Ok....first things first.....
I have received 4 Facebook emails and about 20 "regular" emails asking me if I will still be posting the grocery deals each week on this site.
Let me assure you that I WILL continue to post the weekly grocery deals! The no-spending challenge is just something that I am doing personally. Besides - if I don't, how am I going to figure out the cheapest eggs, bread & produce prices each week?
Anyway....
We are 24-hours in to my "project" and I already had my first rationalization, my first temptation, and my first possible "slip"...you tell me!
First Rationalization: Weight Watchers
I have been going to Weight Watchers on Tuesday mornings since right around Thanksgiving. At $14/week, this should have been an expense that I cut. However, I bought a 10-week committment plan (you save $1/week by doing that) and that expense was paid with cash last month. In theory, I should drop out of Weight Watchers for the month of February, but then I would just be re-joining in March. I went, I used my coupon. I still didn't pull any money out of my wallet.
Is Weight Watchers a "want" or a "need"? For many people, it is a luxury or simply a "want". For me, I know that if I ever have any hope of losing this last 20 pounds, it is a "need". I just need to step up my game a bit more so that I can lose it faster and stop paying!
First Temptation: Coffee
This website is powered by coffee. Lots and lots of strong coffee. I make a full pot each morning except Tuesday. As that is my weigh-in day at Weight Watchers I don't eat or drink that morning until I step on the scale (I know - don't lecture me on the importance of eating something within the first 90 minutes of waking). There is a great little independent coffee shop in the same building and that is the one day a week that I stop and get a Venti Non-Fat Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte ($3). I actually started to walk towards the shop when I remembered "no coffee for you today!"
I miss my Tuesday morning treat (sniff!). Oh - and I've been through almost an entire pot in the hour that I have been home!
First (possible) Slip:
Three weeks ago, Acme had Aquafresh Kids toothpaste on sale 10 for $10 and they promptly sold out of that great deal. As it is the only toothpaste one of my children will use (he has sensory issues)I got a raincheck. I had to stop for milk & bananas on the way home from WW and they were finally re-stocked. I bought 5 tubes. I do consider it a need, unless I want my 7-year old to go 4 weeks without brushing his teeth (seriously - he would before he used "regular" toothpaste....he can be fun!) and they are only that cheap a few times per year.
So what say you....does it count as a slip?
I have a feeling that this is going to be harder than I thought and that I am going to need to stay in the house more.....luckily I am one of the most stubborn people on the planet so I have no intention of giving up!
Say What?
I don't think the toothpaste was a slip at all. Your child needs to brush his teeth and this is his toothpaste of choice. $1 for a tube of Aquafresh is an awesome deal!! So, nope, you are good on this one!
Congrats on passing up the coffee treat and WW, well, I NEED to get back to them, Jenny and NutriSystem all at the same time - I should probably through in a gastric bypass too. 🙂
K. Anne
Someone else posted that the McDonalds with the McCafe are giving away free coffee every day in the month of February from 5-8am. The Royersford one just got converted last month to a McCafe. So you can still get a free fix if you are over there around that time. Just go through the drive thru--less temptation.
The toothpaste, I would consider that a need, since you are out and it is the only one he will use. It's not as though you spend the money on frivolities. It is something needed that will be used.
Debbie
Toothpaste--need
WW--well, it is a need for me!
Coffee--he he he.....well, that too would be a need for me, but I would pass up on it and do just as you did and make a pot at home.
Good luck on your month of "money fasting"
Jenny
I think the toothpaste was a need as well as WW. You have to take care of yourself too.
I have never liked coffee, so I'm not much help there! LOL!
Amy
I totally agree with everyone else- you did good, my friend, you did good!!
diona
I'm new to this site, but had to add:
yes, you must brush teeth!
And, yes, you must give up the coffee treat. Not only did you keep from spendng the money, you reduced your calorie intake. good job. make that part of your WW routine.
Linda
Mindi,
Check out WW online. In my area, I sign up online, am still allowed to go to as many meetings as I want, plus get the online tools (fabulous) for $39.95 a month. It's the best way to go!
kimmiep621
you are much stronger then me. i can't go that long w/out spending $ lol
keep up good work, and no the toothpaste isn't slipping. just think it will save you in dental bills
Mindi
Sorry I went MIA yesterday...at about noon I started feeling bad and I am now locked in a struggle to breathe! I rarely get sick, but when I do, it's bad.
Now I have a pot of coffee, free Dayquil and free tissues....and a complete lack of desire to leave the sofa (good thing I have a laptop!)
Thanks for your comments. I was kind of "on the fence" about the toothpaste. On one hand, it IS a need for my one son. On the other hand, I have about 15 tubes of "regular toothpaste" so it seemed "wrong" to be buying more....almost as if the Month of No Spending meant I should finally force the issue with my son and make him expand his "toothpaste menu".
As for my "strength" in doing this? It's no coinky-dink that I am doing this in the shortest month of the year 😉
Perky
If you think that you really need the live person, community support from going to Weight Watchers meetings, then I think you should continue. If, however, you just need more of a structure and a system for acccountability, then check out http://www.sparkpeople.com. It's almost exactly like WW's online program except that it's FREE!!!! I love it!
Jenny
I agree with most users here.
Toothpaste: borderline but with the raincheck you had attempted to purchase it before your plan.
WW: prepaid at another time. Definitely a need to reinforce good health.
Coffee: would have been a slip. No doubt.
I am tempted to support your efforts by trying a version of this on my own and to tame my spending that has been high for my yearly/quarterly stock-up in January. Perhaps I'll try a week. I agree wholeheartedly with you. If we don't stop for a little while then we lose sight of the bargains, deals, and frugality ideal.
Keep it up! I love your blog, too.
Darla
If it's free w/a coupon, that equals not spending in my book.
And, if something costs you more money to buy later (toothpaste), then it's spending IMO.