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Week Three Update
This was not a good week for us and we need to get back on track this week. I want to stay honest though. So here is how the week went.
gas: $54
groceries: $160 ( this includes some toiletries from Wal-mart that we were out of like paper towels, soap,etc.)
The end of the month is also when a lot of bills are due between the 15th and the 1st of the next month so I feel really tight with money right now.
We also rented two movies for $5 and got fast food for $15. Which is against the rules of the challenge but we all make mistakes I guess. My daughter also got $4 as a special treat with school starting to use at the store.
I’m learning a lot through doing this challenge about how often the impulse to spend money here and there comes up and although the challenge will be over soon. I am going to try my best to limit these little purchases. Over time that will add up and save us a lot of money.
I also think that we could be saving more on groceries or at least be getting more for our money, so my next budget goal is to start using coupons.
First day of school!
I have extended my promo code for 25% off any ad through the challenge. Use the code yourock because really all of you do rock and have made this challenge doable for me.
Thank you again for all the support and hopefully this next week we do better.
Chelsea says
I think you are doing a great job by the sounds of it! Your couple of slips are far smaller than how much my boyfriend and I waste in a month on things we don’t need 🙁
Chelsea recently posted…Flowy White Dress
Beth says
I’ve been trying to do a “no shop” summer – mostly just on not buying clothes and such – it has been SO hard. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to do a no spend at all on anything – good for you taking it on and the slip ups are normal, you said it – we’re all human!
Beth recently posted…Inspiration Tuesday – Back to reality
Brooklyn Jolley says
I NEED to take this challenge. Maybe I’ll do it in November to prepare for the holidays! 🙂
Brooklyn Jolley recently posted…10 September Blog Post Ideas
Liz says
I love that you are sharing your no spend month with everyone. I have often told myself that I need to cut back and no spend so much on silly things. I recently started a twice a week no spend which then also created more time at home with my son and for us to become more creative with the things we already have. Cant wait to hear about your couponing, another thing I keep saying Im going to do.
Liz recently posted…Truth: Check Out My Families Photos
Maryann Peik says
You are doing a great job! Hang in there.
Maryann Peik recently posted…Banana Bread Greek Yogurt from eMeals {Recipe}
Sarah says
We’ve been considering doing this. Right now I don’t think we’d be able to stick with it since we have a new baby coming and are trying to get things little by little each month and set aside money/gifts for birthdays and Christmas since baby, both older kids birthdays AND Christmas are within a one month time frame… ahhh! I was thinking January would be a great month to try it though! Looking forward to seeing more updates on this!
Sarah recently posted…Weekend Wind-Down Party #33
Alisha H says
We need to do this. We spend way too much on needless things.
Alisha H recently posted…Zesteez Tomato Chutney Salsa Review + Easy Vegetarian Chutney Chili Recipe
Hannah says
Odd treats are okay aren’t they? And you’d tried really hard for the rest of the month right? You’ve clearly inspired some others to take up the challenge 🙂 good effort.
Hannah recently posted…30 Days of Lists – Blog Hop
Karissa says
Thank you!
Michelle says
You are doing great! And I love that you’re being honest about your slips, because it’s real, and it helps people to know that when they slip, they shouldn’t give up. You rock!
Michelle recently posted…NOTD: Art Deco skittle with Incoco Modern Muse
Shipra says
Sounds like you got mainly necessities! Keep up the good work! It gets better with practice. 🙂
Shipra recently posted…Lime Crime Utopia Velvetine Photos, Swatches, and Review
Kayli Schattner says
I still think you’re doing amazing! My boyfriend + I are needing to cut back this month too + I’m a bit worried since we like to indulge.
Kayli Schattner recently posted…Sunday Specials
Stefany says
I admire your truthfulness. Eating out is so easy to do but it really does suck the budget up.
Rebekah says
Budgeting and cutting down on spending is hard, you are doing awesome! I hope you’ll post some couponing tips 😀
Rebekah recently posted…Eyeshadow Walkthrough – Neutral Eye with the Naked Palette
betsy mitchell says
I need a “no spend challenge”! Sounds like a great challenge. Most of my money is spent on food.
betsy mitchell recently posted…Meet the Animals
Christen says
It’s amazing how much we spend on those little things isn’t it? You’re doing a great job.
Christen recently posted…Sell Handmade Arts and Crafts Online
Katie Matthews says
That’s not an awful month! Shopping can get so expensive. And especially those months where you have to stock up on the basics/pay all the bills! I had a bit of a clothes shopping spree at the weekend. My card took a big hit. Plus, it’s so depressing that rent takes up pretty much half my salary!
Don’t get disheartened, I think you’re doing fab!
Katie <3
Katie Matthews recently posted…Military Chic at Reed Hall
Alicia @ Felt With Love Designs says
It’s hard to avoid the little temptations all the time! It helps to budget in small rewards for yourself. Good luck staying on track in the future!!
Alicia @ Felt With Love Designs recently posted…Flower Art Toddler Craft
Jessica Doll says
Sorry this week wasn’t good. It doesn’t seem like you went out of the way or splurged or anything so don’t beat yourself up too much. Next week could be better !
Jessica Doll recently posted…Sunset on the Lake
kendall says
Thanks for the update! I can’t wait to see your next weeks re-cap! You’ve got this!
kendall recently posted…Our Journey with Levi, and Clubfoot.
Myrabev says
Hang in there you are doing great, we all make mistakes we just need to learn from them.
Myrabev recently posted…Travel Bag options
Jenn @ hellorigby! says
Sounds like you’ve been doing a great job at budgeting! Sometimes convenience just wins out.
Jenn @ hellorigby! recently posted…Rigby’s #Dogventure with DogVacay
Lynette says
I’ve really struggle this week, as well, stick with it your doing such a great job
Neely Stoller says
Coupons are fun and super easy!
Karissa says
I just need to make time and do it.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
You are doing so well with your budgeting. Keep up the good work!
Alyssa says
You are soooo good. I sometimes feel like I spend all my money in one place and soo need to get organized!
Alyssa recently posted…#dawsonstakerussia: Kaluga
Jess says
You’re doing a great job! I agree that random purchases really add up, that’s something that really stuck out to me in my own spending this week alone.
Jess recently posted…What Kind of #PUPtector Is Your Dog?
Deidre says
You are doing much better than I ever could! Keep it up.
Raewyn says
Just by becoming aware of your impulse spending is more than most Americans!!
Raewyn recently posted…Avocado Egg Salad
Lauren says
Overall it sounds like the budget is going really well! Congrats!
Lauren recently posted…The Biggest Myths About CrossFit – Debunked
Renée says
Sounds like you are doing a great job! Controlling that impulse buying is such a challenge – it often is so nickel and dime that you don’t think you are spending that much until it all adds up. Such a motivating thing to share. Thank you!
Renée recently posted…Heirloom Tomato & Grilled Eggplant Stacks