February No-Spend Challenge -- How did you do? What will you do differently next month? What...

[Crunchy*VT*Mom]

This thread is a support thread to help you ~not spend your money~. Everyone is welcome to join (we would love to have you) and you are welcome to start at any time. It doesn't have to be February 1st.

The plan is simple (although very tough to execute):

1. Vow not to spend any money on unnecessary purchases.

2. Come on here everyday and record your spending.

3. If you think that you absolutely MUST buy something, come on here and tell us about it first. Sometimes taking the time to come on here and post before you buy something will help you not buy it.

4. Provide encouragement for your fellow non-spenders and try to talk THEM out of buying things.

Good luck Ladies!! Let's have a strong February!!! Keep that money in your wallet.

ETA: Our no-spend threads tend to get very long...if you are new and considering joining us you don't need to read the entire thread (unless you want to). Just read the first three entries and jump right in. Start your no-spending today!

[Crunchy*VT*Mom]

Some caveats...

*Groceries, utilities, clothing for you and your family, transportation...these things are necessary. You don't need to record things like that.

*Only YOU can determine what is necessary. We are a non-judgemental group.

*Record whatever will cause YOU to spend the least. If you feel guilty about coming on here and fessing up -- then this thread is working perfectly.

*Don't get discouraged if you spend -- our goal is PROGRESS not PERFECTION. We all will spend this month...let's admit that up front...Our ideal is no-spend...but we'll be happy if you just spend less.

Please don't take an all or nothing attitude. You will see progress if you stick with us...I promise you that.

*If you have time to read everyone else's post and do personals, hurray! That helps our thread do its job...but if you don't have time, then just post your tallies. We have plenty of successful no-spenders who do only that.

[Crunchy*VT*Mom]

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.

2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of February. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?

[Crunchy*VT*Mom]

My Intro and Goals

1. My name is Prudence and I am a SAHM with two daughters and another little girl on the way! My husband is a teacher who is paid during the nine months he teaches...so we have to put a substantial hunk into savings each month to make it through the summer.

2. I do these no-spend challenges because keeping a record of what I spend makes me more conscious of where our money is going...I spend less when I write it down. A lot less.

3. My plan: Record spending here and try to drive the car less. Gas = money. And if I'm not out driving, I'm not out shopping. If I'm not shopping, I'm not seeing things that I want...and I'm a happier, more satisfied person. There is a direct correlation between how much I drive and how much I spend.

My previous records:

May= 19 no-spend days/$265
June = 19 no-spend days/$394 in frivolous spending
July = 15 no-spend days/$580
August = 19 no-spend days/$451
September = 22 no-spend days/$103
October = 20 no-spend days/$203
November = 19 no-spend days/$456
December = Fell off the wagon
January = 20 no-spend days/$216 unnecessary spending
February = ** no-spend days/$**

[organic-momma]

1. I'm Sam, a 25 year-old mainly SAHM to 2 young boys. I recently returned to work very part time and want to keep from spending everything I make!

2. Our second car is on the fritz and since we live 25 minutes outside of the city it's a priority to have two safe vehicles. I'm hoping that if we can cut back our spending we can budget in a car payment. Plus I've noticed that we just spend a lot of money unnecesarily.

3. We've recently switched to the cash & jar budget method so I'm going to stick to that and try to stay out of the shops. I'm also mercessily decluttering the house... realizing how much stuff I have to get rid of makes me think I should be thinking more about what I buy in the first place!

[Gumby]

I'm Brittany and my DP and I just bought a house. The payment is going to make things tight, mostly b/c we're spenders and I SAH. Like to eat out, buy this, that...comsumer therapy for me sometimes...

BUT! We need to declutter, not accumulate more.

So here I am. Looking forward to being held accountable My goal is to not spend on anything else than what we have in the budget. Which is pretty much essentials. I have a big order in a coop right now, but after that...Groceries will be my only shopping. One problem might be that DP's bday is in late Feb, so we might have to splurge on a meal maybe....

[Scribe]

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.

I'm Grace, I am partnered with no children and a surplus of animals. I live in Austin, Texas. I am a grants manager at a research university.

