We did a "no spend" month last August and it went pretty well. It's not like I'm a Starbuck's junkie or go to the mall three times a week just to blow the non-existent wad of cash in my purse, but I think it's always a good idea to take a break from - let's face it - unwarranted and unneeded spending.
Paul insists that I go out into town too much. And really, he's right. There are times that I just feel like I want to get off the homestead, and those jaunts usually end up costing money. Not just the fuel used in getting to / from town, but since I'm out I may as well stop and get myself a carcinogenic half gallon cup of Diet Pepsi. Or if Rhiannon is with me, she's been such a good little girl I'll just zip in the drive through at McDonald's and get her a small fry (yes, my daughter and I LOVE McDonald's french fries, damn them to hell).
Then there's the Goodwill and Salvation Army. Don't get me wrong, I've saved tons of money by getting stuff there, but I may have gone a bit overboard this summer on Rhiannon's clothing. It's SO hard to pass up a cuter-than-a-button (what the hell is so cute about a button anyhow??) outfit or pair of jeans for fifty cents. But those quarters and dollars add up.
So without further ado, I'd like to jump in on No Spend October (N.S.O.) and invite you to do the same. Or not. Or kind'a join in. Like instead of vowing to not spend any money at all, just try to limit your "wants". And every time you refrain from spending money where you normally would have this month, put what you think it would have cost you into a jar or envelope each time and and the end of the month see how much you've saved.
Technically, we're still going to spend money this month. I really, really do wish that we could do a literal NO spend month. But as there is the electric bill to pay (I'm not ready to do without electricity for an entire month.......although that may be an interesting challenge), fuel to put in the vehicle for Paul to get to / from work, health insurance premiums and animals to feed, those necessary items will be exempt from N.S.O..
Ready, set, GO!
This is a good idea! I'll join in NSO!!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea, may want to try this too.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!! I would join in but we are planning a trip to New Mexico in a couple of weeks and we don't get out of town very often...
ReplyDeleteThe Capitalist Fat Cat is a hoot!! :)
Capital Idea my friend! (no pun intended!) I think this sounds great and I'm going to give it an honest try. I too, tend to go overboard at thrift stores because it's all "such a deal", go to Starbucks too much and we won't even talk about the craft stores "oh but I have a 40% coupon" sales. Ugh, none of it is necessary, and I'm trying to save for a trip home to MN so thank you for inspiring us and issuing the challenge. Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteThis post made me stop and think. I don't know whether it's a good or bad thing, but I really don't spend much money on anything that is not essential. Right now I really, really need some clothes, but I rationalize that I can "get by" with what I have. When I do NEED to get something, it's on the list and I go in and get out as fast as possible. I'm not a shopper. Make me leisurely stroll through a store just to see what's there and I'll go crazy within 5 minutes. About the only time I "splurge" is on fabric for quilting and then I use my saved personal allowance money. Boy, am I boring.
ReplyDeleteI'm IN... Going to do a post about this tonight!!
ReplyDeleteI am exactly like Mama Pea (I knew I liked you!). I am not nor have ever been a frivolous spender. I do have a McDonald's little weakness too.....I love their ice cream cones! Once in a very great while when I have been very good, we will stop and treat ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI will join your No spending October and it won't hurt me very much. We will ignore my credit card bill I just paid that was almost $3,000. I charged my new mower. OK, now I am ready.
I can't believe it! I actually interpreted the code thingy on the first attempt.
ReplyDeleteI have one of those word verification thingies??!! I had no idea! How do you get rid of it?
DeleteAwesome! Ok, seriously, No Spend Bloggers are gonna take over October. I'm excited for this! Will you stop by www.nwedible.com on Friday? I'm doing a NSM round up and I'd love to have you link to your site and NSM posts. Good luck (not that you will need it!) PS: I don't know if this works w/ Blogger but on Wordpress I use Askimet spam filter and it's fantastic.
ReplyDelete