Spending Break: Final Update

We're at the end of the month and my spending break is almost over. I'll admit, I'm relieved. And that's only ONE month ~ lame. But it has taught me tons. Here's how I did on my goals:

Use What I Have

I used many art supplies I had on hand to create gifts like this. I "made do" with what I had in the pantry before buying new. Instead of purchasing water bottles, I assigned everyone their own and simply refilled. I used up lotions and soaps I found in the back of cabinets. I used up powdered drinks leftover from parties. I even reused morning coffee to create iced coffee drinks.

Get Rid of What I Don't Need

I cleared out my closet BIG TIME. I'm down to thirteen hanging items. I'll show you this at some point. I know that sounds like a tiny amount, but it makes 74+ outfits. That may seem extreme but it's helped me live simply which has reduced my stress. And nothing is ever wrinkled from squishing. As for the rest of the house, I didn't do so well. I'd hoped to really make headway in getting rid of excess in the kitchen and front rooms and I did manage a little bit but not nearly what I'd hoped. That's okay, I'm still working on it.

Take Advantage of Free or Discounted Stuff

I had planned on using MidAmerica Food to help with groceries this month but a weird thing happened with their online ordering and they had to refund my money; so I didn't get the food. Hopefully I can try it next month. BUT I did discover a cool store called, Whoops! They have brand name foods or items whose boxes got damaged. The stuff inside is still in good condition and marked waaaayy down. I ended up spending twenty dollars on food that I usually wouldn't buy because it's too expensive (I got 35 packages of instant Starbucks coffee for $2.50). I'll be returning! I only allowed myself a small allotment of grocery money so I wouldn't spend on things I don't need, which would be ~ wasteful.

Make My Own Fast-Food

I rocked this one in my opinion (my kids might not agree). I realized there are natural fast-foods for those too-tired-to-cook nights. Eggs became my hero: scrambled, fried, breakfast burritos, french toast, boiled, egg salad and beyond. Seriously, I think I could go on about eggs for awhile. Spreads are another quick food: bagels and cream cheese; hummus and carrots; or (the always famous) peanut butter and jelly. Not to mention smoothies!! You can pack a ton of vitamins and protein into one little smoothie and be quite cost effective. Of course I still used my crock pot for soups, stews and casseroles. I even passed barbecue tuna off for barbecue chicken (wait, don't gross out) and dished them onto hamburger buns like sloppy Joes. I know you won't believe me, but after simmering all day in the crock pot, you really can't taste the tuna. Really. But shhh, don't tell my family! (Oh, you want the recipe? Simple: 4 cans tuna + 1 bottle barbecue sauce simmered all day in crock pot = delish!)

I'll admit that while I learned so much, I am still highly spoiled. I am dying for Friday when I can actually spend on something other than my list. You better believe I'm going out for coffee and my kids are begging to go to Quick Trip. But what I did take away was that it's okay to say no to buying stuff we don't need; you can still meet people at restaurants even if you don't eat; and staying home is always cheaper. I'll be less inclined to reach for my wallet (after discovering just how often I do that) and more inclined to wait. At some point I'd like to try doing a spending break for a longer period of time, but I'm not sure I can do that without my family on board. I'll have to work on them. ;)

Have any tips on saving money? Or any go-to quick meals you'd recommend?

Spending Break Update 2

Every now and then something comes along that kicks you between the eyes, knocks you down and leaves you sputtering. I've been reading a book called, 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, and it's moved me in big ways; especially layered on top of my break from spending. The first day of which, we ended up going out to eat for a friend's birthday. Before I left the house, I found myself rehearsing what people might say to me about not eating and how I'd reply. I caught myself mid-thought when it dawned on me--oh my gosh, I'm making this about ME. I'm toting it around like a medal. How does me-not-getting-to-eat-out for ONE MEAL, merit a speech? 

Enter book 7; hauntingly poignant and telling:"While the richest people on earth pray to get richer, the rest of the world begs for intervention with their faces pressed to the window, watching us drink our coffee, unruffled by their suffering." Ouch. I sat laughing and weeping through this book. How did I never make the connection that my spending directly hampered giving to those in need? There stood my why.

