No Spend Saveuary is Over

January for me was called "No Spend Saveuary" since I planned to do my best not to spend money on frivolous things like shopping, restaurants, bars, entertainment etc.  I wanted to focus all my spending on fixed expenses, since I have a ridiculous medical bill hanging over my head.  I'm also trying to save money in my emergency funds.  So what was my spending breakdown?

Outside of fixed expenses, I spent:

• Shopping--$128 ($60 toward my party dress for the wedding, $50 toward new sheets, $15 toward donating to my friends' band The Eastern Sea)
• Restaurants & Bars--$140 (this includes an expensive bottle of wine and new years)
• Entertainment--$0

That is according to Mint.com.  There were probably a few expenses here and there with cash, but those are harder to keep track of.  I also want to mention that I spent about $50 more on groceries than I usually do, to compensate for not eating out.

All in all, I didn't completely cut out discretionary spending, that would be impossible and not to mention embarrassing.  When people want to go out and get food or drinks, I hate turning it down for budget reasons.  Instead, I just choose the cheap things on the menu and avoid getting drinks.

I am actually going to try to start over in February, which should be easier since it's a shorter month.

And Yet Another Bill Comes from the Hospital

Just when I think it's all over, I receive ANOTHER bill from the hospital...this time it's the radiology bill.  Looks like I'm doing another No-Spend February Save-ruary.

Benefits of No-Spend Saveuary

• A liberating feeling to know that you don't HAVE to spend money all the time
• Looking at your Mint.com spending summary and not getting depressed
• More money in your bank account!
• Inspiring others to join my challenge
• Having something important to write about in my blog
• Creating better spending habits for the future (like any diet, this one has a "cleanse")
• More flexibility to pay off debts faster
• Builds character (really!)

Update #2 on No Spend Save-uary

This week I was tempted a few times to cheat on No Spend Save-uary. And I did fall for it. I still haven't gone shopping (besides for groceries).

Spending this week:
-Tuesday Lunch: $5.40 for a Subway sandwich that lasted me two meals (not bad!)
-Wednesday Night: $7.50 for a Pei Wei pad thai bowl...also lasted me two meals (still not bad!)
-Friday Lunch: $8.00 for a Mighty Fine burger meal (guilt starting to kick in)
-Friday Night: $20.00 for a fancy sushi dinner (super guilt, but so worth it)

I'd say overall, I didn't do TOO bad. But it wasn't a "No Spend" week. It's harder than it looks!

This week, I'm already planning on spending around $10.00 for a lunch on Tuesday with some ladies from work. Other than that, I'm back to groceries for meals (hopefully!). The trick is to buy foods you actually will eat! I know it sounds simple, but it's really not. Sometimes I'll buy things and eventually get sick of it. Anyone else?

Update on NO SPEND SAVE-UARY

On January 3rd I declared this month NO SPEND JANUARY SAVE-UARY.  This means, no spending money on anything I don't actually need, or that is not a bill/required expense.  So far, the only things I've bought with my disposable income in January (we're not including New Years, people) are $8 on Firehouse Subs (pre-NO SPEND JANUARY  SAVE-UARY plan) and a footlong Subway that I split into two meals.  Thats only $3 a meal!

It's only been about a week into January, and it's a little hard but it's a good feeling.  It feels like a diet cleanse, where you go without eating carbs or fat or sugar...or solid food altogether... for a certain amount of time.  Only this is money, not food.  It's refreshing to know I don't HAVE to spend money every day to entertain myself or enjoy life.

If anyone else wants to try this with me, let me know!  We can inspire/support each other!