How is it August? When did this happen? July was a blink.
This month, Melissa and I decided we're taking on a challenge in our house. We're having a month of no unnecessary spending.
What is unnecessary?
- No clothes
- No house decor
- No meals out that aren't already planned or needed (i.e. no stopping at Whole Foods when I don't have time to make food for bible study Monday nights)
- No jewelry or accessories
What is still OK to buy?
- Groceries
- Toiletries (clarification: shampoo if we run out is OK. makeup for fun is not)
- Coffee (we had to give ourselves a break here)
- Dinners that are already planned
I'm doing it because I realized that recently I'm feeling weighed down by my stuff, but also having a serious urge to shop. So: my closet is too full of things I don't wear and yet I keep wanting to bring in more inventory.
Why not nip the spending in the bud and also remind myself that I actually DO have something to wear (read: I have nothing to wear! ---> said every girl ever).
So that's our plan :) See you in September, Madewell.com!
I totally needed this post right now, I feel the same exact way. I'm a shopaholic and I just need to center myself again without "things" plus my bank account will thank me. Good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI need to stop spending any and all money. $20 here and $20 there adds up so quickly!
ReplyDeleteIt SO does!
Deletei think i'm going to join you on this! i've been bit by the shopping bug lately and i think a month off of buying clothes would be good for me. and my wallet. so would the no meals out - i'm definitely guilty of stopping in whole foods on my way home from teaching because i don't feel like cooking dinner, but it adds up!
ReplyDeletethe meals out are so killer!
DeleteThis month is my first month on a REAL budget and I can't wait to see how much I save when I am not out spending freely. I also suggest when you go out for needed items - only take cash, no debit card. I don't typically shop for myself, but this will help when I want to buy things for other people.
ReplyDeletethe cash method is so helpful. you're right!
DeleteHahah you are so silly...but I agree...always saying we have nothing to wear. I am going to do some major closet cleaning/donating/reselling at the end of this month. Then make a list of essentials such as cardigans, jeans, etc...that I actually need to replace. I bought way too much summer clothes back in spring and I still have not worn it all!!! Sometimes I just can't get out of my running or yoga pants! Good Luck!! :-)
ReplyDeleteNice! I love that idea.
DeleteGoodness, this is so true and so brave. Most of the time my weaknesses are going out to eat, or meeting for drinks with friends after work all. the . time.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!! You'll do great!
Andrea Fer, Co See Na Blog
Coffee is totally mine!
DeleteMade it through tax free weekend, now the rest of the month will be a breeze! (boom,clap!)
ReplyDeleteboom, clap!
DeleteThis sounds like a great plan and your bank account will thank you! I've been in a shopping mood myself but the thing that's helping me stay away is that I'm not ready to buy Fall clothes yet which is what stores are currently full of! I also totally recommend doing a closet clean-out and selling items to Twice (they mail you the bag and you drop it at the post office for free) it's super easy and you don't make a ton of money but enough to buy yourself a few new things ;)
ReplyDeleteoh so smart! i looked into thread up once. i'll check it out!
Delete