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Happy Halloween!

November 1st, 2005 at 02:10 am

I cannot believe that the end of October is already here! Where did the time go? Had to go back to work today, and then grocery shopping for my incredibly expensive healthy food. Whole wheat anything costs at least twice as much as regular food. I got some whole grain dinner rolls, whole wheat pasta, steel cut oats...I hope this pays off. We stayed in tonight since the kids are too young to really understand Halloween and don't need the candy anyway (nor do we!). We carved pumpkins and opened the door for our two trick-or-treaters. At least we don't have to spend a fortune in candy to give away!
Total spent so far: $1514.52
Oct. 31: $76 at the grocery store
Total: $1590.52
Thank goodness this month is over and I won't have any big payments next month!
Just a few musings...it is amazing how much a change of attitude can change your spending habits. A few years ago, I was one of those see it, want it types of people. But something just clicked one day where all of a sudden, the difference between "wants" and "needs" became so clear. I need a shirt, I don't have to have a $40 shirt. A $5 shirt from the Salvation Army is just fine. I don't needs cd's, the radio keeps me entertained (I just "discovered" National Public Radio about 3 months ago - I am hooked!). I don't need to go out to bars every night - in fact, I preferred staying in and playing a game or watching a television show. When I do go out, I don't need to have a fancy drink - in fact, now I prefer water with my meals. When it really came down to it, I had everything I needed already. Sure, I still splurge on some things that I want - a fancy meal out, a weekend away, even a massage once in a blue moon - but I am not going to worry about not having enough money to pay the phone bill if I do. It's all a matter of prioritizing. To me, frugality is not about doing without things - it's about allocating your money to what is important to you. For me, taking care of my family's needs (food, clothes, education, healthcare, and occasional entertainment) comes first. Second is taking care of debt in order to get my family on the securest ground, and saving for future needs. A far distant third priority would be material things. I just don't have the need (or the space!) for them.
The really amazing part is that I do not for a second feel deprived. I have changed my views so much on what i need and want that I find there is little I really want to possess. When people ask me what I want for my birthday, I am hard-pressed to think if things. I tell me husband a lot, "how lucky I am to not want for anything." It's all a state of mind.

On another note - we decided with DH's family yesterday to downsize Christmas. I am SO glad. We have upwards of 25 people to buy for and it was just getting to be too much - too much money, time, and hassle. So for his family we have set a $10 "fun gift" limit. He is looking on E-bay right now for a fun find. I think for my family we are going to draw names. It was to the point where it took us hours to open gifts, and when we were all done, I had 30 things I did not need and would not use. So I am really looknig forward to enjoying Christmas shopping again this year Smile

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