I keep seeing so many Youtube and blog posts about people doing the "January No Spend" challenge. I know that I would have failed and failed miserably at doing that. First, because my son Josh was home on leave and we had already planned on going out and doing fun things and second, because there are some amazing after Christmas clearance deals and thrift store scores with people having cleaned out their closets in December (so they can write things off on their taxes). That being said, I do love a good challenge, so I am planning something for February.
It is completely unrealistic for us to say we will not be spending any money in February. However, after talking it over with my hubby, who really wants to get back on a tighter budget again, we agreed on a $100 grocery budget. Now before you say that's just impossible to eat healthy on $100, let me tell you how we plan on doing this.
Our 2 big freezers are stocked up with meats, some dairy products, homemade soups, fruits and veggies from our garden, juices, etc.. Our pantry is also stocked with canned goods, baking ingredients, nuts, spices, condiments, cereals, pastas, etc.. We also will have Walmart Gift Cards (that I earn through Swagbucks) and a $50 Safeway gift card (that I cashed in some reward points through our credit card for) to stock up on any great deals that may come during the month. The $100 will go towards fresh fruit, veggies, salad stuff (we eat lots of salads), fresh dairy products, and anything else that we find we need (like bagels...we love bagels).
This challenge comes at a perfect time because our fuel bill for our vehicles will be coming in during February. We did a lot more running around when our son was home on leave and our bill will reflect that. This will free up extra funds to cover that.
Doing these kinds of challenges always forces me to be more mindful of my purchases. It also gets my creative juices flowing when it comes to meal planning. I dig into my cookbook collection and look for inspiration there. It actually becomes a game for me and one that I will come out the winner of! ;)
Good luck! I will be cheering you on, and watching for updates.
ReplyDeleteThanks...I may be asking you to help me come up with some great meal ideas based on what I have in the house. You are amazing at doing that! Love you my friend!
DeleteGood luck with the challenge!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you got to spend some time with your son, Josh. It's always nice to have them home for awhile, isn't it? :)
Rue, yes it is. Josh is my only child that does not live near the rest of us and he is also Chris' twin brother. :) Josh has been wonderful about coming home when he can and I am very thankful for that. :)
DeleteHello Debbie,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have put together a terrific plan for the month of February.
Cheering you on!
Mrs.B
Thank you Mrs. B! Did you get hit with the bad snow and ice storm?
DeleteI agree with you on the not spending in Jan and even Feb. But I love the idea of setting a challenging Grocery Budget and getting creative. I did that at the end of December and First of January. I had fun! Save some money that was needed as a unexpected expense came our way.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had the money to meet that unexpected expense! I enjoy being creative in the kitchen too!
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