Miserly March

It's time to buckle down.  We heard back from the bank and it's going to require quite a bit more cash at closing than we were expecting, so we really have no choice.  I was online looking for pictures to post around the house to inspire me to save money and I found several references to 30 day No Spending challenges.

Everyone knows there's nothing I love more than a gimmicky challenge with rules and rewards.  Add to that it's the beginning of the month, which is a siren song to me for starting something new,  and we have a full blown game on.  I have posted No Spending pictures around the house with one of the vacation we have planned for this summer and the sofa we need for additional motivation.  I read one post where they tracked what they spent on what and where each day so I posted a calendar on the front door.

I found several additional philosophies associated with the no spend concept.  Some people feel that you not only stop bringing things into the house, but take the time to purge things you don't need as well so that at the end of the month you have spent less and have less stuff as well.  Another comment that I loved was the idea that you use up all your pantry reserves even if that means eating the multiple cans of beans you got on sale.  The idea being that you use what you have and get an opportunity to think about maybe not gathering up 20 cans of beans in the future.

Everything seems to point to one common theme and that is mindful consumption.  One blogger even tracked what she wanted to spend money on but didn't.  I found it very interesting because it was the same kind of stuff I would like to buy.  She also kept it realistic by including a dinner out once per week in her allowed spending, it's supposed to be sustainable for a month after all.

The Rules For My No Spend March

1. Groceries and Pharmacy are allowed but not additional buying and use pantry
2. One dinner and one lunch out per week 
3. No spending on stuff or entertainment
4. Track spending

Notes-

It took me a few days to finish this post, so in the mean time I have been putting all the no spending challenge tips to use.  I have already noticed that I shave a few dollars off of every outing because I'm conscious of my goals.  The other thing that sticks out immediately is that we both spend money on lunch at work.  To be realistic we both agreed to try to spend less rather than stop having lunch out on work days.  It makes the day nicer, and we aren't here to torture ourselves.  I'm encouraged to keep going.

Truth Hurts

Sometimes you have to face the actual truth about yourself and it can really be a shock.  My husband works hard and makes good money but we still use credit cards and aren't where we would like to be financially.  The reason is me. 
We both like to go out, but I like nice places.  He would be just fine sitting at home all summer but I plan trips.  It's a tough pill to swallow, but I have to really look at this behavior and do something about it.  I need to find a way to make dining at home as enjoyable as going out!  I like how we don't watch TV or work on our computers.  I know I have talked about this before, but I like to have a conversation!!!!  This is clearly the issue, or I need to get a full time job.  The choice is mine. 

We're Moving Again

We have decided to move to a less expensive apartment so we can save money for more fun vacations and a condo of our own.  This was my idea and I am the one that pursued it and is making it happen.  Now that I have gotten the ball rolling I'm having trouble running with it.  I need to start packing but all I want to do is nap.  I over indulged yesterday, so of course today I feel like crap and guilty to boot.  I had planned to go out last night, but still have I no self control?   Today is the official start of my birthday preparations.  I will eat at home for the next week and do the exercise that is needed to meet my goals.
I can't decide if it's just feeling overwhelmed that has me thrown off or if it's my delayed post vacation blues.  I didn't work last week after we got back so I think it delayed the inevitable.  I think it's good that I have a big project to focus on, and I think I will be able to get it together starting tomorrow.  In the mean time I should just enjoy my unproductive day off with some shows and a little Sprite.

Restaurant Addicts Diet: It's Not Easy Being Good

All of these convenient and fun restaurant options in my new neighborhood are very tempting!  It's so easy to say "Screw it, let's go out!".  One way to put the brakes on that is to realize you are out of money until payday.  Luckily I was over do for a relaxing weekend at home.  We made tacos and used the low carb tortillas again.  I swear they taste the same and they're smaller so I instantly eat less.
I have good intentions of making progress towards my weight loss goals, but I lack focus.  I read some blogs and started following some motivating people on Twitter and I found a lot of great ideas.  First, I'm going to use my twitter account @Daily_Grievance to report where I am when I hit my #10ksteps.  I figure if I make it a fun celebration I'm more likely to pursue it.  Second, I've decided to try listing out my goals for the week and then I'll  report back on my progress at the end of the week. I'm hoping these additions to my routine will add the accountability I need. 
Here goes:

1. Walk at least 10,000 steps per day using my fitbit and tweet where I am when it hits #10ksteps
2. Do one plank per day
3. And for my most challenging goal,  eat in until Thursday night.

 I only have to hold out until Thursday, then I get to have my hair cut and go to First Thursday.  I know I can do it!