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No Spend Challenge – Resisting The Desire to Buy

March 25, 2010 By Simply Frugal 5 Comments

Just how do we go about resisting the desire to buy? We all like nice things. We all want nice things. But do we really need all those nice things? Let me just say that there is nothing wrong with wanting nice stuff, but sometimes we need to draw the line and say enough. I have gone through quite the learning curve in the last couple of years and I have found some things that always seem to quench my thirst for more:

  • What are your Financial Goals? – I think this is the most important thing to consider. If you’re trying to get out of debt, a new $2000 couch will not be helping you. If you’re saving up for a vacation, a new bathing suit (when you have 10 others already) will not help you. Will buying a particular item help you meet the financial goals you have put in place? Or will it hinder it?

  • Don’t tempt yourself – I rarely think about buying something if I haven’t seen it first. Stay out of the stores if you can and do away with catalogues! It would be nice if we could skip the TV commercials as well…

  • Reconsider your need – Do you really need it or is it a want? If it’s a definite need then there is no way I should feel guilty about my purchase.

  • Wait on it – I’ve found many times I can do without something if I simply walk away. For some reason, the item might not seem as appealing days later.

  • Find Something else to do – Do something fun. Enjoy the outdoors, volunteer, etc!

  • Think about Costs – How many hours will you or your spouse have to work to pay for it? Will you have to fix it, clean it, store it, insure it?

  • Declutter your Home – I recently had another go at this in our home last weekend. After I was finished, I was completely satisfied with what I had let go of and all the space I cleared up! I really don’t want to clutter it back up!

  • Buy Quality the first time – If you carefully consider a purchase and buy something that will last, you won’t feel that constant desire to upgrade. There’s always a time and a place to buy temporary, but generally buying quality will save you money and time in the long run!

What are some ways that help you resist the desire to buy?

This post is linked to Frugal Friday!

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Filed Under: Money Saving Tips, No Spend Challenge

No Spend Challenge – How I Occupied Myself and an Update

March 22, 2010 By Simply Frugal 1 Comment

I meant to post an update on my No Spend Challenge last Friday, but that just didn’t happen! We were experiencing some beautiful Spring weather so I think I got distracted.

Here’s something really big. I filled up my gas tank today. I know thrilling isn’t it? But, the last time I filled it up was on February 21! I went an entire month without filling up my tank! I wouldn’t even say we were at home anymore then usual. Maybe we were?

I almost messed up once this past week. I was sent an email for these cute aprons that this person was trying to get out of her house. She was selling them at a great price, so I had one picked out and was just about to put it in the cart when I remembered I wasn’t allowed to spend money on stuff like that this month! And besides, I have a perfectly cute apron sitting here at home, that I forget to wear all the time!

So to distract myself from ever making that mistake again, I took signs from the sunny weather and ripped the entire house apart. I rearranged the furniture in all the bedrooms and the living room. Vacuumed up all the dust bunnies from the baseboards. Drank a Coke because I thought I deserved it after doing that all by myself. (It was really tasty) Gathered stuff from around the house for a garage sale. I found boxes and boxes of stuff I had been saving for a garage sale! Brought the boxes to my Mom & Dad’s because that’s where we will be holding said garage sale. Came home again and finished my 900th load of laundry for that weekend. I get my kicks from that kind of organization and cleaning!

Since then? I’ve been enjoying the clean and more spacious feeling that’s now found in our home. In no way am I feeling like I need to bring another thing into my home right now. I’m perfectly content!

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No Spend Challenge – Beauty On a Budget

