I have been thinking a lot about our finances over the past few weeks, and feel more strongly than ever that we need to be completely debt free, including our mortgage.
Now, I know this isn't something that will happen quickly....but, we have a goal of having our 30 year mortgage paid off in 15 or less. Hopefully a lot less! :)
Anyway, while I have been strategizing ways to make this dream a reality, this question arose: How many "no spend days" can we have in one year?
I am going to challenge my family in 2013 to spend money on no more than 100 days (fixed expenses not included). Will you join me?
This includes groceries, gifts, clothing, etc. Basically, anything that isn't a bill (fixed expenses).
Trust me, you will force yourself to plan your meals, discover alternatives (for example, I was short one egg for banana bread the other day but I found an alternative online!), and in doing so.....you will spend less!
Do this exercise...bring up your bank statements for the last 3-6 months. Then calculate how many days in that time period you spent money. Once you have this number cut it by 1/3 or even 1/2....then adjust the number to apply to the entire year.
Everyone wants financial security, why not take steps to make 2013 the best year ever (financially speaking, of course). :)
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BEing debt free (including the house) is the biggest blessing you can give yourself! If we weren't debt free, I'd totally sit up at night worrying about how to pay our mortgage, car bills, etc. Now, we can give like no one else!
ReplyDeleteWe had paid off all our debt in 2011, but then we purchased our house. We love our house, and don't regret our decision to buy, but we feel strongly that this debt needs to be gone!
DeleteI am so proud and amazed at your ability to be debt free. I love your blog, however I am a lousy commenter. :(
Thanks for the comment!!!
Very cool idea! Realistically, I'm pretty sure I already do it - I do most of my shopping each week on only 1 or 2 days, but... I still love it! Might try to figure out how much more I could cut it, maybe even just to 1 day a week, and see what that would look like1
ReplyDeleteWow! I am impressed. :)
DeleteWe don't usually shop more than once a week, but I do find myself asking Z to pick up dinner on his way home from work a night or two a week. This is the biggest thing I am hoping to eliminate. Oh, and gas. Filling up is spending money, so I will have to be more strategic to make a tank of gas last longer. :)
This is a great idea! We've been chipping away at debt and 2013 looks like it's going to be a great year for us to get some more traction! Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you. Being debt free is a wonderful feeling, and a great way to live. I am hoping we can get back there, ASAP! :)
DeleteGood luck to you and your family. And I wish you much success on your financial journey!!
Hi there Jennifer. I am in!!
ReplyDeleteI just remanaged my budget for this year and posted in online. I really hope more people will join us.
Good luck to you and lovely greetings from Holland