Comments on: How to Cope with Frugality Burnout http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/ personal finance that makes cents Fri, 16 May 2008 04:26:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: KooKooNoodle » Money Saving Websites http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-116900 KooKooNoodle » Money Saving Websites Tue, 12 Feb 2008 07:04:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-116900 [...] How to Cope with Frugality Burnout - some good suggestions on the Get Rich Slowly blog. [...] [...] How to Cope with Frugality Burnout - some good suggestions on the Get Rich Slowly blog. [...]

]]> By: Jody http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-116133 Jody Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:31:10 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-116133 One of my best methods for minimizing burnout is using a Sanity Allowance. My husband and I both receive a weekly allowance that is purely for treats. How much our allowance is depends on how we are going financially and yes our allowances are different figures (his is higher). I love using a sanity allowance as this way if I want to have drinks with the girls, shout myself a book or something else just to pick me up a bit then I can use my allowance knowing it isn't impacting our joint spending. If I have spent my allowance then you guessed it, I don't get any treats until next week. I am also more happy to save the money if there isn't really anything I need as the money is more precious when I know that is all that is in my wallet just for me. If you are wondering why we have different allowances its because my husband was bought up in an environment where anything he and his siblings wanted as kids they were given and he feels burnt out before I do. His increased allowance is a small price for our joint financial happiness. One of my best methods for minimizing burnout is using a Sanity Allowance. My husband and I both receive a weekly allowance that is purely for treats. How much our allowance is depends on how we are going financially and yes our allowances are different figures (his is higher). I love using a sanity allowance as this way if I want to have drinks with the girls, shout myself a book or something else just to pick me up a bit then I can use my allowance knowing it isn’t impacting our joint spending. If I have spent my allowance then you guessed it, I don’t get any treats until next week. I am also more happy to save the money if there isn’t really anything I need as the money is more precious when I know that is all that is in my wallet just for me.
If you are wondering why we have different allowances its because my husband was bought up in an environment where anything he and his siblings wanted as kids they were given and he feels burnt out before I do.
His increased allowance is a small price for our joint financial happiness.

]]> By: Doc Mara http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-116010 Doc Mara Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:12:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-116010 Don't frame it as a zero-sum game. Frugality isn't about being dishonest about yourself. It's a chance to actually be MORE honest. I enjoy the meals that I make MORE than most of the greasy and overpriced food I get at most restaurants. Overconsumption is often about hiding or burying the day-to-day pleasures of just being alive. When you are feeling overstressed and want to go on a binge, just go through a list of simple and cheap pleasures. There is a good chance that making actual enjoyment your object (rather than running away or burying displeasure) will be the cheapest option. A beer or glass of wine at home is WAY better on most days than an overpriced drink at some noisy restaurant. A fresh baked potato at home (with what you want on top, etc.) tastes twice as good coming out of your own oven as it does sitting under the heating lamp of a TGIAnywhere. Making your own popcorn and piling on a couch with a few friends to watch a favorite movie beats wading through the crowds to see the latest noisy garbage at the multiplex. Don’t frame it as a zero-sum game. Frugality isn’t about being dishonest about yourself. It’s a chance to actually be MORE honest. I enjoy the meals that I make MORE than most of the greasy and overpriced food I get at most restaurants. Overconsumption is often about hiding or burying the day-to-day pleasures of just being alive. When you are feeling overstressed and want to go on a binge, just go through a list of simple and cheap pleasures. There is a good chance that making actual enjoyment your object (rather than running away or burying displeasure) will be the cheapest option. A beer or glass of wine at home is WAY better on most days than an overpriced drink at some noisy restaurant. A fresh baked potato at home (with what you want on top, etc.) tastes twice as good coming out of your own oven as it does sitting under the heating lamp of a TGIAnywhere. Making your own popcorn and piling on a couch with a few friends to watch a favorite movie beats wading through the crowds to see the latest noisy garbage at the multiplex.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115937 Ryan Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:25:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115937 One of my favorite tips for staying frugal is to figure out where I spend the most money, figure out what I enjoy most about that, and then try to get only that (at the cheapest price). Example: I love a German restaurant here in town, but I can spend $15 or more for just a burger, fries, and beer. I can spend $7 and get 6 bottles of the same beer, and each time I want to go to the restaurant, just have their brew instead. If it works every time (not likely, but still), that's $113 saved. One of my favorite tips for staying frugal is to figure out where I spend the most money, figure out what I enjoy most about that, and then try to get only that (at the cheapest price). Example: I love a German restaurant here in town, but I can spend $15 or more for just a burger, fries, and beer. I can spend $7 and get 6 bottles of the same beer, and each time I want to go to the restaurant, just have their brew instead. If it works every time (not likely, but still), that’s $113 saved.

