Well it's officially the end of November, which means the spend embargo is over.
I was fairly successful--I didn't spend money on Starbucks AT ALL. That's so impressive for me, you guys. I only bought those 2 WJC nursing shirts as far as clothing goes--also an impressive feat. I cheated TODAY and got mcdonalds for breakfast because we were seriously out of everything breakfast related and I refused to eat leftover turkey for another meal, but that brought my total for the month on fast food to $5.50. That's also not too bad! Overall I did a great job, if I say so myself.
Anyway, here are some lessons I learned:
-It's easiest when you have people on board with you. My mom constantly reminded me if we went to a clothing store (never looking for me, usually for her or my brothers) not to buy anything because I wasn't supposed to be spending money on clothes. She also helped me out and bought me a skirt that I really, really wanted to wear to the Nutcracker in December. My friend Chelsea helped me stay strong when I really, really wanted to get some Starbucks. Sam and I ate at home the entire time I was in St. Louis and when he was here.
-I have a TON of clothes that are perfectly fine. Shopping in my own closet made me realize that I have a lot of clothes that I never wear and that fit and look fine still. I do not need any new clothes, for real. A better idea would be to wait until I reach my goal weight to go shopping for anything new. That would be some real motivation!
-I don't even really LIKE fast food, so why do I stop and get it all the time? Convenience? Honestly I'd rather just have a pb&j (obviously sausage biscuits are immune to this) than any other gross value meal. I think that I was really able to kick this habit this month.
-Brewing coffee at home and adding some peppermint mocha creamer leaves me just as satisfied as the stupid $4.70 latte at Starbucks. Seriously. $4.70. Stupid.
-I have a terrible habit of offering to pay for things and then letting people pay me back. Lesson learned here: ask for money up front.
Overall, no spend November was a success. I saved a lot of money. 90% of the money I spent this month was on gas, which is a whole other story in and of itself. I hate the gas prices in this country. It makes me so angry. I'm going to buy a Prius asap. I think I learned a lot about my habits and spending and definitely know that from now on, I'm going to think a LOT more about my purchases before I actually make them.
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
no spend november update
It's Friday. Thank goodness.
We're over 1/3 of the way through November (I can't believe it!) so I figured this would be a good time to update you on how my month of not spending unnecessarily is going!
I did cheat, I admit, and bought a milkshake when I was in St. Louis. I was craving it like no other and to save my sanity (and Sam's), I totally caved and bought one. Total cost: $3.21. Other than that, I was SO good...although I might mention that Sam's parents provided us with dinner both nights. I was resourceful though and found stuff in Sam's apartment for breakfast each morning (he sleeps so late that I'm usually on my own for breakfast. Sorry for revealing all of your secrets, Sammy), and Sam was ever the gentleman and bought us our lunch both days. He's not in on the no spend November thing so I maintain that it's okay that he spent money and I didn't :).
I also had dinner ($9) with Chelsea before we went to an activity for school, so that was a slight cheat, but I used some left over money that I had from Houston, so it wasn't in the money I originally budgeted for the month...so I mean yes I did spend money, but it was cash that I had originally taken on vacation a month ago. Therefore, it's not going on my total. If you think that's REALLY cheating, tell me! :)
That's ALL I've spent on food. $3.21 in 11 days. I haven't even bought Starbucks, which is amazing, because the holiday coffee flavors came out on November 1st, which was after I had committed to this thing but has been ABSOLUTE torture for me.
I did spend some money on clothes, but I'm kind of making it an exception. I'm only in nursing school for 1 year, and I haven't bought any school clothing since I've been here. The dept of nursing has specialized jackets and t-shirts, and the order form is due Monday, so I did spend some money on that. Again, money that I had already budgeted, but it was $59 which is kind of a lot.
I also spent $20 on a resume portfolio, because we had an employment fair, and I needed one. I actually already had a nice one, but loaned it to a friend and never got it back, so I had to get it a new one. That was a necessity, however, because no one at my house or Sam owned one so I didn't know who to borrow one from. I'll also use it again as I start going to job interviews (hopefully) in the spring!
Other than gas, that's all I've spent this month. About $80! Not too bad. I am really impressed with myself because, and I'm really laying it all out there, last month I spent $450 on clothes. $450. In one month. Super unacceptable. I didn't even realize it until I added up the total at the end of the month. Ugh. Hence No Spend November!
Here's to frugality! Hope everyone had a splendid week, and I'll update you all again soon!
We're over 1/3 of the way through November (I can't believe it!) so I figured this would be a good time to update you on how my month of not spending unnecessarily is going!
I did cheat, I admit, and bought a milkshake when I was in St. Louis. I was craving it like no other and to save my sanity (and Sam's), I totally caved and bought one. Total cost: $3.21. Other than that, I was SO good...although I might mention that Sam's parents provided us with dinner both nights. I was resourceful though and found stuff in Sam's apartment for breakfast each morning (he sleeps so late that I'm usually on my own for breakfast. Sorry for revealing all of your secrets, Sammy), and Sam was ever the gentleman and bought us our lunch both days. He's not in on the no spend November thing so I maintain that it's okay that he spent money and I didn't :).