2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of February. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.

I am in a considerable amount of debt, and I really want to get it all paid off before my partner finishes his Ph.D. and we leave Austin (especially since buying a new house will require a new credit check). In addition, I am not going to let myself even consider conception until the debt is paid. So I am trying to seriously curtail my spending in order to pay it down.

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?

The first thing I am going to be doing differently this month is seriously budgeting for both my personal spending and our joint spending. We overspend our joint account nearly every month and have to supplement it, and that needs to stop. I am also focusing on setting concrete goals for myself for the month of February, as many of of you have been doing all along. I'll be back with those goals after M. and I have a budget talk.

OK!

Joint goal for Feb: just one--STAY ON BUDGET!

Personal goals for Feb:
-stay on budget (including no more than $100 misc spending, $50 postage)
-at least 14 no spend days
-no more than 2 thrift shopping trips
-no more than 5 lunches and/or coffees at work

[sewsew]

OK I'm in for February!!

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.

My name is Ann Marie I'm married to a wonderful man (Joe - 2nd marriage for both of us). I have three children from my first marriage that live with us full time. Joe has a daughter who lives with her mom.

2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of February. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.

We have been - no make that I have been way overspending for a very very long time. I am a "bargain" shopper and have trouble resisting a good sale. I generally buy items on clearance but still tend to buy more than we need.

I have been on state disability as I am just recovering from Breast Cancer. I will be going on unemployment this month as I was laid off from my job at Merrill Lynch right before finding out I had cancer.

Money has always been tight for us. Our mortgage is extremely high due to our financial difficulties due to our messy divorces.

I want to live better and more simply so we can start saving more. I have a dd who will be driving soon and that alone will up my insurance premiums!!

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?

My biggest plan to not spend is to stay HOME and OUT OF THE STORES. I am ok if I stay out of the stores. But I tend to do "recreational" shopping with my sister.

I need to go through my pantry and stash of other items to determine WHAT I need to buy. My grocery shopping is even way out of control. I have plenty of things at home - yet I buy more!!!

So I am in for February!!!

[famousmockngbrd]

Question: Do you do this by yourself, or does DH do it too?

[RoseValleyGirl]

I'm not sure if I'm ready, but I'm going to give it a shot. Heck, there's only 29 days right?

I'm a mostly SAHM ( I work a bit at hubby's office), and a I have one child. We spend a huge amount in groceries despite the fact that I make tons of stuff from scratch, and we have a full freezer.

1. I will try to shop without my dd whenever possible. Even the hardware store is tantalizing to her.

2. I will slow down on home improvement projects. I don't need my home to be perfect, and I have plenty of unfinished projects.

3. I will knit with the yarn I have.

4. I will pack a lunch when we go to town for the day.

5. I will try to get hubby to eat leftovers for lunch.

I'm just wondering about entertainment. There's family swim, so much for movies, admission to science museum or children, bowling...whatever. We just don't make it outside much in the winter and so depend on destinations much more.

[mumkenna&lucas]

Originally Posted by famousmockngbrd

Question: Do you do this by yourself, or does DH do it too?

I do just my spending. My dh has cut back spending also, but I don't record what he does spend here

[mumkenna&lucas]

This will be my sixth month here!
I am a SAHM to a 4 year old dd and a 2 year old ds,
We have home renovations approaching, cc debt, student debt, and car payments. Not easy with one income so I have to keep more control of our money and where it goes! I really want to see our savings account #'s go waaay up!

My goals this month are:

• compact!
• only 1 co-op this month!!
• No Credit Cards!
• Save, Save, Save!
• declutter and simplify

February Spending Goals:
No Spend days: 25/29
No etsy/DS/ebay: 27/29
Non-necessary Spending: <150

[GinaRae]

1. My name is Gina and I am mom to 4. This is my second month. January was BAD. I think I might be one of the biggest spenders on the thread. I considered not coming back because of that. On Jan 27th I've had ONE no spend day, only FIVE no unnecessay spending days and I've spent $408 frivolous dollars. From WHERE I ask you?!