]]> By: kureshii http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115927 kureshii Tue, 05 Feb 2008 03:07:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115927 Like with everything else, putting too much effort into frugality and getting too little out of it is always a one-way ticket to burnout. I like applying the 80/20 rule to my frugality practices once in awhile. Saving a few bucks on huge DVD packs is generally good practice for people who use them much. Saving a penny on pens, not really. And I still keep losing pens anyway. Drop the things that take the most effort and save you the least money. Do a quick balancing in your mind and decide if it's worth it. Remember, at the end of the day it's about your personal, not financial happiness ;) Like with everything else, putting too much effort into frugality and getting too little out of it is always a one-way ticket to burnout.

I like applying the 80/20 rule to my frugality practices once in awhile. Saving a few bucks on huge DVD packs is generally good practice for people who use them much. Saving a penny on pens, not really. And I still keep losing pens anyway.

Drop the things that take the most effort and save you the least money. Do a quick balancing in your mind and decide if it’s worth it. Remember, at the end of the day it’s about your personal, not financial happiness ;)

]]> By: Adam http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115907 Adam Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:58:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115907 I recommend checking out this guy, Dave Ramsey. http://www.daveramsey.com/ The thing that helped my wife and I is the "0 Budget." We break down our spending into categories (food, meds, savings, etc.) and then put the money we know we'll get in the next month from our jobs and disperse it in the categories. We tell our money where it WILL be spent. Then we know exactly how much we have to spend. What we love about this method is we almost NEVER have arguments over money anymore! I recommend checking out this guy, Dave Ramsey.
http://www.daveramsey.com/
The thing that helped my wife and I is the “0 Budget.” We break down our spending into categories (food, meds, savings, etc.) and then put the money we know we’ll get in the next month from our jobs and disperse it in the categories. We tell our money where it WILL be spent. Then we know exactly how much we have to spend. What we love about this method is we almost NEVER have arguments over money anymore!

]]> By: John http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115903 John Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:50:58 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115903 Want to save money easily? Just read this blog once in awhile. http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ My wife uses coupons and with the rebates found at stores like Walgreen's and CVS Pharmacy, you can actually MAKE money. We are saving $150-300 a month just from using coupons. Unbelievable! Want to save money easily? Just read this blog once in awhile. http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
My wife uses coupons and with the rebates found at stores like Walgreen’s and CVS Pharmacy, you can actually MAKE money. We are saving $150-300 a month just from using coupons. Unbelievable!

]]> By: Joe http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115892 Joe Mon, 04 Feb 2008 23:59:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115892 I don't agree with the "cut your self some slack". If your budget is so tight that you aren't enjoying life you need to re-adjust your budget. A good budget is one you can live with. You may need to readjust your budget monthly until you hit a good balance between life and savings. Always be willing to try new things and ditch things that detract from your quality of life. I don’t agree with the “cut your self some slack”.

If your budget is so tight that you aren’t enjoying life you need to re-adjust your budget. A good budget is one you can live with.

You may need to readjust your budget monthly until you hit a good balance between life and savings.

Always be willing to try new things and ditch things that detract from your quality of life.

]]> By: Friday Linkfest: Lessons on Life Edition | Free From Money http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115571 Friday Linkfest: Lessons on Life Edition | Free From Money Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:47:54 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115571 [...] at Get Rich Slowly has advice for dealing with frugality burnout. For anyone working towards living below their means, burnout is sure to set in at some point. When [...] [...] at Get Rich Slowly has advice for dealing with frugality burnout. For anyone working towards living below their means, burnout is sure to set in at some point. When [...]

]]> By: Got No Dough - Saving Money in Slim Times » I’m Taking a Beating From Life Right Now http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115498 Got No Dough - Saving Money in Slim Times » I’m Taking a Beating From Life Right Now Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:09:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115498 [...] mentally because I’m just constantly exhausted anymore.  I think I’ve definitely hit frugality burnout but when there’s no other option, what choice do you [...] [...] mentally because I’m just constantly exhausted anymore.  I think I’ve definitely hit frugality burnout but when there’s no other option, what choice do you [...]

