Some of you may know that my husband is going to be leaving on a medical mission trip tomorrow and will be gone through the 3rd of April. This means it's me and the kids (an almost 3-yr old and a 10-mo old) for 15 days. (Wish me luck!)
I was thinking today that this is a perfect opportunity to put my stockpile, frugality, and creativity to the test. So I've decided to challenge myself to a "no-spend challenge" until my hubby returns. Here's how it's going to work:
- I'll do one small grocery trip sometime in the next couple days to ensure we have the basics (say $25 or less).
- I'll also continue to purchase my paper for the coupons each weekend.
- No eating out, ordering in pizza, or take out.
- No money on entertainment or needless shopping.
- OK stuff will include any bills that come due and a tank of gas.
This is going to be an interesting challenge for me and I hope to learn a thing or two in the process that I can share with you. If anyone would like to join me, you are welcome and encouraged to do so! I will be sure to keep you posted on my progress.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Good luck! My only other temptation would be those irresistable “stock up for nearly nothing” opportunities at the stores. Would you do some shopping if you knew you were getting it for free or nearly free?
Michelle, that’s a great question and one I’ve been wrestling with! If it’s truly free – as in “no sales tax, nothing owed” free – that’s game in my book. Otherwise, I think I’ve decided the point of this challenge is two-fold: 1) to save money and 2) to save time by not having to go the store. It’ll force me to plan meals using what I have.
I may have to refine this a bit as I go, but for now, no spending will mean no spending…except for that one-time grocery trip that I’ll be doing in the next couple days.
I’ll be sure to post regular updates on how this is going. I’ve never attempted anything of the sort before and I plan to be 100% honest in how it’s working (or not!) for me.
You might find that you like how much more time you have when you don’t go to the store! Think of how many extra hours that will give you this month, but not driving around and shopping! What are you going to do with that extra time?
Funny you ask…I don’t feel like I have much “extra time” these days. I stay at home with my toddler and baby, am a freelance writer, and have been busy working on this blog! To make matters more interesting, my husband is in the middle of a 2-week mission trip to Africa.
While I can’t save I’ve enjoyed any “extra time,” I have appreciated not having to worry about hitting the stores up! It’s been nice and will most likely be a part of my “financial diet” in the weeks, months, and years to come.