2. We live in a very expensive area. As an example, a second-hand baby sleeper costs $4 to $9 depending on the brand and an outfit is $6 to $12. A large container of cottage cheese is $4.49 as compared to $2.49 or $3.49 around the country. Foster Farms chicken is $5.99 a pound.

I am both amazed at how terrible we're doing and also how many times I've chosen not to buy something because I am trying to be more responsible.

I actually am working very hard on saving money on groceries (we usually spend around $1,000 a month on basic, mostly non-organisc, etc. There is little I can do to trim, but buying sales in bulk will help!!).

So although we will go about $1000 a month again in January, we should see a big difference by March because right now I am doing very well not buying things we don't need and instead I am stocking up on sale items in bulk.

Feels good! Not that I WANT to spend money, but I know in the long run it's helping when I've paid $150 for an item that usually costs us $3.49 or bought and froze 3 tri tip steaks we love for 40% off.

SO I do this to feel good, take more control of spending, save money, etc

3. My plan is to stock up in bulk, buy a fridge/freezer for the garage, etc. I will:

-- Track grocery spending
-- Track how many school lunches I buy due to not packing
-- Track frivolous spending
-- Track health expenses (meds, supplements, co-pays)
-- Track household spending
-- Track clothing/hygiene
-- Track "other necessities
-- Track activity costs for the boys
-- Track extra income coming in
-- Track allowance given to kids

-- Track bank fees
-- Track fast food
-- Track eating out/ordering in
-- Track buying drinks or snacks
-- Track unnecessary spending days

[brittneyscott]

I am a mostly SAHM (I work part time on weekends) to 2 kiddos. We just bought a new home and the note is high so the extra money we use to have is not there now. I'm working on paying off our remaining debt (2 medical bills and 2 small cc) so we can focus on remodeling/paying off our house.

I have made us a budget that (if I stick to it) will have us a month ahead of the bills so I can see exactly what extra money we have. (i.e. all Feb income will be held for March and March's budget will be made at the end of the month)

My goals:
15 no drive days
20 no spend days
Eat out - no more than once a week
NO frivolous spending

Allowed spending:
groceries (eating from pantry mostly) - $150 allowed
gas - $250 (hehehe... lets see this one happen)

If we get a income tax return in Feb this will go towards the remaining debt, then spend only on:
new glasses for me, new work boots for DH, gardening/canning supplies, animal supplies (for chickens and rabbits)

[mumkenna&lucas]

Originally Posted by GinaRae

2. We live in a very expensive area. As an example, a second-hand baby sleeper costs $4 to $9 depending on the brand and an outfit is $6 to $12. A large container of cottage cheese is $4.49 as compared to $2.49 or $3.49 around the country. Foster Farms chicken is $5.99 a pound.

I was thinking that sounded like my area..Then I saw your location..It basically is! I know what you are talking about it is hard!!

[AGlimmeringHope]

1. I'm Dennie, a SAHM (for now, looking for work) to two wonderful little girls. I'm attending classes part-time online trying to figure out what I want to do as far as school goes.

2. Well, I fell off of the bandwagon majorly in both Dec. and Jan. due to different family circumstances, but my reasons haven't changed much. We need to move out of the 350sqft space we're in in my parents' basement. The stress of living in such tight quarters is affecting us negatively as parents, partners, and our relationship and feelings towards my parents as well. Also, even though we've been off the no-spend bandwagon, so to speak, we've been financially okay (not great by any means, and we had our first overdrafts since starting the challenges, even). And we know God has provided, because in the past the events of the past couple of months would have crippled us. We're not going to take our blessings forgranted!

Plus, I am trying to simplify our lives. Spending money=getting stuff and stuff does not equal simplification.


3. I am going to start asking myself a few questions before any large purchases:
-Is this going to make my life easier?
-Will I use this enough to negate the cost of purchasing it?
-What am I going to get rid of to make room for this?
If I cannot give sufficient answers to these questions, the item will stay on the shelf. I'm also trying to figure out a nice, simplified wardrobe for us and the girls that doesn't feel like I'm wearing the same thing everyday. We will also finally be implementing Gail Vaz-Oxlade's jar method that DH loves (we're both big fans of Til Debt Do Us Part...I've known the whole envelope/jar method for years and have tried to get him to do it, but it took that show to get him on board!).

