Week One of the No Spending Challenge

09.21.2009-09.27.2009

An area I’d like to see myself improve in is budgeting, specifically devoting more money for savings.  Inspired by this blog we started a No Spend Month Challenge.  Our start date is September 21st – and end date October 21^st.  Here are our rules:

Continue paying regular amount on:

• Mortgage
• Savings and investments
• Tithes and gifts
• Prior commitments

Budget Cut Backs:

• Groceries and eating out
• Gas
• Clothing
• Household items
• Entertainment

Due to the fact that we decided on this spontaneously and that we had a small window of time to work with (we have a family vacation the end of October), we didn’t put much planning into this.  So, we started out a bit behind with groceries, gas, and prior commitments.  Prior commitments included taking a friend out for her birthday brunch, a shower gift for someone in our church, and supporting a close friend’s party (I’m purchasing something that will save me money in the long run).

So, our spending this week is higher than I anticipate for the next week anyways.  That being said, we saved about $57 on groceries by making cut-backs and shopping at our brand new Walmart Supercenter. 

I discovered a few truths about our spending habits last week and they are as follows:

Food, food, food

We blow a lot of our budget on food.  I definitely use off brand products, but it’s usually the extras like a bottle of Diet Coke for our pizza night that adds up.  We didn’t skimp on fun foods for our weekend; I just spent more time making things from scratch which is a lot cheaper, albeit more time consuming.  Also, I found that our biggest weakness is the weekend when we want to just order a pizza because we’re too exhausted to make anything else.  This was our hardest time-frame. 

I made my first cake and frosting combo from scratch over the weekend - frosting can be tricky business, I found.

Entertainment

Ben wanted to take me to a movie Friday night and almost picked up the phone to call his sister to ask for baby-sitting, but then remembered our spending fast.  Instead, we put the baby down at 8 and watched a free movie at home, cuddling on the couch and eating popcorn (his specialty) with cheese flavor sprinkled on top (he used the macaroni and cheese package for this!). 

Clothing

Ben and I knew Carter needed some warmer and bigger clothes for the fall/winter.  So, we thought we may have to purchase a few of these items for him.  Instead, we shopped a la Maverick - looking in the boxes downstairs of the clothes Ben’s cousin, Maverick gave us.  I didn’t think Carter would fit into these since they were all 12 months + (I sorted and boxed all the clothes before Carter was born), but a lot of babies clothes are completely off-size and we found a lot that will work for him before purchasing anything else this winter. 

Household Items

Ben’s popcorn maker is dying and we probably would’ve gone out to buy a new one over these 31 days, instead, we’re keeping it alive as long as possible!

Insights

Overall I’m finding that saving money takes more time and effort.  This can definitely work, it’s just taking more forethought, energy, and creativity than I usually expend.  This means other things are reprioritized and others neglected.  Housecleaning and laundry suffered this week as a result.

The biggest value I’m finding so far is a change mindset.  For instance, when I do have to spend money I can still find ways to get the best value for my dollar and think long-term. 

Of course, while taking some pictures for this blog entry my little Carter Bear woke up from his morning nap:

Very happy to see his rescuer!

Then we played some dress up, which he wasn't thrilled about...

Hi, my name is Debi and I'm an addict.

...addicted to blogs, that is.  Okay, so maybe there's the issue with chocolate, cheese, and moose tracks, but that's for another day. 

So, I'm addicted to blogs.  There are SO many fantastic ideas out there.  The one that I really like is a 31 day saving challenge, inspired by: this blog.  Ben and I are going to try that one starting the end of this week.  I'll keep you posted on how it goes. 

I've come to the conclusion that I'm a certain breed of housewife - the one who still loves dancing the night away in heels with her dashing husband to jazz - the one who finds her home office job exciting and fulfilling - the one who likes shortcuts - the one who occasionally forgets her cloth grocery bags - the one who will never wield the power of a needle and thread - the one who enjoys lattes.  What I do find edgy and addictive are blogs covering topics of simplification, organization, decoration, and saving tips. 

From Day At Sea

Here are a few great ones I've come across:
Favorite: http://smallnotebook.org/
Houses: http://hookedonhouses.net/
Interior Design: http://inspiracionline.blogspot.com/, http://diynewlyweds.blogspot.com/, http://www.designspongeonline.com/
Art: http://geezeescanvas.blogspot.com/, http://www.redletterwords.com/ (not a blog, but so very cool)
Finance: http://www.remodelingthislife.com/

I also love photography blogs, but that'll be highlighted another time.  For now, I'll get back to my family and enjoy the unscripted life I currently live - dreaming of a more organized, balanced, inspired, and disciplined me.