March 15, 2010 By Simply Frugal 3 Comments

What do you think, time to spoil ourselves? I think so! I guess this one is mostly for the ladies, but here are some tips:
  • Make you own body scrubs – Take a cup of olive oil and about 3 tablespoons of sugar and mix the two together. You can also use coarse salt if you want something a bit more rough. Then apply to your body in circular motions for 2 minutes and rinse off. Your skin will be so smooth! You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil if you like!
  • Make your own cream blush – Grab an almost empty lipstick tube, dig out the remaining lipstick and put it on a plate. Next, put it in the microwave and warm it at 30 second intervals (don’t exceed 2 minutes!) until it’s slightly runny and then mix a few drops of moisturizer into the lipstick on the plate. (you may want to use a paper plate) You might want to play around with the mixture to find the right consistency. Add more moisturizer for a more sheer shade. Quickly pour your new creation into a container that you have lying around or find one at the dollar store.
  • Turn Lipstick into Lip Gloss – Again with a nearly empty lipstick tube, squeeze a small amount of Vaseline into a ziplock bag and close the bag. Mash the two together and throw it into the microwave and warm for 30 second intervals, don’t exceed 2 minutes! When it’s slightly runny cut a small hole in the corner of the zip lock bag and squeeze the new lip gloss into a small makeup container
  • Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Brighten your Hair – An apple-cider vinegar rinse works like a clarifying shampoo and leaves your hair with great shine. Add a small amount to your hand then spread through your hair. Rinse.
  • Go For a Walk – It’ll make you feel wonderful and bring a nice glow to your cheeks!
  • Use Epsom Salt – Pour a cup of Epsom salts into your bath full of hot water. Soak in it to relax your muscles and remove toxins.

Click here for a big list of homemade beauty recipes!

What are your favourite homemade beauty treatments? Do you regularly do it at home or do you splurge and have your beauty treatments professionally done?

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Filed Under: Links Worth Sharing, Money Saving Tips, No Spend Challenge

Welcome National Post Readers!

March 13, 2010 By Simply Frugal 2 Comments

I would love to welcome all National Post readers to Simply Frugal, a blog that brings Canadians daily freebies, coupons, store deals and money saving tips! A huge thank you to Mary Vallis for taking an interest in my No Spend Challenge. Thank you!

Of course, you’re most likely here to read all about the No Spend Challenge I have going on this month. Below you’ll find all the posts I’ve written so far on the subject:

That’s the start of the No Spend Series. Throughout the month I’ll be writing additional articles that will hopefully help us get through the month ahead!

Aside from the No Spend challenge, I strive to bring my readers daily freebies, coupons, store deals and money saving tips. All geared towards my fellow Canadians, of course. It’s possible to save money in Canada!

I’d encourage you to take a look at my About Me page if you’d like to know a bit more about me. You can even visit the Helpful Links page for websites that I find very useful. To the right of this post, you’ll find all the categories that I cover. If you’re liking what you see here at Simply Frugal, I’d love for you to subscribe to my daily free email updates here , or you can even subscribe free via RSS here! (Google Reader for example)

Thanks so much for visiting!

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No Spend Challenge – An Update

March 12, 2010 By Simply Frugal 2 Comments

Just thought I’d stop in and give you guys an update as to how my personal No Spend Challenge if going!

As I told you all in the post about My Plan, I was going away for 5 days on a road trip to visit my brother and some other great relatives. I did that and now I’m back! Aside from gas and minor food costs, I managed to use my gift cards to purchase anything else I found. But, I surprised myself and only used $36 out of my $75 in gift cards! I just wasn’t much into shopping! One thing I did buy was a pair of $10 work gloves for work that I needed. I can’t seem to find them here in my own city!

Other then the road trip, I haven’t spent any money on extra stuff. And this week’s groceries only cost me $20 since I only needed the basics! I’ve been really enjoying the Free coffee that McDonald’s is offering until March 14. Even though I can make it at home, it’s a bit of a treat to be able to go out and get a free coffee!

I’ve been enjoying doing a bit of organizing/purging/spring cleaning during my day. This weekend, my house better be afraid as I’m going to go wild in my closets! I’ll be finding all sorts of stuff for a garage sale!

Hubby and I have been enjoying some nice walks almost everyday since we’ve been experiencing some early Spring like weather! My tulip bulbs are poking through the ground!

There you have it, a taste as to how my No Spend Challenge is going. I’d really like to know how yours is going. So why not drop a line and give me an update! I’d also like to see just how many people are participating in the challenge.

**I want to add that I did find myself wanting many things during my road trip but I managed to convince myself not to get it by telling myself that it will still be available next month if I still want it! And if an item was on sale, I told myself it will go on sale again! Click here to read how Mary from the National Post is doing in her second week of the No Spend Challenge. (Mary is the one who wrote the fantastic article about the challenge for the National Post!)

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No Spend Challenge – Cheap Family Activities

March 8, 2010 By Simply Frugal 4 Comments

Here are some ideas for cheap family fun during our No Spend Challenge!

