For example: Remembering to actually bring your reusable shopping bags with you when you go shopping and actually getting up on a Saturday morning to go to the Farmer's Market. Ohh yeah, and you actually have to drop off the cardboard you are planning to recycle otherwise it just sits in a big pile in your garage and your husband complains about it.
I did use my reusable shopping bags once when I went to Wal-mart. The problem I have is that I would need to purchase about ten more bags to keep up with all my purchases. The four I have I got for free at the local library through the summer reading program.
Crafts made out of recyclable materials -- great thought -- but didn't happen. I have been so busy this past few weeks I have been on "survive my calendar" mode. I'll try to make up for that one when I start pre-k lessons with Zalen. I love our tin can turkey pencil holder that we made several years ago!
The only thing I did complete on my list was doing the "take showers, no baths" So I saved some water.
The good thing is I am more aware of changes that I can make. Maybe I didn't get it all accomplished in the past month with my crazed calendar full to the brim, but my eyes are opened to changes I can continue to make.
Ok moving onto month 6: SPENDING.... We are 9 days into this month and I haven't had time to sit down and work this one out in my head. I just finished school shopping... so spending has been on my mind. School supplies alone for all three with a few new pairs of socks and needed underwear thrown in totaled around $200. Another $150 on clothes and shoes. I thought I did quite well and kept to my budget. I did shop some sidewalk sales and got some great deals on used clothing. There were such good deals I ended up getting an outfit for myself. I wouldn't consider myself a big spender. We are on a tight budget always since I am a stay at home mom. I was raised by my mom to be quite frugal as well. We went to Aldi's and I would run the calculator. We would go to the store and she would make me calculate price per ounce.
I don't think the shopping at only 7 places is going to realistically work for us due to what is on our calendar this month so I am doing a different sort of challenge. I was inspired by this article I came across: Spending too much? Try the 7-day challenge from bankrate.com
Here it is in a nutshell-- a challenge to quit swiping and use cash so you see the results:
Get ready in three steps
If you'd like to get a handle on your spending habits, all it takes is a small notepad and a bit of determination.
If you'd like to get a handle on your spending habits, all it takes is a small notepad and a bit of determination.
Step 1:
Figure out how much cash you need to cover a week's worth of gas,
groceries, entertainment, dinner on the town, breakfast at McDonald's,
books, music CDs, cosmetics, gifts -- the whole gamut of casual
expenses.
Step 2: Be honest. Don't deliberately overestimate so that you're sure to have enough cash to get through the week.
Step 3: Set the anticipated amount aside and don't use debit or credit cards.
If you get through the week
with the cash set aside, congratulations! If you need to make a trip to
the ATM, it's OK. Review your purchases and see where you could have
trimmed costs. This is about developing a mind-set where you seriously
consider daily cash expenditures. It can lead to more money in your
savings account and long-term financial plans that stay on track.
I will begin this challenge next Monday, August 13th. My husband already operates on a cash system most of the time because he is a swiper. Now, it is my turn.
