The only way to stick to one's financial plans, without hurting relations, is to do it with patience.  If you "arm-wrestle" your friends and family to follow you in your spending habits, not only will it not last, it will also strain relationships. The level of discipline required of a parent is even higher. You have to consistently lead by example. No use teaching your kids to be frugal when you yourself spend with little consideration.  But you also have to teach them patiently, else ...