How is everyone’s Spend Less Month going?
So far, the family is doing great! I will be sending off the final payment of $204 to the Best Buy card this weekend (yeah!). That makes it 1 card down and 4 to go!
What else have we accomplished this week:
- We haven’t eaten out! Saved: $100
- I didn’t buy lunch at work. Saved: $18
- We kept our week’s purchases to a minimum
- One can of wood stain
- Weekly grocery shopping
- Auto Gas as normal
- And a trip to Walgreens for laundry soap
So, we maintained our budget and didn’t rob Peter to pay Paul. And we’ve been able to maintain our challenge for 2 weeks! Only 16 more to go.
What do I think has helped?
- Having a clearly defined written goal of what needs to be accomplished
- The family and I work as a unit to resolve an conflicts that arise in this challenge and learn to compromise
- We realize that the end result is going to be well worth it (*it also helps that I have our Hawaii trip to use as a reminder of our frugal habits)
How are you doing in your Spend Less Month? What habits have helped you to remain on course?
Articles you might like:
15 Ways to Spend Less – eassortment
18 ways to earn $100 – MSN
10 Simple Ways to Spend Less – Digerati Life
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
You guys are doing great with not eating out! Your plan is working. What is your families reaction to the home-cooked meals?
Goodbye, Best Buy!
Actually, we are doing okay. The kids have their allowance if they so deem to go out. I am getting a little ansy, so I may go splurge on an iced latte to curb the distraction.
We happen to cook a lot at home. My husband is a great help with this, too. Although, I am just going to need to find new meals (preferably with less meat) to add to my menu plans.
Any ideas?
that is amazing!!! Congrats!!! I am super jealous though
keep it up chicky, you are a rock star
Thanks, JpKittie! But why are you jealous?
PIFing your card needs to be a family effort. The kids understand that the start of this year they get the few essential NON Named Brand items they need (pencils, paper, a folder or two) and an outfit or two (non named brand again – plus there is major coupons circulating right now, too). You children will be okay until after October. They will survive.
My children have enough clothes to start school. Of course, like I said…I will indulge in an outfit or two.
And to curb the mass spending – we’re on a schedule.
This week: daughter’s school supplies
Next week: son’s school supplies
Following week: daughter’s outfit
Etc… (children don’t start until Sept 10th)
Kid’s just want something new. Its usually about the item than the quantity.
And the school. Just tell them its not feasible right now. They can wait until after Oct, too. It’s your money, JPKittie. Make it yours!
Awesome job!!! Congratulations!!!
thank you, Middle Way.
Sorry, I haven’t commented much on your blog (and other’s too). But I still read them all the time.
I know its only 2 weeks, but its a plan and hard work put into it (or I should say curbing those spending me-me’s).
You are doing great. Way to go and way to stick to the plan.
I just noticed the way you spelled your name. I almost spelled my daughter’s name Ashleigh (like the news reporter). Nice name.
Thank you for your kind words. I hoping to stick to it well.
Yeah! Paying off cards is so awesome. I just paid off two of mine as of August 1st, so I’m STOKED. =D
(Of course… the money still owed still lingers… but I’m going to ignore that until the next paycheck.)
Congrats, SS4BC. Now they just need to stay PIF’d. Money still owed?
Now, I just need to make sure they stay PIFd.
What do you think about closing them? It’ll hurt my credit for 6 months, but I don’t plan on applying for anything.
Congrats on paying off your card!! Makes it seem all worth it! I just completed the second week of grocery shopping, and although we are averaging more like 150.00 a week, I think I can make up for it next week when we are visiting my parents!
Thank you, Sharon. Have a great time on your trip. I love it when family feeds me. Frugal and taste like the best in the world.
We are all doin’ great. Lets keep it up.
Fantastic article. Tons of great usable tips here. I appreciate you sharing this with me!
I am glad you liked it. Just based on experience. I hope the inside facts can help someone in debt – like what not to do. LOL.
Actually, I think I am finally getting on the right track. Debt is debt and I’m sick of it. Now, if I can just continue to sit on my butt until its PIF’d.
Thanks for stopping by.
Great job not eating out and paying off a credit card!! I loved the feeling of crossing one off the list. Thanks for keeping me inspired. (and Hawaii – wow, that sounds awesome!)
It is a very nice feeling. Now, the CCs just need to stay that way! And this challenge is starting to get a little bit tighter financially. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Will I be able to maintain the goal? Not only do I need to stop eating out, I need to find a way to generate a bit of extra income or I come up short. Love a challenge!
And Hawaii, we are working hard at making that happen. It’s not coming easy. But we are determined to live some wonderful 5 days in the sun.
Congratulations on getting to your goals! Best of luck with the remaining ones!
Thank U so much. I hope to keep on track even with some recent obstacles.