So here it is August 28th and I’ve decided to not spend anything for the month of September. It’s only 30 days. Remember this post. I want to re-evaluate some things…like why I spend and on what.
I’m officially divorced. I don’t really want to talk about it here in an open forum and one of the main reasons is because I don’t want my children to read all the dirty details. I will tell you it has been one of the hardest year’s of my life. In NC, you must be separated 366 days before filing for divorce. I’ve felt like I’ve been in sort of a holding pattern. I found this blog. Her post from yesterday. Presently, their father and I are amicable and want to make sure that the girl’s are the #1 priority. It does not benefit them one bit if we argue, fight and are bitter. And so we don’t purposefully.
I was googling people who had a year of no spending and suddenly became overwhelmed. So, I decided on baby steps. ONE month at a time. I’ve been reading here and here and here.
What this means for me: {No spending except for the basic necessities}
1. No eating out
This will be a hard one because I have 2 girls playing soccer who have a total of 4 combined practices a week. School just started and it’s just easier to run through a drive-thru before or after practice. No thinking involved. This will force me to make sure I have healthy prepared meals ready. My pantry and freezer are pretty well stocked for the month. I will need to buy milk and produce. Unfortunately, wine is not an essential…so I will not be buying it for the month of September.
2. No movies or funk shopping
We have netflix, so no movies out. And OMG…the One direction movie is coming out this weekend! What’s a mom of a teen and tween to do? Grandma is coming…so maybe that will be a special date with her grand-daughter’s? And no perusing thrift stores for more furniture that I don’t need and can’t fit in my home. I’m sitting here looking at projects that I want/need to do…like this. And I want to read which I haven’t done in awhile…just sit and read…and have a cuppa tea.
3. No excess car driving
I can walk to the grocery store and nearly everything else because I live in a small downtown area. I do, however, have to drive for pick up/deliveries of furniture I slipcover. And I must drive to take the girl’s to soccer practice…4 times.a.week.
4. Trade, Barter, Accept
I can trade, barter and accept. Any dinner invitation…I will accept. Not just for the free food, but for the opportunity to be with people and converse. {I almost cut myself off from the world this year.} People need people. And I feel like I’m coming out from under my rock…so there. And I have skillz to trade…slipcover skillz…that is.
5. Pay cash for everything
Instead of using my debit card, I’m going to pay cash for everything. It’s harder to part with the green. It will make me more aware. I still haven’t decided on a weekly budget. I’ll let you know.
Why have a no spending month?
I need to pay off debt! And re-discover myself along the way. I want to get back to working out regularly and my girls have talked about running this. I plan on posting about it through the month. On that note, does anyone want to join me? I would love a partner… AND have you ever had a no-spending month? If so, please share with me everything you learned! I need all the help I can get.
You'll be amazing at this and get your debt under control in no time – you're one of the most creative & resourceful people I know 🙂
you have always rooted for me my friend! so grateful for you! xo
When Chuck was laid off of work a few years ago, we pretty much stopped spending on anything except the necessities. When you're doing it for a “purpose” I find it's not that difficult to stick to it. Coming from humble beginnings may have been beneficial to my adaptation too. ;-D
It will be an adjustment for you but be strong — you can do it! We had to do the same thing several years ago after a job loss and illness followed by tons of bills. I didn't even buy a magazine for over a year. It was tight, but fortunately we were / are not big spenders so it wasn't too bad. You will feel so much better when your life gets back into balance and you feel more in control. Best of luck as you face a new beginning. Prayers for you and your family.
You can do it!
I've been unemployed more than I've been employed the last 5 years, and I've had to cut back out of necessity. I don't eat out, I don't grab a coffee from Starbucks, I don't have cable, I don't own a cell phone, I take the bus or walk everywhere, I've never had a manicure or pedicure. I buy groceries and basic toiletries (shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.). I replace my clothes only when they fall apart. I pay my mortgage, my utilities and my other monthly payments. That's it. It's not much fun, but it's allowed me to keep my house, which is far more important to me than eating out or buying new clothes.
Good luck!
;-D
thanks so much!
I once decided to quit smoking at the same time I had lost my job, had to find a job to even pay the rent, and my boyfriend left me. I figured as long as I was miserable I might as well
be really miserable and get something out of it.
Somehow in addition to the benefit of having more money at the end of the month ..
you are taking charge of your circumstances and making a plan that will pay off in so many ways. You are doing great !!! Keep it up.
I needed to read this. I am so thankful that I did. I am going to do this. Thank you for the inspiration. I a however sorry to hear of up your divorce. Hope you are doing better now that it is over!
Check out The Money Mustache Blog and the Prudent Homemaker. Both blogs are written by people who live frugally every month, by choice. If they can do it so can you.
Karen
Kristi—You'll do great! I do this from time to time–it's like a game to me, I love to get creative. I always pack a lunch on my appt day outs. I never drive in to town for one errand–I have to have at least 3 to make it worth the gas. We drink water. If we do go out, Heber and I share a meal. I repurpose some of my clothes so they seem new and exciting. Making Sense of Cents, Money Saving Mommy and The Prudent Homemaker are some other financial blogs I follow. Oh man—I may have to join you for the month of September!
Thanks Shelly! I will definitely check those out!
rebecca, i'm really good. yes, please join me and i would love to hear how your month goes!
wow rebecca. thanks so much for sharing and for your inspiration to know that i can do it!
I have been working just two days a week for the past year and have cut back on many, many things out of necessity. It is sort of like dieting, though. I find that I can stick to it long-term if I allow for some luxuries along the way (a luxury being a movie or a magazine most of the time). You might also read Nesting Place's experience with getting debt under control. I think you will feel much relief when you can look back at the progress. And, as a side benefit, foregoing fast food for your girls will be much healthier. Good luck. .
Cheering for you, Kristi! You are setting a good example for your girls.