It's now been a full week since I started my Month of No Spending. Wanna know how it is going?
Aside from my "semi-slip" last Tuesday (the toothpaste), it's been much easier than I thought! I did spend a few dollars at Aldi on Saturday, but that that was within the parameters (dairy and produce).
This morning was another issue.
As I mentioned, I attend Weight Watchers on Tuesday mornings and I don't eat or drink before I weigh-in...which means I skip my morning gallon of coffee. Before the Month of No Spending, I would always stop at the little coffee shop to get a cup that I could inhale drink as soon as I weighed in. Last week I skipped it.
This morning it I had a choice of skipping it or falling asleep at the wheel of my car with my 2-year old. I bought the coffee ($2)
This morning I also realized that I needed to spend about $85 in the next few days:
1. Valentines cards for my 2 boys to hand out at school (going to get them at Target) (total of about $7)
2. While blow-drying my hair I noticed that I am starting to get roots that would give Heather Locklear (in her Melrose Place days) a run for her money. Since I do color my own hair, it should only cost me $8. I also always get my haircut within a day or two of coloring my hair (so that any damage done by the coloring can be cut off), but my friend who used to own her own salon does it for only $10. Total for hair: $18
3. I volunteered to make some food for the Valentines Day party for my son's kindergarten class and I need to spend about $7 on the food.
4. My middle child failed his eye exam at school and we also believe that he is going to need to have his adnoids removed. We have a doctor appointment for each this week...each has a $25 co-pay. (Total: $50)
Now, because I have been spending next to nothing, there is no problem paying for these things out of my regular budget.....these kinds of expenses are part of our regular budget anyway.
Do I consider this extra spending a "failure" at my attempt to have a Month of No Spending? Perhaps the coffee this morning was and possibly the food for the Valentines Party...but other than that, I'm feeling pretty good about the whole thing.
The hair? Some of you may think that I should just be content to throw my hair back in a clip and revert back to my natural haircolor. I can tell you in no uncertain terms that I am far too vain for that.
The Valentine cards? Sure - if I want my children to be the only ones not passing them out, I could skip it. The problem is: I already give my children enough ammo against me for the day they end up on Oprah or Dr. Phil. I don't need to give them more!
The doctor expenses? Granted he isn't bumping in to walls and he can breathe...but those are still neccessary medical expenses if I want to claim to be a good mother (and keep him off Oprah's couch)
The whole point of this experiment is to remind myself (and my family) of the difference between a "want" and a "need". Although we have been budgeting and using the cash envelope system for quite a while, I am now noticing how much I was spending on "wants" with that cash.
Is there anything wrong with indulging your "wants"? Should you just stick to the things that you "need"? Only you can make that choice for your life. Like many things in life, the goal is to strike a nice balance between the two.
What I am finding is that I can cut back on many of those "wants" and still be happy.
Want to read how other women are doing with their No Spend Challenge? Check out this post to find the sites of over 55 women participating!
CJSime
Keep up the good work! I am sure there are those who would see these expenses as avoidable, but if you weren't doing the no spending month, wouldn't you be spending more anyway?
We attempted to do this last January and it is crazy how many things just pop up.
K. Anne
Check out the Collegeville Acme store. Last week when I was there, all the hair care products were 50% off. If you have a coupon for the hair color as well, you can get it for a really good price. They might have their Valentine's day stuff on clearance as well since they are closing on the 25th of this month. The other food you might need for the party food may be on sale as well. Last time it was 20% off the middle of the store. It may be more by now.
Emily
Good job!! Keep it up. 🙂
I always think that I need to buy breakfast at BK on the way home from dropping the daughter off, but I always say no. I have plenty to eat at home. I can't imagine how much I'd be in the hole if I didn't say no all the time. I might indulge once in a a couple of months.
Maria
I think you are doing an amazing job!
Saver Queen
You're doing a great job! funny about the hair cuts. In some ways I think I should be more vain and take better care of myself! I mean I haven't had a hair cut since JUNE! It's easy because I have fairly long hair and it looks healthy, but still!
If this adds weight to your decision, I am reading "Not buying it" - a couple that went an entire YEAR in NYC not buying anything except basics (like basic groceries and essential needs.) They counted hair cuts as essentials.
DianeScraps
You are doing great! K. Anne is right Collegeville ACME does have the hair colors 50% off, and they are taking coupons.
Valentines are one of the things I do watch for after the holiday too, so that I have them ahead for the next year. But unless you are feeling really crafty they are a totally reasonable expense.
Angie
Great post! I love your balance of being frugal but not completely limiting yourself. That has really helped me figure out why I am trying to save money and how I want to go about it.
Sarina
Hey Mindi,
Since you on occasion hit up the Dollar Tree store, I thought I would mention that I found Valentine's cards, both single and variety packs, candy to put inside as well, each for $1 or less (which of course is the point) I bought 2 packs of valentine's, 3 bags of candy, 6 actual Valentine's cards and a couple other random things for my 2 year old for under $15 (and that includes the fact that our area has a 10% tax).
Keep up the good work, I am FAR from not spending any money this month but your goal has me paying very close attention to whenever I DO.