First of all let me say Congratulations for staying on budget. That is a huge accomplishment. It is so difficult sometimes, I know.

I feel that way some but DH really feels that way a lot. Most of the people you are envying are in debt and it doesn't bother them. The way I look at it, in 1,2, or 3 years, whatever it takes to get out of debt, we are going to be so much better off than them. Being in debt will catch up with them one day. By then I will be out of debt for a while and feeling good. The feelings of today are so worth it.

Hang in there! You are doing great.

I feel that way all the time!! I don't ever buy myself anything even if it is during the season and we have extra money. My friend is always complaining about money yet is always getting new things. I don't get it.

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Elizabeth

Mom to: Anna (02-27-91) Bradley (10-21-94) Shane (10-21-02) Samuel (02-16-07)
http://www.myspace.com/lizer3
Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

That sounds just like my friend! They just got turned down for a loan to buy a house because they had a car repo'd. Whenever I call her, she is always shopping. Every day! She doesn't have a credit card because she doesn't trust herself, but she also has never opened a bank account of any kind. She is always saying, "I just had $100 yesterday, where did it all go?" I don't know what to say...STOP SHOPPING...DUH!
I feel good for every day when I don't go to the store. I do leave about $10 leaway each time I go shopping(twice a month) in case I see something I didn't know I wanted until then.

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Debbie 3 years
Sadie 21 months

First - I have to say congratulations on putting back the things that you really didn't need! That is such a hard thing to do! Just think that when you are finally out of debt, you will be able to treat yourself more often. I am also a believer that you should also reward yourself for doing such a good job at not spending money - what about starting an envelope for "rewarding" yourself. When you resist the temptation like you did at Target, when you get home put $5 in your envelope & then when you have some $$ in that envelope, you should go out & treat yourself to whatever you want without feeling guilty.

Good Luck

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"I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them." ~ Phyllis Diller

It's already been said, but "we're only human" Like Dave Ramsey says, "sometimes that little kid in us is throwing her fit and saying "I WAAANT IT! I WAAANT IT! I DESERVE IT AND I NEEEED IT!!!!!" (Just like any 2 year old tantrum) but our job is to be the grown up and say "NO, not today!". You did the right thing, but sometimes the right thing just doesn't feel as good as instant gratification and getting what we want NOW! But how about in a few months or a year when you have breathing room in your budget and your money situation isn't quite so tight? Keep on doing what is right but do allow yourself small treats (personally I love to go to yard sales or thrift stores because it's so much cheaper and I still get to buy stuff I really like). I also think that one of the best things we can all do is to count our blessings and really stop and think about some of the women and children who are so much worse off. I have had to actually take a friend to a woman's shelter with her kids because of her abusive husband and all they were able to take was one plastic bag of clothes each plus a few toiletries. So many families out there have very little, we just don't see them as much as the families with the shiny new cars, expensive clothes and grocery cart piled high.

Thanks everyone for keeping me in line. It's so hard sometimes because I see others spending money like it's going out of style and it's hard to not be jealous. DH keeps reminding me that these people live way outside their means and it will catch up with them. I love MS because I realize I'm not alone.

I feel this way too...I never buy things for myself. I even feel guilty if DH buys me something bc I know we don't have the extra money for it. However, we are on a clear path to clear up our debt and becoming worry-free. That tends to keep me going.

I feel the same way about buying things for myself, and when I do NEED to buy something I always second guess myself and feel guilty. My friends are always shopping for themselves and I don't know how they can afford it but then I think and realize they probably have credit card debt like many of us.

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Congrats on putting the items back. I am the worst at grabbing things in Target and wonder why every time I go to Target I spend over $100, easily. I have gotten very good the last few months of going in with a list and sticking to the list. I "treat" myself by looking at baby clothes or baby toys because I want to have a baby next year. That is the "plan".

I don't want to tell you how to purchase items, that is not my intent at all, but have you thought about switching from Tide to All? It is about $5-$8 cheaper and works just as well, if not better than Tide. I was always a Tide girl, always had to buy Tide but learned that Tide isn't as great as the price seems, so I switched to All. My clothes don't feel/look/smell any different.

Plus, if you bought All, or any cheaper brand, then you could take the $5 or $8 and put it in a can and after you save up $20 by buying just a few cheaper brands than go buy that cd. It will make you feel good because you are saving money by buying cheaper brands but then you can go spend it because it is like "free" money!

Have you considered working from home? I was in the same boat. Major CC debt. Need a new car very badly.
We homeschool to save money. I breastfeed. I am as frugal as possible. I found a great company that helps me make money and also save money on my everyday purchases. It is really working for me too!
Congrats on staying on budget! It is so hard. Shoes are a real temptation I know! I love shoes!
I also love spending on my kids!
GOOD luck
Taffy