It had to come to this. I've been spending way too much lately on who-knows-what and now that school is starting soon, I really need to take control of our finances and crack down on budgeting. So, this month I'm placing our family on a shopping ban. No unnecessary purchases, only absolute essentials.
Approved purchases:
-School shoes for Trace (his current shoes are tight on him)
-School uniform shirts for all three kids (tops only - last year's bottoms still fit fine)
-Backpacks for Chloe and Trace (Aniyah already has one)
-Doctors appointments, emergencies, fuel, bills, etc.
No spending on:
-School supplies (my parents buy the kids their supplies every year)
-JustFab, Fabletics, Fabkids, Julep, and other subscription services
-Clothes, shoes, accessories
-Lavish lunches, dining out
-Toys, games, non-school related items
I've never done a shopping ban or spending freeze before so this will be a learning experience for me. I've downloaded YNAB thanks to Steph's advice and will be actively looking for ways to cut down my spending this month (packing lunches, unplugging everything before leaving the house to keep the electricity bill down, reusing or selling old items, etc.). So, if you have any tips or advice for me, I'd really appreciate it! Wish me luck!
i'm there with you, sister. we spent way too much these past 2 months so i need to slow my roll!
ReplyDeleteI have never been able to do a shopping ban. I find that I do way worse the months before and after if I even try so I just try to cut back where possible every month. I meal plan and grocery shop on Sundays for the entire week and take my lunches to work and cook dinners at night. I try to pick ingredients that are a little similar to save money that way so we dont need as much.
ReplyDeleteI need to do this too. I tried in July, but I was good in the beginning of the month and slipped as the weeks went on!
ReplyDeletegood luck!! i just started month 3 of my shopping ban.. i haven't been 100% not shopping, but i have definitely stayed within the rules i gave myself. haven't bought any shoes or clothes or accessories, that's what i spend most of my money on. i've still spent money and i've bought books, but i feel like setting myself rules and allowing myself to spend a little here or there or certain things (like books) helps me succeed in other areas. oh, and i basically stay off/away from everything that tempts me. i don't window shop in person or online, i don't open emails from stores. if i do 'want' to buy something, i make myself think on it or text someone. i have a couple of friends who i know will tell me no, and KC will always tell me no haha. you gotta find your weaknesses and plan for them, you know? and if you do 'fail' don't beat yourself up, just move on and keep at it. you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI feel like during the rainy season on Guam there wasn't much to do but shop haha! Good luck, you can do it!
ReplyDelete'emergencies' sounds pretty open to interpretation...guess it's ok to get one of those bags then ;)
ReplyDeleteI was supposed to do a ban this month. Already failed miserably. Starting to rein it in now though... kind of. I'd appreciate my trust fund showing up any day now....
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