We have a few goals. Our dream is to move to lake front property for retirement. We also are trying to save for college. I think about these goals when I'm going to spend money I buy frugally but it seems like the kids always need clothes, shoes or something.

Just checking in here everyday and reading the wonderful stories/tips from the Mommysavers really motivates me. That and my husband! Don't get me wrong. I've never met a more generous person. He has never denied me Anything!! But we make frugality a game - and if we have very 'lean' meals one night and I tell him it's 'frugality' night he has no problem with it and is wonderful. We get excited about finding buy one get one free coupons for going out, and we both think that's hilarious. He is a lot of fun, he Loves when I try to be frugal. We always get a kick out of the fact that we try to live really well, but try to spend the least amount of money to do so. Let everyone else go to the high end stores to get their stuff. The Dollar Tree is just right for us, and people are amazed when we show them what we've gotten there. My MIL loves the $ store too and lives very well on less creatively, maybe I remind him of her?

I think the key is finding out what motivates you! I am motivated by a sense of security. Poor financial decisions and "life" put us in a place I never want to experience again. Having been through that, I am motivated to do whatever I can to prevent it from happening again.

I watch our net worth change from month to month in a positive direction, and that keeps me excited. DH and discuss our future plans a lot, and that keeps me excited. And, I see my kids sleeping peacefully at night and know that I'm doing a great thing for them in so many ways. What better motivation could that be!

In the end, you have to figure out why YOU want to live a frugal life and make that your motivaton.

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"Fostering Excellence in Intellect & Character"

Definatly reading here everyday helps me. I love hearing everyone elses stories of how they got out of the cycle and are better off now. I'm striving for that.

I have goals as well, I NEED to do some repairs to myhouse and we would like to try and do it without taking out more money and getting further in debt.

I am one too that tries to do my finances a few times a week, and I get excited at the progress we make. It gets thrilling to see those #s go down! I challenge us to see how much we can do the next month to see those #s go down more.

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~Missy~Mommy
Meghan8.Samantha7,Cameron4

I keep up my motivation by being able to stay at home. If I am not frugal, I'll have to go back to work, and I just couldn't leave my little babies at home. When I go to buy something at the store, I just look at it and think to myself "yes, you could buy this, and you could buy whatever you wanted, buy you may have to go back to work if you do"
It's never worth it. I love being at home...and to be honest... being frugal and simple gives me more joy because I know I am not being wasteful. Where did all my money go when I was working????

My children - I want to get our debt paid off now so that we always have that "Extra money" to take family vacations and stuff like that some day as well as saving a lot towards their college

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:love: Our second baby is due April 7th 2007!! :love:

Some of the things that keep me going:
1. Challenge. It's almost like a second job since I'm a SAHM.
2. A supportive husband. He has lived frugally his whole life out of necessity. He appreciates when I can find deals or treats for our family.
3. Relatives who insist on living above their means. Their excess and apparent need to show off sometimes turns my stomach.
4. Mommysavers and similar sites. I've also found a few blogs that are inspiring.

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~Jeweled

First I am a single working Mom of 2. Due to my divorce and debt caused by this my debt to income ratio is 76%. Staggering figure I computed after setting down, writing it all down, and facing the harsh reality of my debt. I am no longer a two income family and I had to stop living like I was. That 76% and my high credit card debts remind me daily of why I need to live frugally and continue to make good financial decisions.

Plus I love to come here regularly for tips & inspiration.:love:

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Me Mom
DS Matthew
DS Patrick
Family Pugs Disney & Parker
Completed the Disneyland Half Marathon 09/03/07.

We just had a DD 7 months ago and we don't want her to be like either of our parents (they don't have good financial skills) So I am doing this for her and also to better our selves. Good luck!

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Charlotte *Wife to Tim* 7/8/05* *Mom to Elizabeth 07/10/06*