I've been reading about this "BUY NOTHING" challenge - you basically take one month where you don't buy anything except for necessities. It makes you sit back and SEE what you're blowing your money on and what you could probably do without. By the end of the month, a lot of people kept their new lifestyle of living cheaper - and they seem to love it!
On one website I found some guidelines. It mentions that you should NOT purchase any of the following:
- Clothes
- Gadgets
- House Wares
- Furniture
- Salon Services
- Make-up
- Tools
- Entertainment (movies, CD's, out to eat, etc...)
My list would probably look more like this:
- Starbucks
- Lunch Outings (Shelby & Myself)
- Magazines
- Nail Appointments
- Random Target Runs
- New Movies (Shelby)
- Golf (Shelby)
What is your input on this whole thing? I talked with a couple of friends who liked the idea and I'd really like to have a "Buy Nothing Challenge" where we all participated!! Am I thinking way too much into this? What are your thoughts?!
OK I really want to be your partner in crime for this one because it sounds like we're one and the same! Both have hubbys that spend money on things. But keep this in mind....there are going to be times when things come up that will throw you back. I gave up completely on August because with all the moving it was a MESS. Tomorrow is a new day. Its like cheating on a diet -- just because you did it once doesnt' mean your diet is just done.
ReplyDeleteThe church we go to had a series of sermons on getting finances straight. I only heard the first one but they are all archived here: http://www.thefamilychurch.net/media/sermons.php they started Aug. 16. So maybe you can get some ideas here!
Honestly, I JUST buy groceries I need. Kelsey likes to get extras sometimes. Planning your meals will help you not overspend. Stock up on things when you can, make bigger meals and then take them for lunch the next day (two birds w/ one stone!) Buy some syrups and make your lattes at home...they won't be as good but pennies compared to $4 a cup! Think of it this way: You and Shelby each go out to eat twice a week at $5 a meal. That's $20 a week and $1040 a year! Instead of going out to eat, put that $20 a week in savings. One starbucks per week @$4 per cup is $200 in a year...that's a great weekend trip somewhere in FLORIDA! :)
I would love to form a "group" of us who can hold each other accountable, give tips, and that kind of thing bc I think it helps to have ppl understand.
I'm definitely going to the Dave Ramsey site immediately! Thanks for sharing!
My advice ... for what it's worth, is DON"T STOP TITHING TO THE CHURCH! Your tithe is not yours to begin with...it belongs to God. If you give God what belongs to Him, he will help you with all your other expences. Remember, you'll NEVER out-give God!!
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