Until you own it, you can't change it. And until you change it, you will repeat it. That's when you get to that old saying about insanity: repeating the same thing over and over, but expecting a different result.
It may not be all our fault, but we're the only element we have control over. You're right when you say emotion is a big part of the problem. But we can use emotion as part of the solution, too. For example, I just became angry at my lack of planning for the future, so I went on a crusade to get that under control. And every time I was tempted to procrastinate, I just fired up my anger at my shortsightedness and others who never told me, and that got me off my butt.
Almost never. Even though I'm working (over)full-time now, I still make meal prep a priority. Saves money, relieves stress, and keeps me well-fueled and happy.
I eat fast food about 2-3 times per week, but I eat about 5 times per week. The reason I probably frequent fast food is due to the easiness and cheapness. I can get a good fast food meal for about $3 and don't have to spend any time preparing it. That time becomes more valuable especially after a long day of hard work. If I can, then I always order off the dollar menu, use coupons, or try to keep the tab at $5 maximum.
Very rarely do I eat fast food. I can usually wait till I get home or bring something healthy with me to eat. My largest savings will be in healthcare costs down the road.
Based on my current spending, we eat out 3 to 4 times a month. I try to avoid it at all costs, but sometimes my significant just wants that quarter pounder or roast beef sandwich. I avoid eating fast food because it makes me feel sluggish and sick. I try to eat food at home because of three reasons, it’s healthier, it’s cost effective, and it’s satisfying.
Not for price and not for convenience, but because I (bow head in shame) like it. Just do. Sorry! :)
I don't care about coupons and I have no tricks. But I know it's not the best for you (even though a Big Mac has fewer calories than many salads). So I do it once a week at most. Or how often my friends will relent and go with my choice - which isn't all that often. :)
My family eats fast food very rarely. We brown bag it for lunch, and when out running errands or shopping we eat before we go. When we do eat fast food we stick to the dollar menu or use coupons or discounted gift cards.
My husband and I were victims of the recession, affected by the mortgage collapse. Hubby and I owned our own business, and our product was directly related to cosmetic home improvements. (No money, no house=no cosmetic home improvements.) I also worked outside of the home at a traditional, "W-2" job. We were/are frugal, and had a savings of probably 6 months living expenses and very little debt, like $250 on a credit card and about $1000 on a car loan. I lost my job completely due to the failure of the company I worked for. Hubby was able to find a job, at a pretty serious pay cut, only to have his and his co-worker's hours cut to 3 days a week within 3 months due to the recession. We were able to go into "super frugal" mode and stretch our savings to survive almost a year. He has since found a very good job, and all is well.
It wasn't our fault, but we had the knowledge and the skills to survive without having our car repossessed, starving or becoming homeless. I know people that had to move in with relatives at the same time and even one family that lived in a tent for the summer because the rentals in our area were being foreclosed. I am so thankful that we knew how to survive. A little education and know how goes a long way.
I cannot stress enough how much my family has enjoyed Geocaching. Though the app was $10, that's been some of the best money every spent. It gets us outdoors, together as a family and has exposed us to so many places we never knew existed.
We've already cut so much out of our budget there isn't much left. I think hot water usage is my weakness, and if I were to cut out a few luxury bath sessions and shorten my shower time that would help.
My wife and I worked together at a place close to the Platte River. At least three times a week we'd go here at lunchtime for a quick sammie and a walk. Good time to reconnect in a busy day (before we're arrive home tired at 6) and good exercise. Not everybody has a pretty river with a manicured hiking trail, but building exercise into lunch is something many people never even consider...
i could live without cable and DVR. you can hulu most things and find exercise videos on youtube! and there are so many channels- and nothing to watch!
Talking about extreme couponing is like discussing hoarders.... I believe there are very few true extreme couponers. Those that exist don't care what you blog about them because its a compulsive behavior. I am mostly sad about the glances I get from stocking up on things I will use. Why do I need to explain my purchase to anyone. Thanks-Aly
Nice article, but #13..yikes! Don't ever stop for strangers on the side of the road. If anything, drive up and offer to call for help, without getting out of your car.
#7 - When we moved into our house 21+ years ago, the retired couple from across the street came over to meet us and brought a cake that she made as a welcome gift. She pointed out that she put the cake on one of her nice cake plates (instead of something disposable) so that I would need to return it and in that way we could get to know each a little better.
Great points! They sort of encourage you to follow your passion in high school onward to university. Well, it turns out I *loved* history once a day for an hour, but not 24/7! I learned this the hard way. Now my passions stay passions (and hobies!) because trying to turn them into serious sources of income sucks all the fun out of them! I also always loved playing guitar and did fairly well in an independent band. ...The thought of trying to make any money at it is as depressing as hell. Nope, my music is fun, not business.
I especially like the first one because it's a kind act at the beginning of yours and the other person's day. That type of start can really care you throughout the day.
Aaand of course I've liked you on facebook.
Fingers crossed! Again!
Until you own it, you can't change it. And until you change it, you will repeat it. That's when you get to that old saying about insanity: repeating the same thing over and over, but expecting a different result.