]]> By: Lukas http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115183 Lukas Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:07:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-115183 Talking of thrift stores, this poor kid had his bike sold for pennies on a dollar while he was shopping. Happy ending though. http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/01/oops-thrift-sto.html Talking of thrift stores, this poor kid had his bike sold for pennies on a dollar while he was shopping. Happy ending though.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/01/oops-thrift-sto.html

]]> By: Sara Noel http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114948 Sara Noel Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:36:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114948 Thank you for mentioning my sites. I appreciate it. :) Thank you for mentioning my sites. I appreciate it. :)

]]> By: The Simple Dollar » The Simple Dollar Weekly Roundup: Total Trust Edition http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114768 The Simple Dollar » The Simple Dollar Weekly Roundup: Total Trust Edition Wed, 30 Jan 2008 14:02:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114768 [...] How to Cope with Frugality Burnout I cope by finding new inspirations - and also being very careful to avoid tempting places when I’m feeling burnt out. (@ get rich slowly) [...] [...] How to Cope with Frugality Burnout I cope by finding new inspirations - and also being very careful to avoid tempting places when I’m feeling burnt out. (@ get rich slowly) [...]

]]> By: Justin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114605 Justin Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:03:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114605 We try to not kill ourselves over the times when we buy a more expensive product over the "frugal choice." A lot of times, we do this because we actually think the more expensive product is better. For example, I buy "expensive" name-brand laundry sheets and detergent because I don't like the results of the less expensive stuff. We try to not kill ourselves over the times when we buy a more expensive product over the “frugal choice.” A lot of times, we do this because we actually think the more expensive product is better. For example, I buy “expensive” name-brand laundry sheets and detergent because I don’t like the results of the less expensive stuff.

]]> By: jblee http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114559 jblee Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:33:01 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114559 "cut yourself some slack" Great piece of advice. I must admit, there are times when I go overboard with my savings. I tend to hold on my money and deprive myself of some pleasures, even when I know I need it. I guess the key here is balance. It's always good to save, but not to the point where you're not enjoying your life anymore. “cut yourself some slack”

Great piece of advice. I must admit, there are times when I go overboard with my savings. I tend to hold on my money and deprive myself of some pleasures, even when I know I need it.

I guess the key here is balance. It’s always good to save, but not to the point where you’re not enjoying your life anymore.

]]> By: Minimum Wage http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114501 Minimum Wage Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:49:39 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114501 Frugality is great when it is voluntary and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's not so great when it's involuntary and indefinite. Frugality is great when it is voluntary and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s not so great when it’s involuntary and indefinite.

]]> By: Virginia http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114462 Virginia Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:53:59 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114462 I just switched to cash only for my weekly errands, including groceries. It's quite a game to see how much I can get before the allowance runs out, and it really requires advance planning to pull it off. I just switched to cash only for my weekly errands, including groceries. It’s quite a game to see how much I can get before the allowance runs out, and it really requires advance planning to pull it off.

]]> By: db http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114455 db Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:06:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114455 This is why I budget in a monthly bookstore budget, an allowance for my $1.50 trips to a local coffee shop (not a big coffee fan so I'm content with a refillable mug of the regular stuff or an iced tea, it's a social outing more than anything), and also eat out a few times a week. If I don't, I inevitably have a major financial meltdown at some point. Of course, I don't allow unfettered spending in these areas either -- I have limits and I constantly monitor that I'm not getting too spendy. My other splurge is going to a movie if I really want to see it. This is why I budget in a monthly bookstore budget, an allowance for my $1.50 trips to a local coffee shop (not a big coffee fan so I’m content with a refillable mug of the regular stuff or an iced tea, it’s a social outing more than anything), and also eat out a few times a week.

If I don’t, I inevitably have a major financial meltdown at some point. Of course, I don’t allow unfettered spending in these areas either — I have limits and I constantly monitor that I’m not getting too spendy.

My other splurge is going to a movie if I really want to see it.

]]> By: Writer's Coin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114436 Writer's Coin Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:45:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114436 JD, do you ever get blogger fatigue? Like, I don't want to write anything or have anything to do with money/finances? I went through a bout of this last week and it wasn't pretty. JD, do you ever get blogger fatigue? Like, I don’t want to write anything or have anything to do with money/finances?

I went through a bout of this last week and it wasn’t pretty.

