No-buy February after rough January......so far, so good!

[Minnie_me]

If you read my earlier post, I had a no-buy January that wasn't exactly optional, due to some money issues. And it had a positive effect on my family! So I'm determined to continue living this way, and trying to save money for a trip to Universal.

So yesterday, not only did I get paid, but I got a month's worth of child support from my ex. I went to Target, armed with coupons, Cartwheel deals, my red card, and my list...........and I didn't buy ANYTHING that we didn't need (unless you count hair color, but I'm totally gray and really need it! LOL!). Usually, when I get that money in the bank, I like to do a little shopping. Kitchen gadgets, clothes, home decor, makeup, etc. I didn't get any of it.

The girls were really good about it too! They love to make Valentines for their friends (even though they're teenagers, lol!), but they looked at all of the displays and said, "We have enough stuff in the craft room to make Valentines!" DD16 wanted a notebook to help her study for the SATs, but right before we left the house, she stumbled upon a bunch of notebooks that had only a few used pages; she ripped them out and was completely satisfied!

I'm hoping we've developed these new habits for real, and won't slip back into our old habits. We drove past Kohls and Barnes & Noble without so much as a whimper, LOL!

 

[pjlla]

You are making great strides, as are your girls! It amazes me sometimes how much stuff I buy that I DO NOT NEED! I cleaned out a closet in the kitchen today that was full of craft supplies and school supplies and I am donating a huge bag to the art teacher at my school.... but BOY, do I wish I had even HALF of the amount of $ that I spent on that stuff over the past 10+ years!

At Weight Watchers we say "if you say NO at the store, then you only have to say No once" (meaning to foods).... but that could SO translate to the rest of your life! If I say NO to MORE craft stuff and that "once-a-year" deal on school supplies, I can say YES to other more important stuff.... like college tuition, saving for retirement and DISNEY!

No lie to say that I probably had 50-60 paper folders, 10-15 of this flimsy plastic binders (1" and 1/2"), a 6" stack of filler paper, and a 10" stack of spiral bound notebooks (about half brand new).... WHY?

Anyhow, I did read your original post about saving money last month due to some unexpected expenses and how well you did with it and I'm pleased to see that the success continues! Congrats...............P

 

[tzeitel]

I am joining you in a no-buy February! My work schedule has been slashed, went from 5 to 2 days a week I also spent way too much in January (lots of Winter clearance sales) so I have to really cut back.

I do start training for a new online job today so that should help a little, but I want to save, save, save

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

You are making great strides, as are your girls! It amazes me sometimes how much stuff I buy that I DO NOT NEED! I cleaned out a closet in the kitchen today that was full of craft supplies and school supplies and I am donating a huge bag to the art teacher at my school.... but BOY, do I wish I had even HALF of the amount of $ that I spent on that stuff over the past 10+ years!

At Weight Watchers we say "if you say NO at the store, then you only have to say No once" (meaning to foods).... but that could SO translate to the rest of your life! If I say NO to MORE craft stuff and that "once-a-year" deal on school supplies, I can say YES to other more important stuff.... like college tuition, saving for retirement and DISNEY!

No lie to say that I probably had 50-60 paper folders, 10-15 of this flimsy plastic binders (1" and 1/2"), a 6" stack of filler paper, and a 10" stack of spiral bound notebooks (about half brand new).... WHY?

Anyhow, I did read your original post about saving money last month due to some unexpected expenses and how well you did with it and I'm pleased to see that the success continues! Congrats...............P

Ditto what P said!! I did go through the school supplies before we went shopping this year. I love it when a teacher mandates a notebook and then never uses it?!? ERGH! But that means we didn't need to buy much over the standard tissues and clorox wipes for the classrooms.

Craft supplies, don't even get me started. I have a whole room! Today I am purging a lot in that room. I'd sell it at the craft store but they only give you credit for the store, I don't need more stuff. LOL
I'm gathering a sorting for things the kids can use for school supplies.

 

[Surfinpiratee]

I am joining in as well!! Im not doing very well though...yesterday I bought wine for the superbowl..it was only $6! So not too much

 

[lindsey]

I'm joining. I need to focus on needs and not wants.
Grocery store yesterday, so trying not to have to go back for extras till next payday.

 

[Tanzanite]

I spent almost $600 at Costco last month saved $80 in coupon deals in their book needed a lot of supplies as well as food This month going to stay away only buy what I need. Been so bad in Jan need to pay lots of debts only way cut down on trips to grocery store .Make a list and stick to it.