Goals for the month of February (putting some no-spend ones in here for my own reference!):

True No-Spend days: 19/29
No-Car days: 14/29
Decluttering days: 10/29
No Caffeine days: 15/29
Take a walk days: 20/29

[umarider]

Count me in! For some reason I am nervous about this, but I know it will be good for me and my family!

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.

My name is Betsy. I am a homeschooling military wife/mom with 2 daughters, 12 & 9. My Chinese Zodiac sign is Dragon, and DH is a Sheep. According to my daughter's book, a Dragon should NOT be left in control of the money... (too loose w/ the $),but oh well, when you have a Marine spouse you've gotta be in control or you'll have a big hassle during those frequent deployments.

2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of February. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.

USMC DH is nearing the point where he could retire if he wished. I want to get our financial house in order so we can get through that major change without too much trauma to the family. We've been spending very sloppily, and it doesn't leave me feeling too good. I want to be proud of my spending choices.

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?

I've been recording ALL of my spending for January (that'sbeen scary!) I've used those numbers and a realistic idea of how we should be eating/spending, etc. to come up with some budget numbers.
I'll get those goals posted soon. (I may be procrastinating... but I'm using the excuse of fatique for not posting them tonight!)

Have to say I am so glad to have found this site. It is EXACTLY what I needed at this point in my life. Thank you!

[kedwards313]

1. Please introduce yourself and tell us anything you think it would help us to know about yourself.

My name is Kim and my DH and I have one 17 month old DS. I work full-time.

2. Please tell us why you have decided to spend nothing (or spend significantly less) for the Month of February. Memorize these goals and recite them to yourself before all purchases.

We are wanting to get completely out of debt, start saving to purchase land, and build up retirement savings.

3. No spending is hard work. You need a plan. Please tell us your game plan -- how do you plan to approach no spending for a month?

I have kept track of our spending for the month of January. Just writing it down helps keep us accountable, but there are areas where we can definitely cut. My staying out of stores on my lunch break will surely help!

[Purple*Lotus]

1. Hello there. I am Jaime, married to Bryan. I manage a domestic violence shelter and am a FurMom to 3 cats. DH and I are trying really hard to live off of only his income from now on, and to pay off our debt with my income, in order to TTC so I can be a SAHM.

2. Debt, Debt, Debt. We want to hit it as hard as we can and make it hurt We can only do that if we avoid buying pointless things that we do not need.

3. I have a pretty serious plan for this month.

1. NO eating out. NONE NONE NONE. This includes fast food.

2. We will "eat out of the pantry" as much as possible this month. I will only go to the grocery store for what we truly need, and skip the extra stuff, like soda and junk food. So I am only going to go to the store once I start running out of essentials, instead of having a huge trip twice a month to buy a bunch of things we don't need.

3. No big box stores.

4. Look in to either drastically reduced cell phone plans or prepaid for DH. Potentially cancel mine altogether to save money.

I know I will need serious support this month. Trying to live off of DH's income alone will be tighter than our normal budget. So don't be afraid to give me a good smack with the Budget Stick every now and again to keep me on track I have to learn to make sacrifices if I ever want to meet my goal of staying home with our future children. I might as well learn to live beneath my means now.

[monkey's mom]

I'm joining ya!

I'm monkey's mom and we are self-employed. And taxes are coming up. Need I say more? Oh, and we had an unexpected bill, to the tune of $2500, pop up--due in a couple months. I really don't want to touch savings to pay it.

Plus, we really need to get a grip on our spending. We don't spend much, we just do it without thought. So I've been tracking every penny for a bit, but now I'd like to join you all and see about spending even less and becoming more aware of what we do spend.

And I need to get my grocery spending down a bunch. That's a place where we can definitely cut back. Need to USE up every last bit of those leftovers. Every time.

So that's about it! I'm excited to join and lurk no more!