Go a whole month only buying food and other necessities

I’ve restrained myself from unnecessary purchases, but I’m not too happy. The reason is that the amount I usually spend on food has increased by 30% in the last two months! I’m not buying anything extra, and I’m usually going for the cheapest option (or the cheapest not-complete-junk option), so this is quite depressing. Part of the cause for this increase is the price hike/inflation around here. (It’s a good thing I don’t have a car, because I’d be even more depressed, considering the price of gas!) Then my office moved to another location, where there are no stores around, and only two restaurants, so there aren’t many lunchtime options. And finally, I’ve mostly stopped planning my meals and grocery shopping. The last bit is the only one I can influence, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I need to start cooking again.

I’ve had two ‘slips’ in the last week – a (post-hospital check up) craft supplies binge, and yesterday I was right beside Lush and didn’t feel like resisting! :) I’m actually happy about both – after most of a month of not really splurging (£10 on apricots, nuts and other healthy foods just does not count!) it really really felt like a nice treat to myself!

I’m continuing with this goal for at least another while – my credit card statements run mid-month, so I’m interested to see how low the next one will be. Of course, big birthday dinner (not mine!) to pay for soon, but otherwise we’ll see how it goes. Definitely worth making those treats feel more treat-like anyway!

A ticket to an away game… and the travel arrangements… but they made it to the quarterfinals, it’s practically a necessity! :D

Y’know, I thought I was going to have to drop this goal and pick it up again in March – stress is not a time to tell me not to spend money!

However, all things considered, I don’t think I’ve done too badly. My extra purchases do actually fall under the ‘food’ category in the main – an extra latte to ease work stress (by letting me leave my desk to walk to the coffee shop!), buying lunch instead of homemade soup. Biggest indulgence was a box of chocs – and that’s for a friend to say thanks for her support!

My only other ‘splurge’ was a bottle of conditioner, and I think that counts as necessity ;)

Hoping to get two things out of this goal this year: a slightly healthier bank/credit card balance, and also just less stuff. I’m at that point of feeling like I’m overflowing with material things again – or perhaps just feeling that such things don’t matter as much.

Onwards!

Wow, this will be my third year on this goal. :)

I’ve already had a shopping spree on Amazon, so I think it won’t be my downfall this time. ;) Other potential disasters: eating out, snacks, skin care products, clothes when I’m in that “ohmygodIhavenothingtowearmustbuysomething” mood, planned trip to Ikea. Disaster prevention strategy: planning. And then sticking to my plans.

and it appears that there are going to be several things this month and next month that will make finances a bit difficult to follow with this goal. I think that I’m going to do some more thinking about it, and maybe revive this goal later on this year. I hope no one’s disappointed if they expected me to be doing this, this month. I’ll still support you through it this month if you are doing it, though!

This year the results were so-so. I didn’t break the piggy cat bank, but I did go over my book-buying budget. A pox on you, Amazon!

I’ll be here again in February 2008, I guess. :)

I’ve been able to stay out of the stores for the most part – and I’m going in with a strict list when I absolutely must go grocery shopping.

I saw a tip somewhere to keep a wish list on the fridge. When you have the urge to buy something put it on the list and let it sit there for (however long you decide). Usually you will see it wasn’t really necessary and those impulse purchases will be cut dramatically. I’m doing that this month = I’m seeing that I really don’t need that cookbook (got it from the library) and I can wait a few weeks to get things I think I really need.

this month. How are you doing? I haven’t seen any entries being posted. I’m glad that I’m doing this next month, because I need to save for a trip I’m going on in April.

only a handful of days to go . . .