I've been sick with the flu and infections for the last month and am newly pregnant so I don't really feel like going anywhere---even DH has been getting the groceries for me. We've saved a ton and brought no new JUNK into our home. Luckily I am feeling better but the urge is gone---I haven't even looked a baby stuff once and don't really have a desire too!

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Standard of Living and Quality of life are NOT the same thing.

oh ya! i don't plan my shopping trips for after work anymore. i used to be like "ok i have an hour before DH gets off work, (we carpool, so i pick him up) so i'll go here and here and then here and hopefully here." now it just go to my moms get Duramax and then go get DH and go home! no more shopping to pass time. no more. i still do shop, but only for food.

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My choices yesterday create my today. My choices today create my tomorrow.

i quit shopping for fun along time ago i can go to target now and actually after looking around come out with nothing.... its just not fun anymore.

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Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.

I'm pretty good at not buying things when I go out, but to just be sure, I really try to stay out of the stores. I do get tempted at Target or Wal Mart when spring comes along. I love to buy stuff for the yard, but I'm going to do my best with what I have this year.

I enjoy looking around the stores but usually I only go if I need something. I will have to shop soon for Emmy and me for some summer clothes. Emmy is out growing everything! But I look here first for her size in the bartering thread!!

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http://mommysavers.com/boards/journa...wjournal&j=110

http://tinktime-tink.blogspot.com/

If you tell your secrets to the wind... Don't be mad if it tell's the trees.

This is me too. It's good, but also when I "cut back" I have to REALLY cut back - because I'm not out shopping a lot to begin with. Food is an area I tend to go out of control with in the spending.

My mindset has changed SO MUCH in this area. I come from a long line of recreational shoppers. It just does not hold the same appeal for me anymore. Unfortunately, the same can not be said for my sister (who I spend tons of time with and who has far more shopping recources than me! read: more money ). Luckily, we all have small kids and that in itself has cut down on social shopping. We spend more time together in parks when its nice out, and I'm always suggesting other free options for play dates. I guess I'm saying that its difficult when you are the only one that's changed in your circle of friends.

I've cut back too. I also don't frequent yard sales as much as I did when the twins were smaller. My house seems to be acquiring less clutter this way.

I don't shop for the fun of it anymore either. At first I missed it like crazy but now it is ok. I am happy and when I have to shop I am asking myself "do I need this or do I want this". For me that is a great feat. My DH has even noticed a difference in the way things are around here. The house is cleaner and I seem happier and I really am. Go figure. Clutter from shoping was weighing me down and I didn't even know it. I thought I had to shop just to feel better and all I needed to do is stop shoping for fun and declutter.

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Want to save some green? Join a coupon train.

I was very addicted to spending my days looking at the "hot deals" forums online, since I'm an online shopper. I've spent so much time and $$ getting things that are such a "great deal" whether we needed it or not.

Since I started the FTJ project this year, I haven't visited one of those forums yet!!!

I've also stopped occasionally visiting Target and WalMart after dropping off my oldest 3 kids at school. It has helped!!

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SAHM of 4

August food budget (groceries/take-out): $500.00/$75.00
Total spent: $238.97/$14.12

July budget/spent: $500.00/$650.00