One of the most important things I've learned with personal finances is very simple - be aware of how and what you're feeling when you're about to spend. Practicing this has really be eye-opening.

I've always been pretty good about trying to save and am not the type to just go off and spend big money. However, it's all the little things that also add up, and this, I'm guilty of. Spending alittle bit here, alittle bit there on Ebay, thrift stores, Target, etc and telling myself, "It's only $XX" was really deceiving. Although I was spending alittle, I was doing it often enough to add up.

Also, I've become aware of my reasonings for doing this and it's not pretty. Sometimes it was because I was feeling down or lonely (sahms can probably really relate to this). Other times it was because I was bored, anxious, or believe it or not - feeling really good. Buying things on Ebay was exceptionally fun because not only did I get great deals, but it gave me something to look forward to in the mail...like alittle gift, even though most of the time, what I was buying was for the kids.

Yesterday, I was out with the kids and really, really hungry. Having been sick and dealing with sick kids all week, I was also particularly having a "screw it" mentality. I really wanted to just bring the kids to Friendlys, which would cost about $25 with tip. Well, I fought the urge, went home, and we all had lunch faster and alot cheaper! Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with taking your kids out once in a while! But, I purposely didn't do it because I knew my motives weren't right. It wasn't for a nice time out, or a treat, but because I was feeling bad and wanted to make myself feel better.

Well, I thought the kids were getting better, but last night my son got a fever all over again and my daughter's cough is still here. I have to take them both to the doctors tomorrow, which will be a $60 copay. Plus, I need to go buy more medicine today because my hubby now has the flu. I'm really glad I thought twice about yesterday because that money sure is coming in handy now!

Uck, just noticed how much I wrote. Sorry, guess I just needed to say that to others who understand!

Good for you! It's nice to see the big picture and not crack under pressure.

I feel that very same way when I can walk out of Target and not buy a thing! Sometimes, I just need to get out of the house and I now realize I don't need to spend money to do so.

Excellent point! That is why I really liked the spending freeze portion of the Forget the Jonses Project as well as the writing down everythign I spend (I started it a few months ago)...It is SUCH an eye opener and makes you so much more aware of where your dollars are going.

Hope the kids (and hubby) feel better soon! We just got over the flu here

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Jiller - isn't it a nice feeling when you are able to look back and say, "I bypassed that temptation!" Eating out is a problem for my household and I know I'm always so proud when we manage to come home and eat!

I hope everyone is starting to get better!

I started getting a handle on me when I started the FTJ project. If you haven't joined this you should. It's not to late to start. I hope you kiddos are feeling better today!!

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This Jan, I started a "spending journal" to record where my money was going. It's definitely, absolutely been helping, but not so much because I'm recording the money, but because I'm recording how I'm feeling at the time. It's turning into an actual journal! I'm venting about prices, writing down my worries, jotting down my victories and I know it sounds corny, but this is what's really helping. It's keeping me constantly aware of the "big picture". The good thing? It's becoming a habit now to "think" before spending. Doesn't that sound so stupid???? I never realized, especially when food shopping, how many things I'd just add to my cart.

I've got my master's degree in counseling, and being aware of our thoughts and feelings was probably the number one thing we were taught. Wish I had applied this to simple things in life like shopping!

Good for you!!! It's not easy to fight this temptation and especially to mentally realize your motives of why you are going to do before you do it.

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