No spend October

Pokedot · October 2013

DH and I decided to get our frivolous spending under control and are not spending a dime this month unless needed as in bills, gas and groceries. I'm both excited, scared and on a bit of high because, it's day one people. Ask me again how this is going on day 20 and I may have a different answer. Anyone else ever do this? How did it turn out? What was the easiest/hardest parts? I'm hoping it's like a diet, hard at first then gets easier! ;P

MomtobeNJ · October 2013

I think it's a great idea. However, I would never choose October because it's my birthday month.

But seriously, good luck!!! I may need to do something like this. I'm sure it will be tough, but a month goes by in the blink of an eye.

MommaP12 · October 2013

Props to you for doing it!! I want to do something like this so badly, but we always have a birthday, etc. to go to every month and have to buy a gift or whatever. Ugh. Good luck with the challenge and keep us posted on if you stay on the wagon the whole time!

Pokedot · October 2013

Hahaha right? I can't look at any emails involving Kohls, Groopdealz or Zulily for a month! Otherwise I'll be too tempted!

Pokedot · October 2013

I have a baby shower this weekend and we've already budgeted for the gift (bought last month) and gas. We plan on packing lunches (it's 1 hour away) for an early lunch or early dinner.

MomtobeNJ · October 2013

Just keep telling yourself, "We have more than enough, I have everything I need....."

And yes, stay away from the internet.

kelbel527 · October 2013

I'd rather go on a diet! Ha! I may have a shopping addiction...

Good luck though, it's probably the best way to realize that there are things you spend money on that you really can live without. Then you can find a better balance, without cutting out everything, but cutting back as well.

BPer · October 2013

Last week we decided to really reign in our spending. September was an insanely expensive month. I went to Nashville, we had Hannah's party, I had to pay dues to our board of realtors. It wasn't good. So, I told H that I want to see if we can swing putting at least half of his paycheck away every week into savings for the rest of the year. We'll see how it goes. Good luck to you!

MommaP12 · October 2013

I like the Lent idea! I might see if DH is up for not eating out/shopping all of Lent!

miss50 · October 2013

TheNetwork said:

I did this for lent one year and saved a ton of money. I got such a rush out of the experience, especially as the weeks ticked by. My DH was miserable though because he loves to go out to eat. I'm hoping I can get him on board for lent again this year because we could really stand to reign in our spending as well. Good luck!

no fish sandwiches from mcdonalds? sad day!

That is a great idea. I give up chocolate and pop, but this sounds more beneficial.

MrsManny · October 2013

This is an awesome idea. Especially before the holidays. The lent idea is great too. Good luck, I am excited to see how it goes.

cmarie520 · October 2013

I think this is such a good idea, but I couldn't do October. I start Christmas shopping this month and DH, BIL and I all have birthdays before Christmas. I think January or February would work better for us. Thanks for the idea!

Hyaline · October 2013

I like the Lent idea, too! Sept through Dec are usually spendy months for us because of travel and then the holidays--Oct. would never work for me because I start Christmas shopping early (and I usually spend a little bit on some special Halloween stuff, too). But spring--no reason to buy anything in March, lol!

Pokedot · October 2013

Hyaline said:

I like the Lent idea, too! Sept through Dec are usually spendy months for us because of travel and then the holidays--Oct. would never work for me because I start Christmas shopping early (and I usually spend a little bit on some special Halloween stuff, too). But spring--no reason to buy anything in March, lol!

Unless you send me a birthday gift, it's the 21st btw! ;P I figured we try it this month and see how it goes! Every other month we have something planned, birthday etc. The only thing I NEED to buy is Halloween candy and I wanted to compare prices and such with coupons. That shit is expensive! Plus if it's laying around for 3 weeks I can't be responsible for how much would or wouldn't be left!

Kissty · October 2013

February - it's the shortest month - good time to try. Good luck to you. We did something similar (except we had no money) both lost our jobs and only paid whatever bill came in red. As long as you stick to it it will get easier. The hardest part is starting and realizing want vs need.

