OK, maybe not minor. Maybe major.
Tell me… If you had to go a month without spending any money, could you? After quite a few months of money being really tight, and following a family meeting, we have decided to try just that. There are, of course, exception – we will need milk, juice, fresh veggies and meats, and gas for the car. Our goal in doing this is to have some spending money for our upcoming cruise with our family and my in-laws.
So, how much could you save if you didn’t spend any money for an entire month? Enough to pay off a chunk of your bills from Christmas? We didn’t charge anything this year, but if you did, wouldn’t it feel good to pay it off in a month? Enough to make a double car payment? Enough to pay for summer camp for your kids? When you really sit back and think about it, how nice would it feel to have that big chunk of cash four weeks from now!
The ground rules we have set out for ourselves are these:
- No eating out
- No Dunkins! *gasp***
- No new yarn
- No groceries except for perishables that are absolutely necessary
- No shopping
- No trips to anywhere unless they are preplanned and work/dr/kid related
There are other rules, but they are mostly common sense. Every penny we spend this month needs to have a specific name and purpose, or it is money wasted.
Anyone else think they could benefit from a month of unwasted money? Are you up for the challenge? Join me!
We will be “making due” for meals – making whatever we can from the stores in our cupboards. If you had no other source of funds, how long could you eat off of what is on your shelves? I am betting that here in the Ort Fam Home we can eat pretty well for at least a month (again, with the exception of allowing purchases of fresh produce, milk, etc).
Tonight’s dinner was pasta, sauce, parm cheese, and a loaf of homemade italian seasoned bread, all made from pantry items.
As of right this moment, The Ort Fam Clan is dollar free – are you in?
Jan 28, 2013 @ 21:37:55
Way to go, Orts! I’ll match whatever you save, dollar for dollar. How’s that for a challenge?
Jan 28, 2013 @ 21:40:15
Woot Woot! Watch out, mama! we will be saving like fiends! (And thank you!)
Jan 29, 2013 @ 08:32:49
An awesome idea! It’s also a great way to clear out the pantry of items that have been there forever AND to get creative with meals. I may be able to join you in a modified way beginning Feb 1st. I say modified because we already have planned to travel to our boys’ out of town sporting events. Thinking out loud here – for those planned trips we could probably “pack” our meals rather than eating out – better for us too.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU – IT’S A GREAT CHALLENGE!
Jan 29, 2013 @ 21:37:07
Cheryl – You can do it! I love packing food for road trips – mostly I make hard boiled eggs, and then I cut celery adn when on the road, I dip it in peanut butter (now I do almond butterI Can’t wait to hear how the recipe comes out with your pumpkin flax seed cereal! You will have to share the recipe!
Jan 30, 2013 @ 07:48:43
The muffins turned out really good – especially for something that is good for you
I’ll copy it over here later today. Thx for food tips for travel!
Jan 29, 2013 @ 10:43:52
So excited… I just googled and found a great recipe to use up the Pumpkin Flax granola cereal that is languishing in the pantry. Your challenge is paying dividends on my end – thx!!!