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!
This article sounds so convincing, that I too will give it a try. I find I like to buy stuff for my kids, but for now, I will definitely hold back and think twice. Do they really need this or that?
With retirement looming in the near future, I must learn that money does NOT grow on trees. My own challenge is on!
Good luck with your challenge!
Reply