So I updated my bathroom this last week, and spent a little more than I wanted. I will be sharing the results of that update sometime soon, and I’m super happy with it, but boy…the numbers add up quickly! I got a new shower curtain, paint, some hooks, a new rug, a new tp holder & the most expensive purchase; new towels.
We are also finding ourselves a bit short on grocery budget, due to how expensive it is to stock up the kitchen again after being out of town. We also had a very sick week with 4 trips to the doctor which meant paying a $40 dollar co-pay 4 times! One more recent expense was all 3 of my daughters growing like weeds and needing some fall/winter clothes. Thank goodness for 40% off sales!
Because of these few things, I thought it would be good to have a ‘no spend’ week. Here is what that means for me. No spending unless I absolutely have to.
This is tough, because honestly, we are quite frugal already, so to find more ways to cut expenses is not easy.
Some ways I plan on doing this:
~use a gift card I have to a coffee shop. I love to work at coffee shops. I can concentrate so much better! I am relieved to know I have a gift card tucked away in my purse. It was an early birthday gift from my Mother-in-Law.
~have a friend over for brunch instead of going out to lunch.
~have an ‘eat from the pantry & freezer’ week. I bought quite a bit of groceries last week, and with Thanksgiving this week we should be able to get by without having to buy a bunch of groceries. We are having Thanksgiving at my sisters, and all I have to bring is the turkey, which yes, qualifies as an ‘absolutely necessary’ purchase. Funny that I am bringing the turkey when I don’t eat turkey..huh?
~stay home. I have all kinds of things I need to get done at home. Laundry. Projects. Organize photos. If I stay home, I am less likely to spend money.
~ask for accountability. I think if I tell you all what I am doing, and post an update on what I spend this week, I will be very purposeful in my purchases! So yes, I will let you know what I spend and why in a post next week.
~practice thankfulness. How fitting on the week of Thanksgiving. The more thankful I am for the things we do have, the less I find I really need!
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We have done a ‘no spend month’ before, but that seemed a little daunting, especially with the holidays coming up. I will start with this ‘no spend week’ and maybe make it two?
What about you? What are your favorite ways to watch what you spend?
Duane Scott
November 20, 2012 at 3:01 amLove this idea. 🙂
upnorth
November 19, 2012 at 11:28 pmGood luck!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!