Uggghhhh don't even talk to me about sick of being frugal! I can't even go to the mall anymore because I see too much that I can't have! I hope and pray to be out of this rut someday. The only thing that gets me through is that we are better off this year than we were last year!!
Alana

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I forgot to mention that it is also great that we have a place (this board) to discuss our frustration with being frugal. I know I can't talk about that with any of my friends in this town. No one seems to have to watch their money - but then again, you never know what really happens in other people's financial lives.

I so understand you! Since we are military we do not make a whole lot. I mean it will be 4 years before my husband even makes the next rank! it is 6 to 10 years between the 2!! Crazy huh? With my disabilities i can't work or we wouldn't be so bad off! I hate it!

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Casey loving wife to Steven mom to 4 bratty girls Amanda, Rebecca, Jessica and Makayla
Where did my baby go

Oh I totally understand! Even thought we don't spend much, live on base, use coupons, I work two part time jobs, we have no credit cards, only one car and only one DS, we STILL have a hard time making ends meet. The only thing I can say is, these are supposedly the golden years (ie, kids are young, you are young, best memories are made, etc) so enjoy that part of it and try to think about the future when hopefully you'll be better off financially. I just go day by day and hope for the best. Just think though, if we had all the money we wanted, nothing would seem quite as grand as it does while we're broke!! I would hate to lose the luster of those things just because I could afford them you know?? I guess its like living in paradise....after a while it just isn't the same. Hang in there!!

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Mommy to Dakota, Wife to James
Proud Air Force Family

I know it is hard now but it will get better. it was like that for me last year. I have gotten some great ideals off of this site. Thanks to all. I hope you will feel better soon.

Here's the link to the Single Income Success article:
http://www.mommysavers.com/stay-at-h...-success.shtml

I think being on a budget is a little like being on a diet. You're obsessed with what you can't have. Find something else to focus your energies on right now would be my best advice. Even think of something creative you can do to help earn a little extra money. Do you have any hobbies/talents you could use to start a side business?

Visit our simple living forum, too. That's all about focusing on the non-material joys in life.

Best of luck!

I hope it gets better, but be warned if your husband is starting school it may feel like it never will. When my son was 4 months old my husband was permanently laid off from the factory he had worked at for 8 years. It was right before Christmas. We found out that his job was sent over seas so he qualified to go to college for free. He went to school to become a LPN he loved school, but it was really hard to make ends meet, I mean really hard. He had no insurance and our son was put on mine which I had to pay for and I had to take a pay cut to be put on my work insurance. I thought there was no light at the end of the tunnel. But before I knew it he was done with school, passed his test and is at a job he absolutely loves. He is now going to go back for his RN.

Luckily my son was young enough, he never knew we went without.

Just try to remember it is always dark before the dawn, but light always comes. I wish you well, and good luck to your husband in school. God Bless.

I'm so sorry you are having a hard time. I know it's difficult to live frugally. Sometimes I just have to remember to have faith and let God hold my hand. (I'm sorry if that sounds too religious).

I'd give it try. I have definitely noticed the difference in some places I lived. You can also try consignment shops--their clothes are typically more expensive, but they are usually better quality (ie name brand) and in better condition--and still cheaper than most stores.

I never understood growing up why my mom was always a little bummed out about her clothes. Now I totally understand! Everyone else comes first. Maybe I should loose some weight and then I'd be forced to buy some new stuff.

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Blessed beyond measure

I am so with you I really do know how you feel. We at times dont even have $ for food there have been times where we eat eggs for a week its heartbreaking but good thing my Girls LOVE eggs LOL...But yes times are really hard for people in this age you cant even just get a house without have housepayments at $1,000+ and then on top of everything else. Matthew and I try really hard we are sad alot I live in COLD ASS WI and I dont have a dryer and let me tell ya my little fingers just FREEZE when i have to go hang the clothes outside =O( But we have other bills and stuff we need to spend our $$ on then a dryer right now and I dont work and I see its so hard for Matthew sometimes like when we dont have any $ for a week and i get mad at him I feel bad he tries SO hard to just make me and the Girls happy but we just TRY and tell ourselves that after Madison is in school (2 1/2 years) we can both be working and can get money back on track I actually was just going through all these bills I have that are in collections and it makes me wanna cry no we dont have C.Cards they are bills from the heat company gas company Dr bills I just sit and think WHY WHY WHY cant I just have like $20,000 thats all I ask for and just pay everything offf and sit living at 0 except for house bills. But things get better just try to not think about it I know thats hard but even just take a Friday/Saturday night and have a fun night at home and think NO $$$ THOUGHTS we try to have company visit and that helps to just take the $$$ Thoughts away for a bit but yes I know how you feel and if you ever wanna talk or vent the $$ problems I am here sometimes i think we need a $$$ buddy ya know how people have diet buddies well we need Money Matters Buddies. I know I just went on way lots just now so sorry for that but yes if you ever wanna talk contact me we can work on this togather.

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=O) Ame