I spent $13 at Walmart to pick up a few things that didn't make the grocery list on Sunday. I was definitely not looking at the status of some of our staples like salt, olive oil and butter when I made my list. I also picked up a personal care item...and actually remembered to use a coupon! I think these count as needs, rather than wants though. 
I forgot to mention we ended up with some free vitamins in the mail. We ordered two months supply for my husband last week. Somehow we got someone else's order (of the same vitamins) in separate box, but with a shipping label to our home. So not really our problem. So instead of a $30 cost per month, the cost is closer to $15 a month for the next four months! Nice surprise bonus. I used our Amex card for the purchase and there was a $10 coupon off a $50+ order.
I'm ordered two Christmas gifts this week. My daughter is selling live wreaths for marching band. I'm buying one for my parents and one for my mother in law. They are approximately $35 each. These will be Christmas gifts. I let my Mom and Dad pick theirs out when they visited. The cool thing is these will get delivered to their home! I am using money I have saved for Christmas to make these purchases.
Still haven't pointed out the low spend month idea with my husband! And we do travel this month so I think that is why I'm hesitant to really dive in. I do think the exercise of reining spending in is a good one. We aren't big spenders overall, so there isn't a lot of excess. However, I know for our experiment in February that one can save a LOT of cash by making the intention of low spending.
Spending Today
November 2nd, 2016 at 07:06 pm
November 3rd, 2016 at 03:37 pm 1478187422
Internationally, there is always a discount for staying with the same/related chains city to city. Overseas I usually prefer owner operated hotels and if you ask about their discount rate for staying more than 3 days they oblige. If your accommodation includes breakfast buffet/hot breakfast, you might skip lunch or feel satisfied with a muffin, slice of cheese and tea. Alternatively, it's far less expensive to make lunch your major meal at featured restaurants. it's similar to the dinner menu at a far more moderate cost and the staff seems more attentive, not yet tired. I find this works well if you have tickets for evening entertainment. Less stress of transportation in unfamiliar surroundings, traffic issues and Murphy's Law delays that are inevitable.
One of my favorite bits of travel equipment is a small, insulated, flat, water proof type, lunch bag to hold either hot thermos or ice and cold drinks on tours/drives or lengthy walk abouts .
November 5th, 2016 at 03:58 am 1478318301