christmas ruined me.
well, it wasn't just christmas. it was the most expensive haircut i've ever had. then it was LONDON. then the new iPhone. then the new dress & shoes & handbag. then christmas. then travelling to/from the island. then the new couch. then Christopher's 40th birthday & party. then the $50 pen. then the destination wedding accommodations. then, then, then...
everything i've spent in the last four months has seemed needed and important and, when taken separately, affordable. but now? i'm all tapped out and determined to cast off this cloak of consumerism i've been wearing for too many purchases. it's been a slow death by a thousand cuts and i'm so very tired of bleeding. let me be clear: i'm not in debt for any of these purchases. i have the cash to pay for them all; but, it's eating into my savings and that is starting to freak me out and piss me off.
to that end, i am declaring February NO SPEND MONTH.
other than things i've already budgeted for (thankfully, that's a lot), i'm not spending anything. that means, when my food & grocery money is spent, i either rummage in my cupboards for miracle meals or i starve. when my entertainment budget is blown, i will not be going out where i will have to pay monies.
hopefully, i will be able to live below my budget for the month and then maybe have a little bit left over to put back into those deflated savings accounts; but, i'll be happy to be at net zero come the end of Feb.
this declaration is part public commitment to my plan and a head's up to all those who care that i may be even more hermity next month -- especially the last few days -- if things don't go well.
Inspiration: makeit.do
Luckily for you, I enjoy feeding people. Come to my house to hang out - it's entertainment, socialization, and food all in one .. and it's free! I'll even stock stinky Diet Pepsi for you. :D
What the?! $50 pen? Do I have to avert my eyes when I see this thing. Kill the cable for a month and sign up for Hulu :)
Well, at least you picked the shorted month to do it! (I'm guessing this means Mass. visit is postponed. Bummer. But financial security is important... I can't even imagine what it feels like ;-))