I think from reading my previous posts you’ll probably agree that I’m pretty optimistic about being frugal.
In general, I have a pretty good attitude about it. But it’s a lot of work…comparing prices, clipping coupons, watching every penny. You can do a lot of it or you can be “a little” frugal…using coupons when you think of it, bringing lunch to work a couple times a week rather than every day. Heck, I go out and buy Subway or a coffee drink from time to time. I’m human! I need “something special” once in a while, too.
But there is such thing as frugal burnout. I mean…if you’re at the point where you won’t buy a particular something that you need unless you have a coupon for it, or you’re going crazy to fix something yourself instead of hiring someone which would help you find your sanity again, etc…it’s okay to just RELAX and spend a little money.
I’ve experienced burnout. A few weeks ago I was near a Boston Market restaurant (which I LOVE) at lunchtime, I was hungry, and it sounded great. But I didn’t have my Boston Market coupons with me…which I usually have with me. So I didn’t get it. I HATE getting something for full price when I know I have coupons at home for it (reminder: always have your restaurant coupons with you…not sitting on your kitchen counter where they are of absolutely no use!).
If not burnout, maybe it’s just frugal obsession. “We need to save money! Must deny self of everything I don’t have a coupon for!”
I have to say, I’m proud of what living frugally has given to my family and to myself. One big accomplishment is I PAID OFF ALL $18,000+ OF MY STUDENT LOANS IN SIX YEARS. I couldn’t imagine having those loans over my head right now, with all the expenses of having a child, owning a home, owning 2 vehicles in our household, plus all the insurances…auto, home, life, disability…Yes, we have them all, and THEY’RE NOT CHEAP, but gosh, how many insurances ARE there??? Isn’t there such a thing as MENTAL SANITY insurance? You know, when your life is so chaotic and you can’t handle one more thing so the only cure is A WEEK IN TAHITI. Or a massage. Something like that. I guess a special savings account would do for that…sigh…yet another thing to find money to save for.
Okay, I’ve used the word “sanity” twice in this post. I think the message is…Don’t make yourself nuts with the idea of living frugally. It’s impossible to be perfect all the time.
So go out to a restaurant…one you DON’T have a coupon for…get a nice chair massage, preferably one from your mate if you have one…then get back to your usual frugal routine of being the coupon queen/household money manager extraordinaire/proud penny pincher or whatever fits you…in the morning. 🙂
