I seem to have hit the proverbial wall in my quest for a debt free life. Perhaps it is Christmas looming or just that, at the moment, I am surrounded but spendaholics that think I am a bit strange. For my sanity, I have been thinking of ways to stay on the frugal track.
Always keep your eye on the prize of being debt free. Picture how wonderful your life will be when you can cut your work hours if you want or start a new career or possibly get that beach house. I have found that keeping a photo or a collage of what my life will be like when I reach my goal is a good trick to staying on track.
Right now I am working on repairing my credit rating. I have the number of the score that I want to achieve taped above my mirror so every morning when I put on my makeup I look at it. When I think about buying something I really do not need, like a £4 smoothie, I think about the number and keep my cash in my wallet. This also works if you are saving up for a specific thing, get a picture of it and every time you want to buy or do something silly look at it.
That said, you must give yourself a little break once in a while. Go out for lunch instead of bringing it. Get your nails done in a salon. Pay to get your hair done. People need a treat once in a while to make themselves feel good. I must stress the point that it is only once in a great while, that you get to treat yourself. Remember treating yourself is most likely how you got into this debt rich/cash poor situation in the first place.
The funny things about treating yourself, if you are really committed to paying off debt, or saving money, the treat will not be as fun as you thought it would be. I allowed myself a manicure as a treat. It was nice and my nails look fabulous but I won’t be doing it again soon. I feel like I have taken my eye off my goal. Now I am more focused to get to my end point; I feel a bit frivolous.
I think it is good to take a tiny break once in a blue moon; it will help regain any lost enthusiasm for your goal. Do you lovely readers have any tricks to keep yourself on track? Please comment, I would love to hear them.
I’m with you on the small, occasional treats. It can make them feel more special – even the odd coffee in a nice coffee shop.
That daily tall latte can take the shine off something that can be a genuine pleasure.
Sorry to hear the frugality’s getting you down a little, I completely agree that it can be taken too far and end up being monotonous or even socially isolating. In a way though it has a positive side – at least it means you’re not the miserly sort 🙂 P xx