Again, a no spend month isn't entirely no spend. It's more of a low spend month. We are trying to get by with just the basics. I think I'm following it the best because I personally have only purchased one item I didn't need. A diet pop. Actually ask my husband to pick it up for me when he was out getting other things.
My husband has insisted on alcohol, which I did have a little of, and extra snacks. My daughter insisted on Clif Bars (which I see as a luxury food item) for her lunch.
As of February 9, we have spent $238.10. And here is how that breaks down:
Groceries: $157.61
Fuel: $29.79
Alcohol: $50.70
Yes, over 21% of our spending was on alcohol. Trust me, I'm not proud to say that. The spending would look even better if that alcohol wasn't there. However, despite that, we are spending far less than we sometimes do.
My daughter came to me last night asking for highlighter markers. The ones she had were wearing out. I directed her to a couple in my desk drawer. Only one was acceptable. She said it should work for awhile. She is aware of our no spend month, so I think she means it will work until March. I'm willing to buy her a new one or two if she does need them, as I want her to have the right tools for school.
I'm going to spend some of my afternoon cleaning our home. These wood floors show every cat hair that has come loose! And it seems to be a free activity and will help keep me warm on this cooler day.
Only 20 days left of the month. I wonder if this low spending plan is going to get easier or harder?
February No Spend: What We've Spent So Far
February 9th, 2016 at 04:27 pm
February 9th, 2016 at 06:59 pm 1455044396
I spent nothing today, but was so busy I didn't even notice. I just wanted to come home and eat!
February 10th, 2016 at 02:42 am 1455072172
February 10th, 2016 at 03:44 am 1455075896
It's a useful exercise because it hits the reset button. It shows us that we can still live well while spending less, because so much of our money gets frittered away!
We've spent $201 so far this month. Most of it for groceries, cat food. I didn't stock up before the month started because I wanted to just pay expenses naturally as they came up and see how it goes. I'm optimistic!
February 10th, 2016 at 04:19 pm 1455121188