Ask:
What helps you when you just don't think you can pinch any longer?
Seeing a few extra pennies in your account?
Just knowing your debt is getting paid faster?
Just the satisfaction of finding a bargain?
Working toward a goal?
Scrimping can be easy for me up till a point and then I just want to spend, spend, spend. I usually find that if I have a goal in mind, it makes it easier. (for example, once our account is up to "x" we will buy (insert item here).
So what motivates you???
Answer:
Conors school fees totally motivates me to save as much as I can. Im responsible for his education, and state schools are not an option for him.
I still want to spend when I want to ( I was always that kind of girl, but didnt always give in to temptation)
Now Conors Education and Tadhgs College and living expenses keep me financially straight
Anne
Answer:
I would definitely say the satisfaction of finding a bargain. We are pretty comfortable, but I grew up being frugal and still have not and will not change my ways. I love the feeling of getting things for a great price.
Answer:
hmm...I do have to say I love a bargain, and finding ways to save. I have gotten to the point that I usually do not buy anything unless its on sale or we really need it.::
Answer:
Not staying up at night worrying about how to pay the bills.
Answer:
The thrill of the hunt, knowing I got a good deal, having that extra money to use for other things... savings, college funds, etc.
Answer:
Stress motivates me. Debt and lack of $$ in the bank really stresses me out to the point of not sleeping or eating well and being a crab all the time. Seeing debt go down and/or savings go up makes me more stress free and I enjoy my life more.
I also try to look at it as a challenge against myself. I know I'm more frugal than my friends around me but can I be even more frugal than me? Sounds silly, but it almost turns frugality into a game. I win either way!
I do get bummed out after a while and just need to go out to a nice fancy dinner or buy something I want but don't really need. Once in a while it's still okay, just not every week.
Lou
Answer:
I have to agree with Lou about the stress and lack of $ in the bank motivating me. I do eat healthy though, and I rarely lose sleep over it, but I do find myself somewhat stressed sometimes.
I do great for a good while, but then I want to just go buy something. I almost always save the money up, and buy it though.
Answer:
I want to be able to teach my kids the value of a dollar.I want them to know it's not the end of the world if they are not wearing Nike shoes or the top name brand clothing. Being frugal teaches them skills to survive if anything were to happen to them later in life, like job losses, illnesses or disabilities that might make them unemployed, they will know they can survive it with the abillity to bargain shop and spend money wisely.
What motivates me also is being debt free, i hate having lots of debt, after watching the Oprah Debt Diet shows.....ugh, just the thought of having the kind of debt those couples have, i just wouldn't be able to sleep at night!
Answer:
absolutely a combination of all of them but if I have to pick one it's the thrill of the bargain