I also had dinner ($9) with Chelsea before we went to an activity for school, so that was a slight cheat, but I used some left over money that I had from Houston, so it wasn't in the money I originally budgeted for the month...so I mean yes I did spend money, but it was cash that I had originally taken on vacation a month ago. Therefore, it's not going on my total. If you think that's REALLY cheating, tell me! :)
That's ALL I've spent on food. $3.21 in 11 days. I haven't even bought Starbucks, which is amazing, because the holiday coffee flavors came out on November 1st, which was after I had committed to this thing but has been ABSOLUTE torture for me.
I did spend some money on clothes, but I'm kind of making it an exception. I'm only in nursing school for 1 year, and I haven't bought any school clothing since I've been here. The dept of nursing has specialized jackets and t-shirts, and the order form is due Monday, so I did spend some money on that. Again, money that I had already budgeted, but it was $59 which is kind of a lot.
I also spent $20 on a resume portfolio, because we had an employment fair, and I needed one. I actually already had a nice one, but loaned it to a friend and never got it back, so I had to get it a new one. That was a necessity, however, because no one at my house or Sam owned one so I didn't know who to borrow one from. I'll also use it again as I start going to job interviews (hopefully) in the spring!
Other than gas, that's all I've spent this month. About $80! Not too bad. I am really impressed with myself because, and I'm really laying it all out there, last month I spent $450 on clothes. $450. In one month. Super unacceptable. I didn't even realize it until I added up the total at the end of the month. Ugh. Hence No Spend November!
Here's to frugality! Hope everyone had a splendid week, and I'll update you all again soon!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
No Spend November
Perhaps you've heard of a little tradition called No Shave November that men boys think is sooo clever and I think is sooo disgusting? Well I do happen to think that the name is pretty clever, so I'm copying for that purpose only.
I have been on a spending TEAR this semester. Part of that was my iPad (still justified), part of it was my trip to Houston (well worth it, still need to blog about this), another part was a certain someone's bachelorette shindig (not complaining), but the rest of it has been complete nonsense (EXCEPT any trips to St. Louis. I would spend every last dime I had going to see Sam). I buy clothes like crazy, and attempt to justify it in terms of retail therapy. Believe me, this year I've definitely needed retail therapy, but not to the extent that I've taken it. Last weekend was the first time in like 6 months that I've been in J.Crew and walked out without buying anything. It's sick I tell you.
The other significant portion of my spending goes towards food/coffee. I love, love, love my Starbucks but paying $5 for a latte just isn't cutting it anymore. I also am super lazy and if there isn't food in the house, I just stop and get something on the way to school (or home), and that's not cutting it anymore either, especially w/ my BFF's wedding in just 6 months.
Therefore, I present to you, NO SPEND NOVEMBER*.
That's right. For the entire month (minus a few concessions), I will not be buying the following things:
1) Any type of fast food, food in a restaurant, food in a gas station, etc. If I'm driving to St. Louis, I'll be packing a lunch to take with me and eat. If I'm driving to KC from St. Louis...well, Sam, you better feed me.
2) Any Starbucks coffee. This is particularly difficult because I just got a text message an hour ago with picture proof that holiday cups are back and better than ever at sbux. Damn.
3) Clothing items that are not a necessity. This includes everything EXCEPT a winter coat. Because I do not have a winter coat and things have the potential to get a tad bit chilly here in Missouri in November. Also, I refuse to wear my high school letter jacket which despite being the warmest coat I've ever owned would be super tacky and I would rather walk through fire than ever have to wear that again. Even if it mean keeping me warm...although I guess the fire would do the trick..anyway.
4) Shoes and/or bags. The reason for this is three-fold. A) I do not have room for any more shoes and/or bags in my closet. B) I bought a coach bag last year and as of today have owned it one year, and it is in perfect condition and therefore I must keep using it. C) These count as clothing items.
5) Cosmetics. I have everything I need to last me for like 3 years, let alone the month of November.
6) Music/Movies. Glee's music blows this year so this shouldn't be hard. The movie rationale is for the fact that I need to remember that Christmas is coming and I already told my rents a bunch of blu-rays I wanted. I am still allowed to go to the movies because I will never, ever give this up.
Now for the concessions.
1) A new collar for Bella. While not a necessity for me, it could be considered a necessity for her. Home girl is getting a little bit chunky and I don't want her to choke herself, plus where it used to be silver it's just now a gross white color and I can't stand to look at it anymore.
2) Black Friday. Anything goes on Black Friday IF IT IS FOR SOMEONE ELSE. I will allow myself to do some Christmas shopping. I will not be purchasing any clothing for myself. I will also be allowing myself Starbucks on this day because I need my caffeine on this day at least...otherwise I will punch a person in the face because there are some crazy people out there on BF.
