So, I thought I would take this opportunity to answer some of these questions.
What is it? A no spend month is a way to boost your savings by challenging yourself to spend less. Find ways to cut back. For example, instead of running to the store because you are out of cereal make up some oatmeal, or bake some banana bread. Yes, it is no big deal to run to the store for a $4 box of cereal....however, how often do you actually JUST walk out of the store with the cereal? I am sure, like me, you make a lot of impulse purchases. Just stay away. :) Use what is in your pantry, and get creative. You have more food than you think when you stare into an "empty" refrigerator before dinner each night.
HOW?!? How can we do it? Well, I am not going to lie it is a challenge and requires some planning. For example, we are heading down to Missouri next weekend to see Zach's parents/grandparents. Normally, we would stop along the way for lunch or snacks, but I am having to make sandwiches, snacks, and drinks before hand so I am prepared for the hungry toddlers in the backseat!
Did you stock up before? Not in the sense that I spent extra money, however I took my typical grocery budget ($300/bi-weekly, this includes toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies, etc) and spent the money a little differently. I bought more frozen fruits and vegetables, rather than fresh...because fresh produce only lasts about a week. I also bought more meat with the left over savings from not buying as much fresh produce. The rest was basically the same. In my opinion, no I did not stock up.....but, did shop smarter.
What are you going to do with the extra money? Good question, and Hubs and I haven't sat down to figure this out. I like the idea of having an extra cushion for when the baby gets here. That way if we need anything for him, or really any of us, the money would be available. So, my plan at least, is to save all the funds until after Eli is here and then brainstorm some ideas on what to spend it on, if that money is still available. Boring I know! I wish I could say we were using it for something fun, but that isn't the case. :(
Do you have any additional questions? Will you be joining me on our no spend month?
This is such a great idea. Whenever I see something great on a really good sale, like some kind of rice side, I simply must have it, then when I go to put it away in the cabinet I see the 85 other rice sides I just had to have. My husband and I could totally eat off of what we have in our pantry for a month and not need to buy any dry grocery items. I think I'm going to give this a try! Not right now, but maybe start in July... I like it!! My husband won't, at all, but he'll just have to get over it. :)
ReplyDeleteOh man I need to do this. I think we're going to start July 1st!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Best of luck, and I hope you will be doing updates. :)
ReplyDelete:) It is a great way to use up your stock pile! Good luck convincing your Hubs! :) Let me know how it goes.
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