Becoming Frugal before you need to.

All of my life I have been very aware of money and what it does.  I started working between the ages of 14 & 15 at Burger King.  I still remember my first check.  $360.00 (give or take a few dollars and cents).  I am amazed at how much this was (considering minimum wage was $5.35 back then and from what I remember the highest allowance I ever received from my parents was $10 a week this was big money).

I honestly do not remember what it got spent on, probably make up and clothes, but I know I saved some of it to, and tithed on it now that I think about it.  But, what I remember the most is the great feeling I had of not needing to ask my parents for money.  I didn't have to ask them for anything, except a ride to work, and I would buy what I wanted with MY money.  It was great. 

All during high school I worked.  I bounced between Burger King and The Oxford Village Bakery and even worked at Choo-Choo's Chocolate for a little bit.  When different things would come up at school I always had money for them and I even paid for some of my own retreats the school would go on.  I loved paying the $200 myself and not having to ask my parents.  I didn't even have to ask them IF I could go anymore, I just had them sigh the paper and told them I was going.  Because I had already paid what could they say?  :)  I loved that.

After Ben and I got married, as I am sure he will tell you, I became the "money nazi" in the relationship.  I always was telling him "we didn't need that" even if maybe we did because living with my parents I had learned to live minimally.  Well, over time Ben and I have some what learned to  balance each other out, Ben is a great money saver now too, and I try to bite my lip when we are spending money.  :)

Recently I have gotten into clipping coupons and "finding the best deal" on stuff we have to buy anyway.  It really started out as me wanting to know "how these crazy coupon ladies spend $20 for $100 worth of groceries".  Well, sad to say, I haven't figured that out yet, but I have figured out how to get lots of stuff we need and always buy for close to free.  And along the way I have been able to purchase stuff that is a "want" not a "need" for practically free!  As I have been learning how to do this I have come to the conclusion that it is better for me to learn how to do this when I don't really NEED to do it instead of waiting until perhaps we NEED to stretch out money farther than we are used to.

This morning I read a lady's post that sum's this up pretty well and is worth reading...

http://www.momsneedtoknow.com/2008/07/16/its-about-more-than-just-free-toothpaste/

And, totally off the subject:

Kobe's Quote of the day:

"Mom!  I just peed like a angry wolf!"

Only the mom of a boy would find this cute :)