An exercise in frugality (part three) @ Saver Queen

An exercise in frugality (part three)

Posted on November 6th, 2008 Saver Queen 6 comments

I’ve realized that this will actually be a four-part series, as I have remembered a final important step. But for now I will leave with you the third step, which is, for me, giving yourself a break.

There comes a time, when you are struggling to pay off that debt or live on a really tight budget, that you will just need a little treat. Especially on those days, like when you find out you didn’t get that job, or you bombed that test, or you get bad news from the doctor (that happened to me today) or you are just feeling worn out from constantly restricting yourself.

I’m not talking about giving in to every impulse, and I’m not talking about rewarding yourself with a great big shopping spree. But a reward can be something small, just to make yourself feel special. An example can be something you normally do not treat yourself with, but does not cost a lot, such as bubble bath, a specialty coffee, a meal out, new PJs, a small bouquet of flowers, a magazine – or something free, like a hot bath, or a relaxing night where you watch a movie instead of doing the dishes. Or maybe it’s time to use those gift cards you’ve been saving for a rainy day.

This is different than giving into Gail Vaz-Oxlade’s “gimmie gremlin,” in fact, using this trick can help you avoid splurging.

Why? How many of us have ever been on a diet? Well you know how, when you’re on a diet, if the diet is too strict you will just break down at some point when you are really, really hungry and cram as many chips or cookies in your mouth as you possibly can? I think being frugal can go the same way – if you deprive yourself too fiercely, you’ll just break down.

You can avoid that break down and avoid a shopping binge by treating yourself every once in a while. And you will find, if you are consistently frugal, that smaller purchases make you happy. You don’t need to spend several hundred dollars on shoes or clothes to feel fulfilled. That little item will go further than you expect.

Of course, I am not talking about using this as an excuse for every extra you buy (“oh, I’ve been good, I deserve it.”) It’s more about recognizing your breaking point, and giving yourself a little something nice to get yourself through a rough period. I know my limits and can instinctively tell when I need to loosen up a bit. But if you are working with a strict budget and need everything really organized in order to manage, I would build it right in to your budget, say a bonus of $15 twice a month, or whatever works for you.

This exercise might not work for everyone, but it works for me, so I hope it helps you too!

What little splurge will you get when the time is right?

6 responses to “An exercise in frugality (part three)”

sharon rose November 6th, 2008 at 12:06

Hi there-I’ve currently incorporated a £5 a week thrift budget which I really want to stick to. I’ll feel more happier with a purchase in this price range, than one 3 or 4 times the amount now! I also intend a new free treat of visting the library regularly-I’m looking forward to having a good browse and starting to read more!
Saver Queen November 6th, 2008 at 17:21

Great ideas! Thanks, Sharon!
Emily November 6th, 2008 at 22:26

This is my favourite time of year. The air is crisp and cool and I love being able to step out with just a sweater. Treating myself to some down time by taking a leisurely walk through my neighbourhood park is just the treat I need from a stressful week.
Cara November 6th, 2008 at 23:03

Hello!
I agree that a walk is a great treat and it is free! I also love bubble baths and curling up with a good book!
I do, however, find it much more difficult to stay entertained for free in the winter! Any ideas!
Saver Queen November 6th, 2008 at 23:43

Excellent suggestions. Cara, good question. I am going to do a post on this very subject and at the moment am just collecting “data” so stay tuned!
Andrea November 7th, 2008 at 00:39

I completely agree with your post, SaverQ. In the past I found out the hard way what my own imposed money-restrictions have done–”spend bingeing”. Now though, with things on track (Gail’s tips,etc.)I’ve incorporated a nightly bubble bath & book read, which feels like a splurge(I have kids : ). But sometimes I do need a budget “break” and buy a few mags(USWeekly,Oprah, and the like) for my little escape..not often, usually every few months.
A freebee I do though is I’ll rearrange a room’s furniture, accessories incorportated from other rooms for a new look without having to spend. It’s still the same stuff, but revamped and always makes it feel “new” without a penny spent.