  • Have a picnic – Either do it inside or outside, weather permitting!
  • Have another family over for dinner – this is way cheaper then eating out!
  • Start your garden seeds inside – Use this as an opportunity to teach your children about patience, responsibility and how things grow! (or plant them outside when the weather permits!)
  • Movie night – grab a movie off your shelf that you haven’t watched in a while and make some homemade microwave popcorn!
  • Have theme nights – Mexican, Italian, pirate…the list goes on. Plan dinners and activities around your theme!
  • Start a Book Club – Here are some ideas to help you kids start a book club: Start a Book Club!
  • Have a craft night – Paint, Sew (here are some simple felt sewing ideas), draw…etc!
  • Head to your local library – stock up on reading material or even sit in on story time!
  • Have a game night – pull out those board games and cards!
  • Try Stargazing – Maybe this one will have to wait until it warmer? Or bundle up and sit in the car!
  • Unplug – Turn off the cell phone, TV, computer and just reconnect with your wonderful family!
  • Take part in the Chapters/Indigo kids events during Spring break.
  • Go bird watching – see how many different types of birds you can spot. Maybe bring along a bird book from the library.
  • Go Ice skating – many ice rinks offer free skating on certain days
  • Build an indoor fort – camp out in it or have a picnic in it!
  • Read one of the free e-books you can find on Simply Frugal – or listen to one of the free audio books you can also find on Simply Frugal!

I’m sure many of these ideas can be adapted to families or couples, summer or winter! What other free activities can you suggest?

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Filed Under: Frugal Crafts, Money Saving Tips, No Spend Challenge

No Spend Challenge – The Rules

March 4, 2010 By Simply Frugal 1 Comment

I’ve had a few inquiries about the rules of the No Spend Challenge, so I thought I would do a quick post here for everyone!

Basically, there are no rules! I’ve said before that I’m a big believer in doing what works for you. Just because something works for one family doesn’t mean it will work for yours.

I’ve decide to cut out all extra spending aside from my road trip I’m taking this weekend to visit my brother. And as I mentioned before, I’ll be using gift cards that I’ve saved to do the majority of my spending while I’m away. That’s what I’ve decided to do. But I honestly believe that this won’t work for everyone.

Maybe, to make the challenge work for you, you simply give yourself a lower budget. Say, for example, you normally spend $500 a month on lunches and dinners out, clothing, books, and entertainment. Make it a challenge for yourself by dropping the $500 budget down to $200 for the month. With this idea, you’ll more then likely have to find alternatives to what you normally do. Instead of buying a book, go to your local library. Instead of new clothing, dig through your existing wardrobe. Or if you run out of fabric softener, use vinegar instead. Or instead of Starbucks, visit McDonalds for a free coffee.

Basically, just make it a challenge for yourself. Challenge yourself to view your money and your precious time differently. Challenge yourself to use your creativity to find alternatives. You can do it!!

For those of you who are participating already, how is the challenge going for you?

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No Spend Challenge – My Plan

March 2, 2010 By Simply Frugal 4 Comments

I guess I should let you all know how I’m personally going to try to get through this month!

Coming up this weekend, I’m already going to have to do a bit of cheating, since I’ve been planning to take a road trip to visit my brother for quite some time now, with my parents. What I’ve decided to do is give myself an extra allowance for gas and food that will be needed during the trip. Since I like to splurge a little bit on trips, I’ve saved some gift cards that I received for Christmas, from the Nestea Mastercard promotion last year and Swagbucks. That should definitely cover any splurging I might want to do. At the same time though, I’m going to really ask myself if I really need/want something. Basically, be way more conscious in how I spend those gift cards.

I realize that we’re only two days into the challenge, but I’ve got to be honest, I don’t think this is going to be that hard for me! And no, I’m not trying to be prideful or boastful. Since my first No Spend month two years ago, I’ve really lost my zeal to spend my money at every sale I see. Since then, I’ve been striving for more simplicity in my life. And this includes less stuff, cheaper entertainment, homemade alternatives and all the while, increasing in riches in the way of relationships! I am blessed!

Frugality has become a way of life for me and my husband. At the beginning I really had to think about what I was doing and step back occasionally to refocus. I now see the benefit of paying cash for everything and the benefit of investing in appreciating assets such as property and RRSP’s. My journey has not been easy, but I believe my priorities are starting to take shape thanks to God’s leading.

