Since I started on this downshifting and financial responsibility path, I notice something, I have learned the art of self-discipline. Now, I was never in hordes of debt, I could always pay my bills, but, I thought nothing about seeing a new top or new necklace and just buying it. I thought nothing of eating out several times a week with friends, there was no plan/balance/thought about the choices I was making because “I could afford it”. Looking back I can see this is a very chaotic cycle and one I find I’ve been able to break. When I began this, I didn’t know I actually had this problem, I didn’t know learning self-discipline would be the benefit of what I’m doing, it’s been an unexpected blessing and I can actually see it transferring to other areas in my life.
A lot of people have asked me about how I manage so many no spending days, it all boils down to self-discipline and knowing the difference between need and want. The pair of shoes that I normally wear for work, are breaking and not fixable, it would be very easy to say that I need new work shoes, in fact, that isn’t true. I have another pair of shoes I can wear to work, they may not be as comfy, or my preference, but I don’t need a new pair of shoes, I simply want a new pair of shoes. The same goes for my swimsuit, it is 3 years old, it is definitely worn and has been on it’s last leg all year, but it still does the job, it covers me up, it doesn’t fall off (yet!) so while I need to remember it is a want not a need. When I moved here I had a very small budget for kitchen items, so I’ve made do with 1 pan. Yes at times it means I need to plan and manage what I’m cooking accordingly, but, it can be done and certainly doesn’t cause me stress. Those are just three examples of what I could think I “need”. The reality is they would cost me at least £75/$150, wow what a lot to spend on things wrongly defined as “need”. People think they “need” similar things each month, regularly buy £100/$200 a month worth of “needed” items like new clothes, new purses, new cushions and throws for the couch, when actually it is (or at least was in my case) an inability to go without wants. I guess I’m realizing that more then any “needs” I have, I truly need to have a fully funded emergency fund, no debt and retirement savings all the more.
And so, even though I’d love a haircut as I haven’t had one since April, I’m pretty happy to wait another 3 or 4 months!
Daily Tracking – Thursday remained at 10/20 no spend days
Friday no spend days 11/20
I honestly can’t imagine there’s anybody out there more disciplined than you.
I could manage without the shoes and the swimming costume but one pan? Not a chance! Well, I could if I absolutely had to, obviously (I’ve been homeless in my time so survived without ANYTHING) but I enjoy cooking too much to have just one pan. I have enough though. I’d like a decent casserole pot but have no intention of buying one. Like you, I have other priorities.
By: Sharon J on August 16, 2008
at 10:45 am
i’m not on the same level of determiation as u: my goals are a little more relaxed
but yes, i just realised whilst driving home this evening that i do’t HAVE to have things as much as i used to. ie: i can say “not now”
I haven’t paid for a haircut in over 3 years!! I have a friend who only finished half her apprenticeship, but is an artist, so mix her snipping skills with her artistic eye: i’ve never been more happy with my hair!! better still she enjoys doing it and doesn’t charge a cent
i have so many things in my place that are hand-me-downs from when my parents update their saucepans/sideboard and things like that
my friends and i even do clothes swaps. not formal ones, but when we go through our wardrobe and think something’d better suit a friend we just give it away. got 5 dresses last month off a friend
creative thinking is the key
By: kat on August 16, 2008
at 10:47 am
Kat those are superb ideas! Thanks for sharing!
By: Frugal Trenches on August 16, 2008
at 12:19 pm
Sharon
Yes, it certainly takes lots of timing/planning but I’m amazed at how much I can cook with 1 pan!
I think you’re very good at establishing the difference between need and want too!
By: Frugal Trenches on August 16, 2008
at 12:20 pm
The nice thing about this area is that I can often get things I need for free. So, if one pan weren’t enough, I could easily get a second. But it does help to think about whether i really need it!
I’ve noticed too that I’ve gotten better about self-discpline vs impulse. Now that I’m working on my eating habits, I’ve noticed the same types of questions – do I really need that cookie?
By: deepali on August 16, 2008
at 1:49 pm
That is exactly it Deepali, I can’t believe how I use this skills in work, personal life, what I eat, what I buy, what I use….long may it last!
By: Frugal Trenches on August 16, 2008
at 1:51 pm
I absolutely can see things transferring into other areas of my life as well.. good post nd you’re right – there’s a big difference between needing something and wanting something.
By: apieceofwood on August 16, 2008
at 6:18 pm
[...] From The Frugal Trenches has a post about self-discipline. Great post, and it applies to all areas of life – not just money and frugality. Eating well, [...]
By: Frugal Babe » Archive » Blog Round Up on August 16, 2008
at 8:50 pm
your self discipline is really inspiring.
By: neimanmarxist on August 16, 2008
at 9:22 pm
Great post! Those that don’t watch their finances at all must give you the hardest time. Most of my friends/family respect how I manage my finances now, but there are still the comments from co-workers that I don’t appreciate at times. We all have different goals though, you can’t compare 2 lifestyles at all.
By: CanadianSaver on August 17, 2008
at 6:07 pm
[...] learning self-discipline [...]
By: Blog roundup! « Financial Press on August 28, 2008
at 3:05 pm
[...] learning self-discipline [...]
By: pfblogsround - end of August 08 | plonkee money on August 28, 2008
at 7:02 pm
I just discovered this blog, and it could not have come at a better time for me. I am at a time in my life where I am really struggling with self-discipline with money, and gaining control over it. This is inspiring. I am trying to work out my families needs vs. wants in this fast paced, crazy world we live in. Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between the two. My husband and I do not by any means have great-paying jobs, however we certainly should be able to make enough to support our 2 kids, and each other each month, but it is truly amazing at how quickly it goes right out the door every month. I am trying to get in control of our finances. We don’t want to be in debt all our lives, but it feels like we will be. It feels never-ending. Everyday is a challenge. But I am happy I can now get on this Frugal Babe website for inspiration, and ideas for making it work.
By: Monica on August 30, 2008
at 9:36 pm