What's your Quality Quotient?

A couple of weeks ago, our family went to the movies, not the regular movies...Oh no, we went all the way, baby - 3D, IMAX, stadium seating. Doesn't sound very frugal does it? It wasn't. We came out of the theater nearly $60 poorer with nothing to show for it but memories of a decent movie and a lot of really cool high-tech 3D stuff.

Was it worth it? To me, not so much, but to the kids - well, they loved it! We probably only do such a thing two or three times a year. I mean, that kind of money could almost pay our monthly natural gas bill. But we do it now and again because we do get something out of it - joy.

Could we live without it? Absolutely. Would this be one of the first things we would cut out if we were in financial trouble? Again, absolutely. But, as long as we can squeeze it into the budget occasionally, it is worth it for the experience and joy we receive from it.

Now, I could get all philosophical and talk about what good causes that $60 could have gone to, but sometimes we just need to enjoy something without guilt. How do we choose what is worth it? We have to make some decisions. You will too.

So here's the big question:

What does quality mean to you? Before you can make decisions about how to be frugal and still keep a certain quality of life, you have to define that for you and your family.

When our family has to cut back, we think about things we are willing to give up first. For example: to us, eating at restaurants is a luxury. We enjoy it, but we can do without it, or we can at least cut down on how often we go out. This may be more difficult for your family, but you may be willing to cut down on your clothing budget for a few months.

If you are a list maker, you may want to actually make up a notebook and answer a few questions formally. If you don't want to make a list, go through the following train of thought and store it in your brain somewhere. When you are making a decision about spending, pull out the list (either on paper or mentally) and check it.

Try these questions and tips and come up with some of your own if necessary. Don't slave over this. You can make more thorough lists later if you want. This exercise is just to get you thinking in a new way. Oh, and this is personal. You don't have to share your list with anyone, so be truthful.

1.Needs v Wants - What are real necessities and what are things we are just used to and like? For example: Food is a necessity. Eating out is not. Clothes are a necessity. Buying a new designer purse is not. Wait - don't hit exit! I'm not telling you not to buy the purse. We're not making decisions yet, just lists.

2.Quantity v Frugality - What necessities can be adjusted? Can you reduce, reuse, repair anything? This can get complicated, so just jot down some things that come to mind right away. Maybe you don't really need four paper towels to clean up a spill. Try one or two. Are three pairs of new shoes really necessary? Can you make it with one for now? Yes, even if they are on sale. Start small. Little savings add up.

3. Fun v Overindulgence - Now, pick some things that really give you and your family enjoyment. Mentally put a "Only Tamper With in Extreme Circumstances" label on them. Make sure when you make a budget (which I recommend, but will not tell you how to do. Google Dave Ramsey.) these things are in there. A yearly trip to the beach? Satellite TV? Expensive Coffee? If you will be overcome with sadness and will be tempted to mope around for months because you are giving it up...don't...at least not yet.

4. Practical v Habit - Get an overall feel for what is really important to you and your family and what has just become habit. Maybe buying a full bill of groceries every Wednesday is not necessary, just routine. Running out to see the big action movie of the summer on the first run weekend has become a family tradition. Could renting it 6 months later from Netflix or Redbox and enjoying a family evening with homemade popcorn become a new tradition instead? This is a time to prioritize things like tithes and giving also. What are your family's priorities?

5. Thoughtful v Manic - Check your motivation. You will make yourself crazy and broke if you buy on impulse, buy to impress, or buy to feel better about yourself. I'm not a shrink anymore than I am an accountant. I'm not going to diagnose you if you fall into one of these categories, but I will say I have done all of these things at one time or another and always lived to regret it.

Well, this should get you started. Don't get bogged down in details here, just start thinking about your choices and what you are willing to cut back or give up.

One of the best ways to cut back is through frugal grocery shopping. My next few blogs will highlight this subject. Send me your tips! If I use them I'll give you credit (unless you don't want your name mentioned).