3) MU v KU game. Obviously going with other people so I will not impose the freeze on them, plus if I'm at a football game for that long there's no way I won't be able to eat anything without going into a diabetic coma, and Arrowhead's new frisking policy makes sneaking in food way too hard. Don't you miss the good old days when your dad and aunt loaded up your winter coat with all kinds of food and "soda". I say soda because you know that's not what they were really sneaking in in their six year old's pockets. Role models!
That's it. Those 3 days I will allow myself to have some concessions. I am publishing this on my blog because I need to be held accountable for my actions. I realize this will mainly consist of Sam, but still. I need to learn to curb my spending now before I'm faced with the actual payment of my massive student loan from nursing school.
SO on that note...who's joining me!? :)
PS: Happy return of Glee!
*No Spend November was influenced by Allison at Smart and Sassy With Sprinkles and her September Spending Freeze, which I was not a part of because I just haaad to have my iPad. Ugh. Thanks for the fab idea Allison!
I have been on a spending TEAR this semester. Part of that was my iPad (still justified), part of it was my trip to Houston (well worth it, still need to blog about this), another part was a certain someone's bachelorette shindig (not complaining), but the rest of it has been complete nonsense (EXCEPT any trips to St. Louis. I would spend every last dime I had going to see Sam). I buy clothes like crazy, and attempt to justify it in terms of retail therapy. Believe me, this year I've definitely needed retail therapy, but not to the extent that I've taken it. Last weekend was the first time in like 6 months that I've been in J.Crew and walked out without buying anything. It's sick I tell you.
The other significant portion of my spending goes towards food/coffee. I love, love, love my Starbucks but paying $5 for a latte just isn't cutting it anymore. I also am super lazy and if there isn't food in the house, I just stop and get something on the way to school (or home), and that's not cutting it anymore either, especially w/ my BFF's wedding in just 6 months.
Therefore, I present to you, NO SPEND NOVEMBER*.
That's right. For the entire month (minus a few concessions), I will not be buying the following things:
1) Any type of fast food, food in a restaurant, food in a gas station, etc. If I'm driving to St. Louis, I'll be packing a lunch to take with me and eat. If I'm driving to KC from St. Louis...well, Sam, you better feed me.
2) Any Starbucks coffee. This is particularly difficult because I just got a text message an hour ago with picture proof that holiday cups are back and better than ever at sbux. Damn.
3) Clothing items that are not a necessity. This includes everything EXCEPT a winter coat. Because I do not have a winter coat and things have the potential to get a tad bit chilly here in Missouri in November. Also, I refuse to wear my high school letter jacket which despite being the warmest coat I've ever owned would be super tacky and I would rather walk through fire than ever have to wear that again. Even if it mean keeping me warm...although I guess the fire would do the trick..anyway.
4) Shoes and/or bags. The reason for this is three-fold. A) I do not have room for any more shoes and/or bags in my closet. B) I bought a coach bag last year and as of today have owned it one year, and it is in perfect condition and therefore I must keep using it. C) These count as clothing items.
5) Cosmetics. I have everything I need to last me for like 3 years, let alone the month of November.
6) Music/Movies. Glee's music blows this year so this shouldn't be hard. The movie rationale is for the fact that I need to remember that Christmas is coming and I already told my rents a bunch of blu-rays I wanted. I am still allowed to go to the movies because I will never, ever give this up.
Now for the concessions.
1) A new collar for Bella. While not a necessity for me, it could be considered a necessity for her. Home girl is getting a little bit chunky and I don't want her to choke herself, plus where it used to be silver it's just now a gross white color and I can't stand to look at it anymore.
2) Black Friday. Anything goes on Black Friday IF IT IS FOR SOMEONE ELSE. I will allow myself to do some Christmas shopping. I will not be purchasing any clothing for myself. I will also be allowing myself Starbucks on this day because I need my caffeine on this day at least...otherwise I will punch a person in the face because there are some crazy people out there on BF.
3) MU v KU game. Obviously going with other people so I will not impose the freeze on them, plus if I'm at a football game for that long there's no way I won't be able to eat anything without going into a diabetic coma, and Arrowhead's new frisking policy makes sneaking in food way too hard. Don't you miss the good old days when your dad and aunt loaded up your winter coat with all kinds of food and "soda". I say soda because you know that's not what they were really sneaking in in their six year old's pockets. Role models!
That's it. Those 3 days I will allow myself to have some concessions. I am publishing this on my blog because I need to be held accountable for my actions. I realize this will mainly consist of Sam, but still. I need to learn to curb my spending now before I'm faced with the actual payment of my massive student loan from nursing school.
SO on that note...who's joining me!? :)
PS: Happy return of Glee!
*No Spend November was influenced by Allison at Smart and Sassy With Sprinkles and her September Spending Freeze, which I was not a part of because I just haaad to have my iPad. Ugh. Thanks for the fab idea Allison!
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