How do you feel wealthy when you're not?

simplet

I have just balanced our budget for the month. I have found that I am quite a bit short already since we have been overspending on groceries plus an error in math made me realize I am more in the hole than I had known before. Has this happened to you and how do you overcome the feeling of being poor in spirit?

Raksha

I look around and take stock of what we do have ...

carefullycautious

Watch the panorama programme on homelessness that should put things into perspective.

rageagainstessays

I simply open my laptop- Remembering that I can afford one.
Turn it on; Open Google Chrome.
Google Search 'Famine in Darfur'
Read.

As I'm only 17, I can't say that I've ever had to balance a budget for a household. I've had to in other situations- such as when I did a couple of charity events and stuff; but when they didn't add up, I had 2 options, that are always the same:
(a) Make more money.
(b) Spend Less.

So I made efficiency savings, up'd marketing and Made profit, which went to charity.

vodkachick68

I always think as long as i have my HEALTH and my KIDS and i can pay the mortgage thats all that matters to me!

sillyinthepast

I cook a good meal each night - it might be only bottom of the fridge soup with homemade bread. I then keep the house clean and tidy, light candles in the evening and have blankets in the living room. I love the simple life so this is just life for us :-)

katep23

Work with low cost meals like beans on toast or jacket potatoes but see if you can find a way to manage a treat once in a while, a whoopsied piece of steak or a nice dessert. Remember, you are not doing this to punish yourself but to try and stretch your budget.

Read through this thread for some really good cheap meal ideas:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4084527

Also try and find low cost alternatives to your favourite things e.g if you like a meal in a restaurant try and reproduce it at home for a fraction of the cost so you don't feel like you are missing out. The takeaway secret is supposed to be good for this so maybe have a "fake take-away" night as a treat.

kezlou

Been in that situation myself too many times.

I just try to think of it at a challenge and think right if do this then i can do that.If i think about how rubbish it all this i just get depressed and it just makes the situation even worse.

Right now were in the hole with a bit light of shining far far away.
But right now my boys are 12 and 8 years are happily making decorations out of paper and laughing at they poundshop advent calendars while the cats play with the decade old tinsel.

This Christmas will be hard going but were planning on making it a good one. With lots of cheesy films, board games and mucking about. No big night outs for us, can't afford it.

laurel7172

We're social animals, and can't help comparing ourselves to others.

The trick is to choose a comparison that you win...

I know somebody who spends far more money on material things than I do...but (a) has borrowed for a lot of them (b) has absolutely *no* other topics of conversation and (c) chose not to have a second child because she'd rather have new stuff.

I win three times over, I think

good_advice

Hello Simplet, how do I fell wealthy? Well, when I feel down the first thing I want to do is wash my hair, it always makes me fell better for some reason... nice and clean.

I feel good that I have my health. People would give a lot to have good health.

I can recommend that instead of looking at what you have not got look at the positive and the things around you. A wardrobe full of clothes. Food in the cupboard and family.

I also make a joke about opening my purse, I call it the safe - money is safe in there as it only gets open after some thought!

Above all try to say positive kind words to family, do not answer back with a snap. I sometimes have to say nothing as to speak will cause cross words.

Take care

Rowan9

Keep smiling, keep finding things to be grateful for - they don't have to be big things.
Hope this feeling passes for you.
W