It may not be all our fault, but we're the only element we have control over. You're right when you say emotion is a big part of the problem. But we can use emotion as part of the solution, too. For example, I just became angry at my lack of planning for the future, so I went on a crusade to get that under control. And every time I was tempted to procrastinate, I just fired up my anger at my shortsightedness and others who never told me, and that got me off my butt.
Almost never. Even though I'm working (over)full-time now, I still make meal prep a priority. Saves money, relieves stress, and keeps me well-fueled and happy.
I eat fast food about 2-3 times per week, but I eat about 5 times per week. The reason I probably frequent fast food is due to the easiness and cheapness. I can get a good fast food meal for about $3 and don't have to spend any time preparing it. That time becomes more valuable especially after a long day of hard work. If I can, then I always order off the dollar menu, use coupons, or try to keep the tab at $5 maximum.
Very rarely do I eat fast food. I can usually wait till I get home or bring something healthy with me to eat. My largest savings will be in healthcare costs down the road.
Based on my current spending, we eat out 3 to 4 times a month. I try to avoid it at all costs, but sometimes my significant just wants that quarter pounder or roast beef sandwich. I avoid eating fast food because it makes me feel sluggish and sick. I try to eat food at home because of three reasons, it’s healthier, it’s cost effective, and it’s satisfying.
About once a week.
Not for price and not for convenience, but because I (bow head in shame) like it. Just do. Sorry! :)
I don't care about coupons and I have no tricks. But I know it's not the best for you (even though a Big Mac has fewer calories than many salads). So I do it once a week at most. Or how often my friends will relent and go with my choice - which isn't all that often. :)
My family eats fast food very rarely. We brown bag it for lunch, and when out running errands or shopping we eat before we go. When we do eat fast food we stick to the dollar menu or use coupons or discounted gift cards.
My husband and I were victims of the recession, affected by the mortgage collapse. Hubby and I owned our own business, and our product was directly related to cosmetic home improvements. (No money, no house=no cosmetic home improvements.) I also worked outside of the home at a traditional, "W-2" job. We were/are frugal, and had a savings of probably 6 months living expenses and very little debt, like $250 on a credit card and about $1000 on a car loan. I lost my job completely due to the failure of the company I worked for. Hubby was able to find a job, at a pretty serious pay cut, only to have his and his co-worker's hours cut to 3 days a week within 3 months due to the recession. We were able to go into "super frugal" mode and stretch our savings to survive almost a year. He has since found a very good job, and all is well.
It wasn't our fault, but we had the knowledge and the skills to survive without having our car repossessed, starving or becoming homeless. I know people that had to move in with relatives at the same time and even one family that lived in a tent for the summer because the rentals in our area were being foreclosed. I am so thankful that we knew how to survive. A little education and know how goes a long way.
I never eat fast food. Food prepared at home tastes better, is cheaper, and healthier. I pack food along if I think I will need to eat while I am out.
I cannot stress enough how much my family has enjoyed Geocaching. Though the app was $10, that's been some of the best money every spent. It gets us outdoors, together as a family and has exposed us to so many places we never knew existed.
We've already cut so much out of our budget there isn't much left. I think hot water usage is my weakness, and if I were to cut out a few luxury bath sessions and shorten my shower time that would help.
My wife and I worked together at a place close to the Platte River. At least three times a week we'd go here at lunchtime for a quick sammie and a walk. Good time to reconnect in a busy day (before we're arrive home tired at 6) and good exercise. Not everybody has a pretty river with a manicured hiking trail, but building exercise into lunch is something many people never even consider...
Me too me too me too! This whole "get up earlier to be a better homemaker" stuff drives me nutso!
i could live without cable and DVR. you can hulu most things and find exercise videos on youtube! and there are so many channels- and nothing to watch!
Talking about extreme couponing is like discussing hoarders.... I believe there are very few true extreme couponers. Those that exist don't care what you blog about them because its a compulsive behavior. I am mostly sad about the glances I get from stocking up on things I will use. Why do I need to explain my purchase to anyone. Thanks-Aly
I could eat out less and stop buying so many dvds :)
I use tea tree oil on cold sores. It numbs it a bit and makes it go away much more quickly.
Nice article, but #13..yikes! Don't ever stop for strangers on the side of the road. If anything, drive up and offer to call for help, without getting out of your car.
#7 - When we moved into our house 21+ years ago, the retired couple from across the street came over to meet us and brought a cake that she made as a welcome gift. She pointed out that she put the cake on one of her nice cake plates (instead of something disposable) so that I would need to return it and in that way we could get to know each a little better.
Kelly,
Did I really forget to add music to the list? I definitely agree.
James,
I love the idea for smiling when you say Amen. I think smiling as your start your day will have a huge impact on the remainder of your day.
I'd get the Apple symbol on my hand if there gonna pay me
Great points! They sort of encourage you to follow your passion in high school onward to university. Well, it turns out I *loved* history once a day for an hour, but not 24/7! I learned this the hard way. Now my passions stay passions (and hobies!) because trying to turn them into serious sources of income sucks all the fun out of them! I also always loved playing guitar and did fairly well in an independent band. ...The thought of trying to make any money at it is as depressing as hell. Nope, my music is fun, not business.
I especially like the first one because it's a kind act at the beginning of yours and the other person's day. That type of start can really care you throughout the day.