]]> By: Sandy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114429 Sandy Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:38:03 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114429 None of us is perfect, so striving to be frugal the majority of the time, seems like a more realistic life-long approach to me. Most of the time I'm frugal, and I've noticed that for the times that I'm not, it's always on purchases that are under $20 anyway. You can drive yourself nuts trying to get the best deal w/each purchase, but that's probably just not humanly possible, or mentally just too wearing. I mean it's a game, yes, but up to a point, and not with every single purchase - just with most of them. So long as I don't incur debt, and am frugal MOST of the time, that makes me feel proud of myself, so I cut myself some slack for those other times. Mostly I feel so proud of myself that I'm no longer tempted to rack up credit card debt, or when I use it, I pay it off within a couple of days. And this is saying a lot where we are faced with so many temptations every time we go shopping anywhere, and even online too. None of us is perfect, so striving to be frugal the majority of the time, seems like a more realistic life-long approach to me. Most of the time I’m frugal, and I’ve noticed that for the times that I’m not, it’s always on purchases that are under $20 anyway. You can drive yourself nuts trying to get the best deal w/each purchase, but that’s probably just not humanly possible, or mentally just too wearing. I mean it’s a game, yes, but up to a point, and not with every single purchase - just with most of them. So long as I don’t incur debt, and am frugal MOST of the time, that makes me feel proud of myself, so I cut myself some slack for those other times. Mostly I feel so proud of myself that I’m no longer tempted to rack up credit card debt, or when I use it, I pay it off within a couple of days. And this is saying a lot where we are faced with so many temptations every time we go shopping anywhere, and even online too.

]]> By: Ron@TheWisdomJournal http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114418 Ron@TheWisdomJournal Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:48:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114418 Hey, love the Frugal Village site! "Buying a DVD is a good way to blow off steam; buying a new HDTV is not." If you can find a sensible compromise that doesn't violate the principles you've set in your heart, mind, and soul, you'll avoid feelings of guilt (and horror and shame) when the bill comes due. I just have to make sure I'm not blowing off steam every time I go ANYwhere! :) Hey, love the Frugal Village site!

“Buying a DVD is a good way to blow off steam; buying a new HDTV is not.”

If you can find a sensible compromise that doesn’t violate the principles you’ve set in your heart, mind, and soul, you’ll avoid feelings of guilt (and horror and shame) when the bill comes due. I just have to make sure I’m not blowing off steam every time I go ANYwhere! :)

]]> By: Alex http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114416 Alex Mon, 28 Jan 2008 20:41:02 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114416 I prefer not to think of it as "frugality" which often has negative connotations. Instead, I think of it as "simplicity" a word that has positive, spiritual connotations. Quakers, Anabaptists and Buddhists all focus on the simplicity of life by the intentionality of how we utilize our resources. For instance, frugality could keep me from investing in a clothes drying rack because it does not work in my budget for the week. But if I look at the long term simplicity aspects--lower utilities, better clothing quality, and environmentally friendly--I allow myself to be comfortable with my new purchase. I prefer not to think of it as “frugality” which often has negative connotations. Instead, I think of it as “simplicity” a word that has positive, spiritual connotations. Quakers, Anabaptists and Buddhists all focus on the simplicity of life by the intentionality of how we utilize our resources.

For instance, frugality could keep me from investing in a clothes drying rack because it does not work in my budget for the week.

But if I look at the long term simplicity aspects–lower utilities, better clothing quality, and environmentally friendly–I allow myself to be comfortable with my new purchase.

]]> By: English Major http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114408 English Major Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:16:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114408 I'd just posted about feeling something that could easily be called "frugality burnout" lately, and this is helpful--thanks. I’d just posted about feeling something that could easily be called “frugality burnout” lately, and this is helpful–thanks.

]]> By: Frugal Dad http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114401 Frugal Dad Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:37:34 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114401 Great article, and good timing. Even the most frugal dad sometimes gets tired of being frugal. Oh, and thanks for pointing me to Frugal Village...cool site! Great article, and good timing. Even the most frugal dad sometimes gets tired of being frugal. Oh, and thanks for pointing me to Frugal Village…cool site!

]]> By: Solomon Broad http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114393 Solomon Broad Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:11:00 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/01/28/how-to-cope-with-frugality-burnout/#comment-114393 I keep a fund just for treats. When I'm feeling tired by driving to get the cheapest fuel, I take some money from the guilt free fund, and treat myself. Even just knowing it's there is helpful. I keep a fund just for treats. When I’m feeling tired by driving to get the cheapest fuel, I take some money from the guilt free fund, and treat myself. Even just knowing it’s there is helpful.

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