Every year since I've been here some of the guys at church have observed "No Shave November". Sometimes it's just 2 people, sometimes more. We have hairy men by the end of the month.
Last week I read an article in Reader's Digest about a family who went a whole month without spending any money (with some exceptions for fresh produce).
Both of those events have prompted me to try for a No Spend October. I thought about November so it could be as cool as No Shave, but I don't think I can with the holidays approaching. There will be exceptions, the big one being that this is mostly no New spending (ie. I'll still pay off my student loan, my regular IRA amount, health insurance, internet, etc.). I will be allowed new spending for:
1. My dress that has been at the dry cleaner for 2 weeks, I don't want it to get donated while I'm not spending!
2. The box I was planning to send to Iraq
3. The piece of art I was in talks to buy before September ended.... and I will allow myself to be a piece at the Atlantic Antic, if I love it.
4. Hardware to finish "the" chair. I was almost finished repairing a chair and need 2 pieces to totally finish it so we can actually use it.
5. Fresh fruit/veggies. I will alot $20 per week that I can spend only at the Farmer's Market. If I don't make it to the market, I don't get to spend it.
It will be a month of sacrifice, but also a month of maybe some creativity. I currently have 6 books in my "to do" pile and plan to finish those. I have full cabinets (that I didn't stock beforehand, as I was out of town), so I'll have to be creative in how I cook & eat. I tell you reader maybe as a form of accountability. So here's to the beginning of the month!
Last week I read an article in Reader's Digest about a family who went a whole month without spending any money (with some exceptions for fresh produce).
Both of those events have prompted me to try for a No Spend October. I thought about November so it could be as cool as No Shave, but I don't think I can with the holidays approaching. There will be exceptions, the big one being that this is mostly no New spending (ie. I'll still pay off my student loan, my regular IRA amount, health insurance, internet, etc.). I will be allowed new spending for:
1. My dress that has been at the dry cleaner for 2 weeks, I don't want it to get donated while I'm not spending!
2. The box I was planning to send to Iraq
3. The piece of art I was in talks to buy before September ended.... and I will allow myself to be a piece at the Atlantic Antic, if I love it.
4. Hardware to finish "the" chair. I was almost finished repairing a chair and need 2 pieces to totally finish it so we can actually use it.
5. Fresh fruit/veggies. I will alot $20 per week that I can spend only at the Farmer's Market. If I don't make it to the market, I don't get to spend it.
It will be a month of sacrifice, but also a month of maybe some creativity. I currently have 6 books in my "to do" pile and plan to finish those. I have full cabinets (that I didn't stock beforehand, as I was out of town), so I'll have to be creative in how I cook & eat. I tell you reader maybe as a form of accountability. So here's to the beginning of the month!
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