Now, back to where I think I might struggle this month aside from my road trip. Since I’m obviously still spending money on groceries, I thought I would try to be more conscientious in how I spend the grocery money. Take for example yesterday. I went grocery shopping and there were some Oreo cookies on sale. I could have bought them as they were food, but then I said to myself, “self, you have all the ingredients at home already to make delicious chocolate chip cookies, so don’t do it.” And I didn’t. But I know there are going to be many times this month when I’ll want to pay extra for a convenience item when I know I’m perfectly capable of making it myself at home for less with ingredients I have in the cupboard.

I’m sure too that I’ll find many occasions this month where I’ll feel myself being drawn into a store. Probably more times then I’ll want to admit! Oh and never mind all the deals I post about here on Simply Frugal. Online shopping anyone? No thanks, not for me…this month anyways! I must stay strong!

This folks, is how I’m making it a challenge for me!
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No Spend Challenge – Are We Depriving Ourselves?

March 1, 2010 By Simply Frugal 3 Comments


You might be wondering, what’s the point of depriving ourselves? Shouldn’t we be able to enjoy the money we earn?

When I did my first No Spend challenge two years ago, I learnt to appreciate what I had. The restaurant and take out dinners became a special treat, I found clothes at the back of my closet that I loved, and I used the piles of fabric I already owned to complete sewing projects. I stopped taking things for granted. (And let’s not forget all the money saved from not eating out or making impulse buys!)

Technically, I wasn’t depriving myself since all my basic needs were being met. I had shelter, I had food, and I had clothing. And really, I had so many things in my home I didn’t miss spending my money on expensive, useless stuff! My husband and I found alternatives to the movie theatres and dinner dates.

What I realized after my month of No Spending two years ago, is that I was able to find Joy and Happiness in making do without and finding creative alternatives to the expensive things. I’m talking about finding joy in the little things again.

I no longer feel like I have to spend tons of money to find the best things in life for me. I find quite a bit more happiness in finding ways to do things that aren’t wasteful, in terms of money, time and other resources. Don’t get me wrong, I feel the freedom today to spend larger amounts of money if I want. Take for example, the trip my husband and I took to Mexico to see his only sister get married. That was important and in no way were we not going to go. Sometimes you just have to to spend money to experience life to the fullest and in turn not disappoint what’s really important in life, family and friends!

How do you view the No Spend Challenge?

If you’d like to see my original No Spend Challenge post, read here!

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Filed Under: Inspiration, No Spend Challenge

The No Spend Challenge

February 28, 2010 By Simply Frugal 9 Comments

I discovered that along with my article last month on YummyMummyClub.ca, there was quite a bit of interest in the No Spend Challenge that I did a couple of years ago. And guess what? I’m challenging you all to try it for the month of March! Now would be the perfect time for you to try it out since I’m hoping many of you will hop on the No Spend bandwagon with me and become a support system for each other!

As my article states, I challenged myself to not spend a cent in the month of January 2008. I was pretty strict by allowing myself to only spend money on groceries and bills that we’re due that month. Scary? Yup. But I did it and thank myself for completing the challenge as it has hugely impacted the way I spend money today.

Although I post daily store deals here at Simply Frugal, my desire is for you, my wonderful readers, to only buy the items you need and love. Don’t just buy something because it’s on sale. I was guilty of doing this far too often. It was the No Spend challenge that broke me of my habit. I realized that I could make do, or live without many things! I learned to downgrade vehicles so my money wasn’t being sucked into a depreciating asset. Gosh, I’ve learned many things and I’m sure I’ve just touched the surface!

Now, back to you. I would like to challenge those of you who are ready to make a change to your spending habits. Take the month of March and don’t spend a cent on extra things.

I realize that this will look different to everyone. I, for one, don’t have any children yet so I don’t spend any money on that. But I do enjoy a meal out about once a week so I’ll cut this from my list. I was also wanting to get a hair cut but I’ll hold off until April to get this done.

The main thing is that this is a challenge to you. Do what works for you. Allow yourself a budget if you can’t cut all your spending. Just Challenge yourself! Make do with something else you have on hand. Use alternatives. If you find yourself going to the grocery store every few days, challenge yourself to go only once a week. Start a project you’ve had in your closet to get you away from the stores. Be creative. Will your kids really miss all the money you spend on them? Let it be a money lesson for them.

So, who’s on board with me? We’ll help each other out. It’ll be worth it I promise! I have some posts in mind to help us invent some frugal fun during the month. Is there anything you have in mind that you’d like me to hit on?

Here are the links to all the articles I’ve written regarding the No Spend Challenge:

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