Remodel expenses, Christmas decor, Christmas gifts, Christmas parties, teachers gifts, etc, etc, etc. It's all done and so am I!!
So, here's my solution...a NO SPEND January! I've been mulling it over in my head for quite awhile. To be honest, it's a pretty scary thing to take on! I keep thinking about all the WHAT IFS that could happen once I commit to not spending money. I am pretty certain that the one thing-a-ma-jig that I have been wanting will go on sale for a can't pass up price and I will have to pass it up! That would just be horrible!!
Well, I am pretty sure I'll live if I miss out on a thing-a-ma-jig! So, after a family meeting, this is what we have agreed upon for the month of January:
1. We have cut our misc budget by 3/4. The remaining amount will be used to cover needs we did not account for. Hopefully, we won't need to spend it.
2. We have cut our eating out budget by half. Yes, eating out is a want. By cutting it in half, it only leaves enough for a couple of quick drive-thru meals. I am hoping we don't use this but I also want to be realistic. We tend to go over in our budget in this area so even this compromise will save us money.
3. Tuesday Treat Day will continue but will be "yummies" from my kitchen using the grocery budget. Grocery budget will stay the same this month but will have to stretch farther.
4. Clothes. We have a clothes amount in our budget every month. We have cut this in half. My Littles NEED a pair of jeans and a pair of shoes. This is ALL we will buy this month is the clothes category.
That's about it. I really appreciate how in the meeting My Littles spoke up and were able to do without some things so we can reach our goal! I am using this to kick start our savings again but also as a teaching moment. It's crazy to me how money management is not taught in schools. It is such an important, everyday system in our society.
I am a bit nervous to start this. 31 days seems like such a long time! I plan on updating through the month on how well (or terrible) it's going.
So, until February, my ever constant search for the perfect makeup foundation is on hold...
