are not love, love is love.
SO I am drastically reducing how much I let myself spend on gifts. I plan to give more love and appreciation, if someone does not want that, maybe I don’t want them as a friend anyway.
3) Categories and Budgets
J and I went through our quicken and figured out what we have averaged year to date, luckily I had that history, but if you do not, record what you spend everyday for a month ON EVERYTHING, and you will have these numbers. We then discussed and brainstormed on each section of our life to see what we wanted to eliminate, the amount of money that this will save you is AMAZING!
The best part about this, I have a little notebook on a page turned sideways it has each category, the monthly budget, and room below for all your expenses, so you can record them as you go.
I go tomorrow to Stephanie’s to learn her little money saving tricks…. I will report back…. Unless it kills me!
A list is coming soon on money saving tips!
My heart is with you on your journey,
Lizzy
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