One week down in the 'No Spend Month' and so far, so good. No "things" have been purchased. Only food, gas and childcare- all of which are 'approved' expenses.
A few observations for my first no-spend week:
1. I get A LOT of email and snail mail that is consumer driven. I honestly didn't realize just how many emails I receive every single day that advertised the latest sale or special offers or whatnot and I am taking action to get rid of them. I am taking the time to unsubscribed to all emails I would normally just delete and am compiling a list of the various catalogs that I get each day and calling the vendor to ask to be removed from their mailing lists. I hope it pays off with a lighter in-box and mailbox, which is great for my 'simple living' lifestyle and for the environment.
2. I use online browsing/shopping as a distraction A LOT. Paying attention to spending, along with my weekly intention to stay focused on the task at hand, has helped me realize how often I surf when I am feeling overwhelmed or tired or just plain bored. It's a bad habit, one that can result in rather random impulse spending and considerable time wasted, and it's one I'm happy to be working towards breaking. Now, if I can just break that nasty Pinterest habit...
3. My cooking repertoire needs some serious help. I am prepared when it comes to yummy "having-guests-over-for-dinner" meals, and I'm great with desserts and treats, but I struggle with simple, quick, kid friendly meals that I can make on a normal, busy day. I often resort to eating out when I'm feeling tight on time or too tired to cook a big meal, and that is something I really want to change.
So yeah...one week down, a few more to go in the No Spend Month. It hasn't felt like much of a challenge yet, but I expect that feeling may creep up on me in the weeks ahead. I guess we'll see how it goes.
1 comment:
Inspired!!! I think we're gonna jump on board and "play" with you!
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