I was a spender. On myself, my ex-wife, the house, cars, and anything I felt was “needed”. This was not addiction but a habit that I thought was normal. The Jones’ do it and I need that thing also. I thought an expensive gift would make up for my drinking. I could not have missed the mark more.
So now my life has changed. Unfortunately, I am divorced with debts.
I decided in March to change my financial mindset. I used the K.I.S.S. method. Keep It Simple Stupid. I try my absolute best to spend zero money besides maintenance of already owned things and basic overheads (food, mortgage, electric bills, ect…).
This decision has made me a resourceful problem solver. I truly enjoy this because it’s fun and rewarding. It’s fun to go an entire day, week, month, and spend only on necessities.
I’ve been experimenting with the thermostat recently. Its HOT in the southeast US these days but I have moved the thermostat up one degree per day. I’m at 78 rather than 71. Totally comfortable. I’m looking forward to the bill rather than dreading it!
I fix anything I can or do without unless it is truly necessary. Life isn’t about what you have, it’s about who you have in you’re life. Best friends, a fantastic partner, well taught kids and If your lucky to have good co-workers you don’t really need anything else. Money can’t buy you love or forgiveness. Money doesn’t change your outlook on life or yourself or your bad habits. My miserly appraoch to drinking probably helped me from becoming even worse or in worse situations. Never went to bars because it was way too pricey. Plus nothing good ever happens at a bar. DUI’s and access to drugs are to name just a few. Glad I could never afford expensive booze etc. Always paid my bills on time. I know so many people that would blow their whole paycheck and say I don’t know what happened. Lol Crazy shit.
Yes!! I took the lockdown opportunity to pay off my overdraft! Bit of calculation and I can do it in 3 months! I also have a lot of loans accrued from being at university, I can have these paid off by February! I still browse online sites for clothes, put things in my basket… And then don’t buy it. I never knew I could ever be this capable financially, and I actually enjoy sitting down monthly and working out the outgoings that are coming out of my wage and the money I have to pay off debts! I’m sewing up my clothes, and washing my shoes instead of buying new ones too!
This is exactly why I posted this! Hoping that others here are thinking about their financial well being along with their sobriety!
Finally facing debt and coming up with a plan to squash it is the most liberating feeling. Going from not wanting to look at the bank account to figuring out you have excess is an amazing feeling. Cutting booze out helped me tremendously because I am able to make much wiser decisions with a clear mind.
My decisions put me into debt. I am seeking freedom now. Even though I still carry debt, just having the plan in place gives me a glimpse of the freedom I will have soon!
Nope, it certainly cannot buy you any of those things…I’ve learned that! But not being enslaved to debts can give me the freedom to do anything I would like.
Spend much more time with my son, drive across the country with no plan. Camp for a week, month. I can not wait!!
We live in Florida, my husband likes 79, prefers 80. I like 78/79. We are lucky to have a seperate AC in our bedroom, so we turn that down at night to 72 so I can sleep…he freezes.
Another frugal New Englander here. One car family. Compost everything we can (composting is easy in sunny Florida!)…we usually have 1/4 of a kitchen trash bag a week…we recycle everything we can. And no leftover goes uneaten if possible. We use all reusable/washable microfiber for sponges, kitchen towels, etc…no paper towels. Cloth napkins. Beeswax wrap, not plastic. Silicone or glass containers for freezer, fridge. Stuff like that. And @C-sun turned me onto the ‘family cloth’ system instead of toilet paper (just for myself, husband, guests get TP). It actually is working amazingly well and is way gentler on my butt. I know, super TMI!
Reuse. Repurpose. Recycle. All that jazz. Always looking for ways to save.
We put up a little free library so we can exchange books in the neighborhood…kids love it too.
That said, I do overindulge in shopping at times…working on my Amazon footprint is a current task. I hate shopping in real stores. Every little bit helps.
Maybe a poop discussion will bring her back! But yeah, I don’t use TP. Husband does and we have for guests. I use awesome soft washable baby wipes and diaper bags. Lol yeah, it is wacky, but works. Husband uses like 15 rolls a year.
Well, I read by candlelight last night, haha. I seriously doubt it saved me anything but thought it was a cool throwback. No AC and a candle. Doesn’t help I binge watched TURN on netflix this past weekend.
I wouldn’t say I am frugal, but definitely financially aware. I still buy things etc, just try to make sure I can justify the spend. For example I have kids so spending money on a pool or swing set is very different than spending the same money on a watch.
I became more frugal during my first marriage when ex spent all the money he earned on his business and toys (cars, motorcycle, property, etc.). It was like pulling teeth to get him to contribute to our joint bills. Anyway, I read “How to get out of debt and stay out of debt” and that worked for me. Plus, a divorce helped. He bought a new Harley with cash when it was final.
Anyway, I love shopping at second hand stores and donate all useful items to them. Yes, reduce, reuse, recycle. I followed a big voluntary simplicity movement in the US way back in the 90’s.
Me!!! I only spend on (grocery only) food and bills. Ever since I quit my bad habits, money suddenly became available. It was always there, just never put to good use. I invested in my slow death, now I use my money as energy and only spend on what gives me life and keeps me afloat. Very proud of myself.
Absolutely! It starts to feel like your finances are no longer taking you on a nightmare rollercoaster ride you can’t control. You’re always in the right state of mind to make the right choices. So calming! Even when you’ve got stuff still to pay off, you can at least see that as achievable now and not terrifying
i consider myself frugal. i buy second hand if possible. very very rarely impulse buy. loooove saving money. live very simply. would volunteer to get an ‘in’ somewhere.
i do spend a considerable amount on: groceries, skincare, vitamins, dog food. but don’t ‘shop till i drop’ with those items.
i see friends who walk into shops and have to buy something. i’m totally the opposite.
I took the lockdown opportunity to pay off my overdraft! Bit of calculation and I can do it in 3 months! I also have a lot of loans accrued from being at university, I can have these paid off by February! I still browse online sites for clothes, put things in my basket… And then don’t buy it. I never knew I could ever be this capable financially, and I actually enjoy sitting down monthly and working out the outgoings that are coming out of my wage and the money I have to pay off debts! I’m sewing up my clothes, and washing my shoes instead of buying new ones too!
I know, super TMI!
But yeah, I don’t use TP. Husband does and we have for guests. I use awesome soft washable baby wipes and diaper bags. Lol yeah, it is wacky, but works. Husband uses like 15 rolls a year.