Again good luck and keep us updated on how you're doing and if you need some encouragement.

BeebopandBuddy · October 2013

I love this idea. I'm not sure I could get DH on board, but maybe I can try in January or February. right now we are buying things as we see sales to stock up for Christmas, so December isn't so hard.

MommaP12 · October 2013

@auroraloo I love your new picture! What a beautiful family!

AKB090609 · October 2013

We are doing the same thing this month. We treat it like a game we write down all our wants and at the end of the month, we get to pick one item. Good Luck!

MississippiCatfish · October 2013

I have a friend who did this in college and I remember it was really eye-opening for him. I've thought many times of picking one day a week to not spend for a while, and then one week a month. I don't think I would personally want to go a whole month because I think I would start to fixate on counting down until the end, which would defeat the purpose for me. Thank you for posting this! It is a good reminder! I need to get off my butt and do this.

"Use it up, wear it out, make it last, do without" That's one of our favorite quotes, ever since I saw it on the wall in my cousin's house. (There are several versions, that's my fave.)

hmp1 · October 2013

DH mentioned something like this last week. More like, we should not spend much money this month because no more formula, the party is over, we don't have anyone visiting us, no birthdays or holidays (already have their costumes). Then I burst his bubble by reminding him that James needs all new pants, visit to the pumpkin patch, and we wanted to go to Chattanooga for a weekend in October.

1fish2fish · October 2013

LoisLayn23 said:

:::::closes out of Kohls and Old Navy tabs::::

LOL. I already failed this challenge. I made a purchase from Kohls and Amazon this afternoon.

bonjourbelle05 · October 2013

We are doing something similar we have been slowly easing into the Dave Ramsey plans and this is the month we kick it into high gear (cut up credit cards, moved our savings to an out of town bank, etc)

jenmbott · October 2013

What do you do about things that come up unexpectedly? For instance, I attended a funeral for a family member today and bought a card and wrote a check to the family. I think it sounds like a great idea but I'm not sure I would be able to follow it because I would justify certain purchases. ie a good sale at Lord & Taylor so why not start Christmas shopping. You will have to give us weekly updates..I'm curious.

bonjourbelle05 · October 2013

jenmbott said:
What do you do about things that come up unexpectedly? For instance, I attended a funeral for a family member today and bought a card and wrote a check to the family. I think it sounds like a great idea but I'm not sure I would be able to follow it because I would justify certain purchases. ie a good sale at Lord & Taylor so why not start Christmas shopping. You will have to give us weekly updates..I'm curious.

The way we do it is these sorts of things are built into the budget every month. For example, we have been setting aside gift money each month for Christmas, birthdays, etc, so when the event comes we already have the money budgeted (or if we see a great deal on something for a gift ahead of time).

myjohnsonboys · October 2013

I am not being as strict but we are definately cutting back thsi month on spending. I don't plan to spend much until Black Friday shopping so it works for me.

Pokedot · October 2013

bonjourbelle05 said:

What do you do about things that come up unexpectedly? For instance, I attended a funeral for a family member today and bought a card and wrote a check to the family. I think it sounds like a great idea but I'm not sure I would be able to follow it because I would justify certain purchases. ie a good sale at Lord & Taylor so why not start Christmas shopping. You will have to give us weekly updates..I'm curious.
The way we do it is these sorts of things are built into the budget every month. For example, we have been setting aside gift money each month for Christmas, birthdays, etc, so when the event comes we already have the money budgeted (or if we see a great deal on something for a gift ahead of time).

This is what we've done. It's a contingency plan we have in place. Even if it's a good sale I don't plan on buying. I'm in the mentality that just because it's on sale doesn't mean I need it! Also like your situation we'll deal with it when the time comes but we've built it into our plan. ;P

BeachBabe22 · October 2013

That's a great idea. We really need to do something like that. We spent way too much money in September.

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