When did I start assuming I had a right to excess? So, back to not spending...

I'm going to be completely honest, it's been hard. The first day alone, I kept thinking, "I wanna get..." "Need to pick up some..." "Wonder if the kid's would like..." I think I counted ten times that I almost whipped into a store to buy a bag of excess. I stopped myself. But for someone who thinks themselves frugal, it was startling to realize how often I reach for my wallet. Startling and humbling. I can already tell this spending break is going to reveal a bunch.

What do you think of this challenge?


Click here to read the final update!

Spending Break: Update 1

Unfortunately I didn't capture my painting in progress before the sun went down, which is a bummer because it would've really gone well with Wednesday's post. Ah well. On the other hand, I've been reading some incredible books and focusing on clearing surplus out of my house. Think I may need moving boxes! so. much. STUFF.

Today is the beginning of my spending break. I was prepping my kids and their first question was, "What does this mean [for me]?" I explained that we wouldn't be eating out and no QT runs (a favorite gas station stop). But I am going to give them a little moo-la on the front end to do with as they will (in case of a fast-food withdrawal emergency). Other than that, it's down to the bare necessities. 

Have an awesome weekend!


Click here to read the next update!

A Spending Break

I'm trying something new in February: I'm taking a spending break.

This means I'll pare down spending on wants and only spend on needs. I decided to do this after reading Rachel's post about the Spending Fast then afterwards obsessing over reading the blog And Then We Saved. I know this idea sounds dull and restrictive, but I'm excited about it because of the potential to save money.

In the book The Happiness Project, Gretchen talks about people who are abstainers versus those who are moderators. Abstainers find it easier to abstain from things if they cut it all out instead of moderating. Moderators can't stand to be ruled by extremes and must moderate the rules. I, apparently, am an abstainer. And because of this, I'm going to restrict myself to NO spending on wants (see list below). I would like to commit to doing this for a month and if I am able to save, will continue doing so for perhaps a year.

Things I will spend on (my needs):  house, gas, food, bills, medicine, doctor/dentist, haircuts

Things I won't spend on (my wants):  eating out, coffee shops, clothes, books, movies, shoes, gifts, makeup, trinkets, house decor

Here are some things I plan to do to make this an easier transition:

Use What I Have

I've been decluttering but still have a cabinet full of make-up and lotions I haven't begun to use up. So, instead of buying more, I'm going to use what I have. This goes for the pantry and freezer too, (Tuna, I'm looking at you). I'll use materials I own to create DIY's for the house and to hopefully create meaningful gifts.

Get Rid of What I Don't Want/Need

This seems obvious, but I need to remove things I don't use out of my house, closet, drawers. I'm going to sell what I can on Craig's list to help my savings grow. Everything else will be given away, gifted away or reused.  This helps me save in the long run because I'm not paying to clean it, store it or add wear and tear to my home or closet. Also if I re-use something, it'll fill a need without having to purchase anything.

Take Advantage of Free or Discounted Stuff

I've already compiled a list of free fun activities around my city. I also plan to take full advantage of MidAmerica Food ($30 for a box of food ~ mostly meat!). I'll share more of what I find as I go along. I'm also part of Freecycle so if I have a need, I can always see if there's a listing and then get it free.

Make My Own Fast-Food

I'm embarrassed to admit this, but one of my biggest and most tempting money wasters is fast-food. I've formed a bad habit of grabbing a pizza or burgers on nights I don't really want to fix a meal. My plan of action is to cook meals on Sunday night for the week. I know I'm must less tempted to stop in a drive-through when dinner will only take fifteen minutes to heat. Also, I plan to use the crock pot more often. If I have veggies sliced and ready to pour in the crock pot; it'll be easier to follow through. One night of preparation for the week will help me create healthy and inexpensive fast-food.

These are my thoughts as I begin; I'll keep you posted on how I do. Have you ever done something like this?


Read through my progress: Update 1; Update 2; and Final.