Sometimes I’m afraid to save money.
How is it that a self-proclaimed Cheapskate afraid to save money?
Lack of confidence.
I’ve spent hundreds of dollars over the years on hair cuts because I’m terrified of attempting to cut my boys’ hair. I’ve gone so far as to buy a “how-to” book, watched “how-to” videos, and bought a nice set of clippers and scissors. But I just can’t bring myself to cut their hair.
I pay a crazy amount of money each year to have a vet tech clip my dogs toenails because I’m afraid of hurting our little dog.
I tend to leave my money in conservative savings and investment accounts because I fear I’ll screw up and lose my money.
I seldom make my own bread because I fear that all the time I invest will leave me disappointment.
And I know there are more money-saving things I avoid doing out of fear of failure or disappointment.
Of course, the rational side of me knows that this fear is ridiculous. As the saying goes, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Yet, the fear is still there. So the question becomes how to deal with it.
I don’t have any easy answers. But here are a few things that are working for me:
Baby steps. You don’t have to make giant leaps from where you are to where you want to be. Taking a few small steps in the right direction is better than being frozen in place.
Find the root of the fear. If it’s a lack of knowledge that’s holding you back, find someone who can teach you the skill or read up on the subject on the internet or at your library. If it’s the reaction you might get from your family, sit down and discuss your plans with them.
Accept that there will be failures. You will make mistakes. You may have regrets. Learn from those things and move on.
Frugality is a lifestyle, not an end result. As you seek to make the most of your money, you will realize that you are developing a frugal way of life. You can’t clip coupons and call yourself frugal – frugality is much, much more than that.
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{ 7 comments }
If you don't try, you will never suceed. Like I say…it is only hair…if you make a mistake it will grow back or you can recolor it. Even the best breadmakers have failed at making bread, but you have to have confidence…if it fails…you have learned something too. As far as the dogs nails that is a learning experience too…be conservative and just remember to watch for the quick…I have the uptmost confidence in you!! I can help you with all three of these tasks just let me know!
Being frugal is a life style but it is also a journey. You can't do everything at once. Do what you can, don't do what you can't and try to get a little closer to your ideal life every day. Also, it helps to keep it to yourself when you screw up. :)
Hee, hee, too cute. I think we're cut from the same perfectionist cloth. Moving to bush Alaska made me get over my fears. I HAD to learn to cut the boys' hair since there's no other option. Bread is ridiculously priced so we make our own. Listen to your rational side, it's o.k. to make mistakes. Have you seen this photo? C.O. did forgive me. =)
http://rudstrom.blogspot.com/2007/12/oops.html
Hey, maybe you should start cutting their hair soon. You can't start when they're teenagers. If you screw it up now, they probably won't mind as much. :) And my mom used to cut our dog's nails all the time. There was the occasional yip, but I see that happen at PetSmart, too. Go for it!!
mgz
I'm a licensed vet tech. Next time you go in, ask them to teach you to cut your dog's nails and what to do if you quick one. They will be more than happy to show you. Unless you try to declaw you dog or have no common sense, you won't severely injury your pup! Take it slow and only clip small amounts until you start to see the quick ( again, a tech can show you). Quicking (nicking the vein in the nail) happens no matter how profient you are at nail trims. And the truth of the matter is, vet techs HATE toe nail trims becuase they are just as nervous to quick your dog as you are! When a trim pops up, techs are pulling straws in back to see who is willing to go in for another mundane, time consuming nail trim. Trust me, they will be happy to teach you how to safely trim your furry friend's nails! :)
Thanks for all of the encouragement! Sometimes when you're afraid to take the leap, it's good to have friends who will give you a push! :-)
I look forward to reading your blog, because they are always full of information that I can put to use.
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