Daniel, at Sweating the Big Stuff, posted this on Ways Not To Save Money-which I think is a good reminder of the trap that can grab you, with the rationalization of being frugal. Being frugal, is not the same as being “CHEAP!”
I would like to add another couple of thoughts. He mentions consumer traps. The wholesale clubs are a great place to “not save money”. Mainly because of all the temptations. It is hard to resist all the great stuff at great prices.
To protect against this phenomenon, you definitely need a strong will, and a list-buy nothing unless it is on the list.
Watching TV certainly doesn’t cost anything, except when you are paying for 1000 channels of satellite tv, with the ginormous NFL, NCAA football, Nascar and movie package comes in at a cool $150 bucks a month…..
Add in the wasted opportunity, when you coulda’ been reading a book on personal finance, (THE MILLIONAIRE NURSE comes to mind) getting free continuing education on the computer, or exercising (also can be free).
Another good read, by the Financial Samurai, is about working to make money, instead of following your passion. I think a lot of folks, unfortunately, are being given the opportunity to follow their passion-cause they lost their jobs. That certainly can be looked at as an opportunity, rather than a crisis. If you have always wanted to do _________, then if you have no job-go for it!
At Out of Debt again, there is a great story about Shopping at Whole Foods-my wife would have had the same sense of disbelief about a 6 buck pepper!
151 Days Off, (how bout that name for a blog), has written a post about not getting too uppity( Southern Speak) , if you are making progress in your walk towards financial freedom. I don’t think that is likely for me, as I dig my way out of attempting to be a real estate baron in Florida-before the crash. If anyone says they have never made a financial mistake-then run, don’t walk to the nearest exit….
All of these bloggers are in the Yakezie Challenge, which is a self -help/group support lesson in getting the word out about your blog. I appreciate what they are doing to help the new folks on the blog-block get recognized. Sometimes it gets lonely writing, and wondering if anyone is reading. So look for other great posts from other members of the Yakezi Challenge. (I do love a challenge!!!)
Enjoy these great stories, I did!
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Tags: getting out of debt, saving money
I love making lists of things I NEED, and trying to avoid the other stuff. But it doesn’t always work. I needed two shirts, found them for $16 +$7 shipping, and this morning was about to check out, so that it was free shipping on $50 and added $35 more to my cart. I was about to buy it and then realized how ridiculous I was being. It’s very hard to resist the temptation..
No doubt, Daniel. But the more you do it, (think before you buy) the easier it becomes.
Thanks for the mention!
No problem. Great Post! Come back to see us!