No spend *year*! - Page 2

[Arduinna]

There is no way I could go a year without buying books or music. Just not possible for me

[raingyrl]

Joining. Hoping to not have any major auto or health maintenance costs for the year.

Netflix will be our only luxury. Since DS is only 9 mo., his entertainment will be us, other children, the park, and the library!

Working on one credit card at a time. 1 down...3 more to go!

[Ruthiegirl]

Originally Posted by USAmma

We kinda do, too, but I tend to splurge at Target and it adds up. Last year my goal was to redo our home on a budget, make it look more like I want a home to look with some simple changes. Those changes do still add up though.

Sounds like you are off to a good start already. And I know what you mean about Target. I look around and our stuff is looking really ragged. We have been debt paying for 2 years, strictly limiting our purchases and it shows. When I do sneak into Target or other stores, I get super jazzed by all the lovely, new, crisp things. But really, if we can keep it up for another year, we will be in a really good position. So, I leave without buying much at all.

I will be rooting for you! I love a wild, life changing plan -- one of those kooky, mad capers that guarantees new things learned, new life experiences, and loads of good stories.

[USAmma]

Great! I'm so glad I have some company in this scheme of mine! Let's all be strong!

[Tilia]

Wow, that is amazing!

Here is what I am going to try to avoid buying:

new clothes for DD
stop shopping at Gymboree
new clothes for me
new or used books for DD (she has a ton)
new or used books for me
furniture- just make do with what I have
new toys for DD- just try to make my own or trade/swap
water- I have been doing great with Klean Kanteens
soda- I gave it up last year but it is still a struggle
candy- even if it is with a coupon
DVDs
new rags- I have a ton already
dining out
bath products- I have some sort of obsession or hoarding problem
plants unless they are from a garage sale
haircuts- didn't get one last year either

I will probably add more and try to look back at it to keep track of myself.

Here is what I do need to buy:

new glasses for myself
eye doctor and dentist for DD
medications
doctor visits for myself
car tune-ups
maybe new tires
lanscaping for the backyard
used khakies, jeans and shirts for me
new shoes for DD

and what we don't need but I am still going to splurge on:

one pair of new sandals for me in the summer
zoo pass
pool pass
craft supplies
tea

[Karry]

Good luck. There's no way we could do a lot of what you are doing. I admire your strength. I like to shop, and I admit it.

[Jessie D]

Have you seen this blog yet? they started Oct 1st, they have a lisst of "rules" that they agreed upon before starting.

http://happilyfrugal.com/

[choli]

Wow, good luck with this! I really admire you!

Better hope the inlaws don't come for a visit and blow the plans

[WeasleyMum]

Good luck, I'll be rooting for you all! I'm not currently planning anything like that, but it's inspiring to watch others do it.

[AngelBee]

I am going to draw up a plan of action today.

It will not be 100% no spend but it will be 100% Preplanned (with exception of emergencies) and God discussed. That is right......I will discuss the purchases with God before I make them......even for groceries.

After all.......He is my Dad. I should probably take Him up on His wisdom.

[AngelBee]

Oh...and I am calling ours "Low Spend Challenge for 2009".

I think that will freak dh out less.


Ok.....and me too.

[USAmma]

Originally Posted by choli

Wow, good luck with this! I really admire you!

Better hope the inlaws don't come for a visit and blow the plans

My SIL and nephew are still here and we are doing just fine. We learned the hard way that my 2.5 year old nephew just does not do well at all from 12- 2 PM and really needs his nap-- so we have not gone to any museums and such with him. It's cheaper this way. My BIL has left and we threw a small party. :

[USAmma]

I just updated my blog. Please share your blog URL's so we can support each other! I can't wait to see how much we all save this year!!

[lolar2]

Originally Posted by Jessie D

Have you seen this blog yet? they started Oct 1st, they have a lisst of "rules" that they agreed upon before starting.

http://happilyfrugal.com/

That's a great blog! Thank you!

[Purple Sage]

Originally Posted by Jessie D

Have you seen this blog yet? they started Oct 1st, they have a lisst of "rules" that they agreed upon before starting.

http://happilyfrugal.com/

Thanks for the link!

[USAmma]

Originally Posted by lolar2

That's a great blog! Thank you!

yes, very inspirational!

[happyhats]

I am doing a buy nothing new year. I know I won't be a hundred percent successful but I'm pushing myself. I've already agreed with hubby earlier last year that if there is money in the budget we will be buying a new tv, mattress, and computer so already I've failed to buy nothing new or nothing at all. But to be honest these are fairly necessary purchases, at least necessary to us. Our big goals are to cut out "shopping for entertainment" purchases and buying secondhand whenever a need/true thought over desire comes up.

[meandk0610]

i'm in

my h got demoted yesterday after being suspended earlier this month, then today our in-laws cut us off (they've been giving us money every month). so yeah, i need to get serious about it.

[kaos2me]

I'm a newly single mama with one in college and a 6 year old and a 3 year old. I"m also in college. I'm not counting on child support and need to cut back on my already bare bones spending.

[BookGoddess]

This is such a great idea. I would love to commit myself to a year of no spending but I might have to be with you in spirit for now. I'll read about all your successes and temptations as the year progresses.

Would you consider it a "violation" to buy from garage sales or thrift shops those items you said you wouldn't get"? Just curious...