[808state]

This morning, I realised that there were 2 days worth of toothpaste left (if I really sqeezed the tube) until a visit to the dentist tomorrow gives me a complimentary tube. I've purposely not rushed out and bought new toothpaste for this reason.

Grocery catalogues are studied, and I get a kick out of paying 50c less per kilo for grapes at one particular supermarket over the other. Taking it further, I weigh up the benefits against the cost of fuel and time running around between competing supermarkets...

Every single plan, contract and paid service is researched to the enth degree just to make sure I'm getting the cheaper deal with quality product.

Every dollar spent has it's special place in my monthly spread sheet, and every receipt is golden, lol. The end goal (20K in 10 months) is plotted on a graph from which this data feeds in to. I look at this graph probably a little too much

I live well, and afford most things, and have a very good well paying career, but recent circumstances have forced me to look at the way pennies are spent, I've slowly become consumed by the cause.

Anyone else share this infliction?

[CharliMarley]

I think it is in the genes, if you do this. You will probably find that your forbears going through wars and depression, also did these things to make ends meet. I really don't have frugal people in my genes, but my DH does and he wears clothes until they are falling off him.

[wanting3]

OMG, I am off to put a savings chart in my budget spreadsheet. I too watch my pennies to the nth degree. I even shop on the way home from work, with 2 tired DD's in order to NOT go to the shops on a Saturday, which would see me travel 20 minutes either way. I am also working out the best day to go the long way home, in order to go past a cheap, but really good butcher, again with 2 babies in tow.

I even have my budget spreadsheet to give me a chart which shows in percentages, how much I am spending in each category. I update it daily

If only DH was as commited to saving as I am

[BellaMoja]

It could be in the genes as a PP said. My grandfather was VERY frugal (to the point of it being too much) and my mother is too but not to the same extent.

I think this is AWESOME and should probably start scrutinizing my spending and start properly planning my spending - it is worth it and good for you! I hope you achieve your goal!

[Beancat]

I think its in the genes too. I have good intentions but then think nothing of splurging $50 on takeaway for tea. Yet I will happily study the catalogues for the best deals and haggle on prices/contracts as appropriate

[erindiv]

I even have my budget spreadsheet to give me a chart which shows in percentages, how much I am spending in each category. I update it daily

How did you set this up? I want it for my budget spreadsheet!

[Freddie'sMum]

Yes it probably is addictive (and in the genes)

and

No - it hasn't happened to me yet

[bubblebear]

I wish it was like this for me! I dream of being a better saver, tracking my spending etc and then I forget. I would like this to be the year I improve.

OP your spreadsheet sounds amazing, I'd love something like that! The graph in particular sounds very satisfying.

[librablonde]

My mum is like that, OP. She watches every cent and makes it work for her. She sees frugality as a delicious challenge and that somehow she's beating The System if she scores a bargain or a freebie. Somehow she gets by on the old age pension and manages to afford presents for all the grandkids and feeding her menagerie of pets.

[Magnus]

I think it is addictive for certain personality types.

I don't think this includes me, but I'm not bad with money. I'd probably do the toothpaste thing, cos I usually squeeze as much as possible out.

I'm not sure I wouldn't find a spreadsheet really oppressive, though.

I find it hard to get a good balance between trying to scrimp and save and managing to enjoy the present.

I think the main thing that would help my spending would be to set a strict limit for spending on outings with friends and family. 'No, we can only go to places where we can get dinner for under $10 per person.' Not likely to work, though.