For 3 weeks, from November 29 through December 20, 2012, we are having a no spend challenge. (Actually, a spend less challenge.) We have set aside $300 for gas, transportation, entertainment, Christmas gifts, and groceries.
This week was a fairly low key week with one exception. We celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. We never go out to eat anymore because it is so difficult with all of my dietary issues, but we decided to head to Outback Steakhouse as a family to celebrate our anniversary. Even though my meal was very plain, we all enjoyed the trip. It was a nice change of pace from our usual homemade meals. Hopefully, the meal out didn’t damage our budget too much.
Here is what we spent:
11/30 – $8 My husband’s beer
12/2 – $23.72 Whole Foods for groceries
12/2 – $41.96 Trader Joe’s for groceries
12/2 – $43 Outback Steakhouse anniversary dinner
12/3 – $10 husband’s transportation
12/5 – $16.31 Whole Foods for groceries
12/5 – $17.98 Christmas present
Total: $160.97
Hhhhmm, we are 7 days into the challenge, and we have spent a little more than half of our allotted money. Not good. We have 14 more days to go, so next week, no splurges!
We now have $139.03 left for 14 days or $9.93 a day. The tricky part? My husband will need to fill his transportation card soon, and our car is getting low on gas.
I’ll update next week and let you know how we are doing!
What are your favorite tips for saving money?
Congrats on celebrating your 12th! My wife and I will be there in a few months. My tip on saving money…hmm…hard to do at this time of year. I remember when we were in debt that one thing we’d do was commit to not leaving the house unless absolutely necessary. It’s a bit drastic, but it cuts down on the opportunity to spend money.
That is drastic, but I am guessing it works great!
Oh how I feel for you!
In the same boat. I wanted to get all the grocery shopping done early in the month so I don’t have to be around the holiday shoppers. Anxieties! But I am afraid I went a little too crazy the first week in the month. That said the pantry, freezer and fridge are full. Now to keep 7 sets of hands off it all! Good luck this month.
Well, our freezer is well stocked too, so it looks like we will be eating a lot of freezer meals. Trouble is that hubby likes fresh vegetables, too. I’ll buy them for him, but at a minimum this next two weeks. Good luck to you. Let me know how it goes!
Fun challenge but tight! What about selling lots of stuff to make the Challenge easier?
We are selling stuff, but that is to increase our emergency fund which got depleted thanks to a long visit from Murphy. In 4 weeks, we raised $1,500. The no spend challenge is meant to complement the emergency fund “flash savings” challenge.