angle
Sometimes it’s hard to think about how far I’ve come when all I’ve been thinking about is how far I have left to go. For the record, since October of last year, I’ve increased my net worth by over $10,000, I’ve paid off 84% of my old credit card debt, I’ve started to save for retirement, I’ve rebuilt my small emergency fund, I’ve taken a major step towards increasing my earning potential, and I’ve crafted a plan for becoming a homeowner. Stay tuned, but I’m almost positively certain that when I check my credit report again, even my credit, which was already good, will be better. I think it’s good to look at things from that angle. It’s so easy to say, "why eat out when there’s food in the fridge," because I’ve had to from necessity, in order to keep my spending under control. It’s the be-thankful-and-appreciative-for-what-you-have angle. I need to remember this about accomplishments as well: the be-thankful-and-appreciative-for-what-you’ve-DONE angle, in order to keep my self-criticism under control.
Maybe this is the negative effect of a deadline. I was so disappointed to see that it was less likely that I’d pay off the old cc debt by Dec. 31st. That deadline was great, because it helped me push myself - despite my odds, I’m still reaching for it. But the disappointment of possible failure feels rotten. Rotten enough to make me feel like slacking off. Rotten enough to make me resentful of my stingy frugal spending.
I feel like some kind of addict, always battling temptation lately. I went home craving Chinese takeout. But I was good (being broke helped with that), and I ate Thanksgiving leftovers instead. Another thing that helped was keeping busy. I found something to do and kept at it until it was time to go to bed. It was a good distraction from the temptation.
Thanks to all you commenters for reading about my journey, and offering your encouragement. It truly helps! Some of you suggested that I get a small reward for myself, now, to beat away the blues, and later, after I pay off the old credit card debt for good. Any suggestions?
How about something complete frivilous (but inexpensive) for your reward? Something that you don’t need and usually wouldn’t buy for yourself.
Is it years of frugality that’s zapped my imagination away? I’m having trouble thinking of something like this. A CD maybe?
Comment by GeckoGirl — November 28, 2007 @ 11:16 am
Since shopping is on your “to do” list how about The Lucky Shopping Manual or a similiar book on building your wardrobe. It’s a great treat and by the time you are done deciding how to best build your wardrobe you’ll be ready to get your shop on.
Hmm… never heard of it. I’ll check this idea out.
Comment by c2a — November 28, 2007 @ 11:42 am
Don’t slack off! Keep the faith! No suggestions on the gift thing but it sounds like a good idea. I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to “treat” myself to in the coming weeks. I bought my best friend a GPS yesterday after doing some thorough research and price comparisons ($149 on sale at Best Buy!)–and got lost myself on the way to get it…Will probably be getting one for myself soon. That would give my apt to get lost self peace of mind like I’ve never had before while alone in my car. lol Happy hunting!
GPS navigators are the best. I got one last Christmas that works through my laptop, and it has been invaluable!
Comment by Sugar — November 28, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
I suggest you do something like a movie or go shopping but limit yourself to $20.00. You can get a nice pair og earrings or something fashionable for the money. Now is good time due to holiday sales.
I know seeing a movie in the theatre and getting a kid size popcorn ($7.00) made me feel SSSOOOO good. Just being out and doing something frivilous for very little is so amazing.
When I reach my goals, hopefully by June-July, 2008, I am taking myself on a shopping spree with a paycheck from my part time job. Maybe you can do that also. Take a few hundred dollars and go shopping once you have reached your goal.
Welllll… there ARE some movies that I’ve been wanting to see. I suppose I could pick one and go see a movie… I didn’t think about this before I asked you guys, but now I have to choose from various options. LOL!
Comment by Rhonalala — November 28, 2007 @ 12:57 pm
I’m feeling a little frustrated this month with my networth decrease…
i’m sorry. perhaps you could get engrossed in something to get your mind off of it?
Comment by SavingDiva — November 28, 2007 @ 3:13 pm
If a CD is something you wouldn’t usually buy, then sure. I was thinking along the lines of something indulgent though - perhaps $20 worth of fancy chocolate that you would never buy otherwise because it costs too much. Or if you’re the type who usually buys Suave, go buy some fancy scented lotion or candles.
ohhhhh….. i get it! like that candy i like but never buy. shoot, i could go for some of that right now!
