Why is it that I am trying my best to save money and only take a bit out each week, Why is it that all I think about is spending money...then I get so aggervated with myself cause I don't want to spend it.

KWIM???

Any suggestions on how to get my mind set that I am going to save money and forget about things I want to buy (food, lunch out...) stuff like that....

Man I need help!!!!

Find a craft or hobby that isn't very expensive. Visit your library and pick up a book you have been wanting to read.

Give yourself some blow $$$ - even if it is a dollar a week. Giving yourself that will take some of the urge/need to spend even more money.

I guess it's the same as dieting for some people! As soon as you start dieting...you crave everything in sight ! Hang in there, you can get past this.

Here's what has worked for me-

-don't go to target
-when I see something online I want, I put it on my wishlist for ordering online only one day of the week. I usually dont want all the things on the list any longer bc the desire faded or the things all together add up to too much.
-buying all the meat for the month and storing it in the freezer. I can always find side dishes around the pantry until the next grocery visit.
-send DH to grocery for milk and other perishables bw my grocer visits. he hates to shop and only gets what we need.
-we're doing an intense workout program now. the diet is really clean and i feel like I have been detoxed. DH is doing great on the diet. fast food or junk food is becoming repulsive. I am also more aware of the crap the kids were eating too and not buying it. the crap really adds up.
-opened an ING account that automatically transfers money into a savings with each paycheck.
-made short and long term financial goals and chart them in excel. I feel like crap when I have to adjust the plan.

Maybe you can find something to distract yourself, like a hobby, or catching up on reading, or working out or whatever, so that you aren't tempted to want? Or, each time you WANT to spend money, put that amount into a jar, and tell yourself if you still want the thing at the end of the week, you'll maybe get it. Then you'll see more often than not, you don't want the thing, and have a bunch ofmoney that otherwise, you'd have blown.

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"And the state of his bathroom -- I'm not one to gossip, but there are things crusted on his sink that have not simply developed intelligent life but have in all probability by now evolved their own political systems." Cain describes Abel in in SANDMAN #70

I agree with Jared&Maggie'sMom that you need some blow money! Then you can obsess about how best to spend your $1, or whatever you allow yourself per week, instead of the rest of the budget! When it's all you've got, you may not be so willing to blow that $1 at the Target Dollar Spot--you'll wait until it goes 75% off so you can get 4 of what you wanted!

Its like going on a diet and saying "I can't have ANY chocolate cake EVER" Well of course all you are going to think about is chocolate cake.

Definitely give yourself some fun money that you can spend without feeling guilty. Also get yourself a hobby (these 2 things can go together) something that you can spend your time on and have something to show for your time when you are finished. That is what helps me the most.

Make a goal of saving for something. Make a small poster of it and tape it to your fridge or somewhere you will see it a lot. Mark your progress as you are saving (or paying down a debt) that visual will really help keep you motivated!

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