Comment by GeckoGirl — November 28, 2007 @ 3:27 pm
Hmmm.. My suggestion, you can probably guess. SHOES! Go out and buy some hot shoes! You can even get some classic ones that you can wear to work..
LOL! Why does this suggestion not surprise me!
Comment by S23 — November 28, 2007 @ 6:55 pm
No, no, and no! Don’t give into the temptation. Do not indulge in ANYTHING. It will only tease you. That’s like a dieter saying let me have ONE cookie. No! Stay focused on the goal. When you finally reach the other side, you can treat yourself to whatever you want without limitations. I will probably take this route, but not because I have unflappable resolve. It’s actually because I’m so used to being frugal, my thinking has changed. And it is actually hard for me to spend money on stuff now, especially if it’s for something I don’t usually buy or for something fun and frivolous - I take every spending decision seriously (which is sometimes a drag), and that will probably keep me from the movies, or the lotions at Vickie’s, or away from those little chocolates I like.
Finances is more about the way you think than the actual money itself. For example: you’ve paid off 84% of your old CC debt. Think: I only have 16% left to go, I can do this! Or, I’ve been frugal for XX months. Man, if I can do this for XX more months, I wonder if I can increase my NW by another $10k.
Deadlines are motivational benchmarks, not final destinations that are carved in stone. Making it a movable target will not negate your previous efforts. Don’t beat yourself up, adjust the deadline and keep it moving.
So when can you pay off the remaining 16%? By February? Hmm…just in time to treat your honey to a fabulous Valentine’s date!
Actually, I was thinking that if I do miss the Dec. 31st deadline that Jan. 31st gives me ample time to clean up the excess. But I won’t extend the deadline until the end of December, ‘cause that’s when I’ll know what I’m capable of paying by the end of the month.
Comment by Single Ma — November 28, 2007 @ 9:53 pm
“For the record, since October of last year, I’ve increased my net worth by over $10,000, I’ve paid off 84% of my old credit card debt, I’ve started to save for retirement, I’ve rebuilt my small emergency fund, I’ve taken a major step towards increasing my earning potential, and I’ve crafted a plan for becoming a homeowner”
Man, I’m impressed! You Rock!
Thanks so much! I hope you’re making big strides for yourself, knowing that if I can make progress, you can too!
Comment by Constance — November 28, 2007 @ 10:39 pm
What are your thoughts on Flexible Spending Accounts? I just signed up for mine at work yesterday and I kind of wish I had last year, but I didn’t really take time to think about it before declining. I was talking to a friend of mine today and she says she’s going to use the money in hers to pay for Lasik next year.
Frankly, I don’t know much about them outside of what other bloggers talk about. My job doesn’t offer one.
Comment by Sugar — November 29, 2007 @ 2:24 am
@ #8 - Different strategies work for different people. However, to use the diet analogy, most diet plans DO tell you to eat a cookie every once in a while. If you eat nothing but veggies all the time, you will begin to feel deprived and binge on a whole bag of cookies. But if you allow yourself ONE cookie every week (akin to a frivilous $20 once a month), you will be more likely to stick to your diet and meet your goals.
My latest complaints have been happening because I think I’m craving a really good cookie. I’m not saying I never eat out - here and there, I’ll get some cheap takeout or fast food. But other than that, I don’t spend money on frivolous things. A month or so ago, I blogged about buying a CD. That’s because before buying that one, I hadn’t bought one since sometime in 2006. Y’all, I am TIGHT. I haven’t been to the movies since Dreamgirls came out. I think I just wanted to do something like that.
@ #10 - There are no downsides to an FSA as long as you will actually use the money. You save on taxes and the expense is spread out over the year vs all at once.
Comment by GeckoGirl — November 29, 2007 @ 10:57 am
@ Gecko - True, different things work for different people. Therefore, it is MY opinion that when a person is trying to achieve a goal, they should stay focused until the goal is reached (avoid any and all distractions), THEN celebrate - guilt free. “Eating nothing but veggies all the time” is not comparable to living a frugal (yet enjoyable) lifestyle, which I assume Sistah Ant does. Otherwise, I would probably agree with you.
Comment by Single Ma — November 29, 2007 @ 9:40 pm
work out! go for a jog or something. it fixes all types of stress oh and it’s good for you
Comment by russ — December 2, 2007 @ 1:38 pm
Hey, do you have an AMC near you? If you do, email me.
Comment by msminiducky — December 4, 2007 @ 4:00 pm