30 Day Challenge - Week 1

Week one is done. It was hard. It was soooooo hard. Both Michael and I spent some money. Michael bought some medicine, which isn't cheating. I had to get some woman products when I got a surprise visitor. Both are in the essentials category.

Now, for the Non-essential purchases. I am keeping it real here. Michael went to play poker Friday. He does this every month. I was so mad at him, because I kept telling him that it was spending money. His response. Only if I lose. I was so mad at him. Well, he didn't lose and he even won some money, BUT it was so breaking the rules. I knew he wouldn't be able to go the whole month I knew it. I told him on Saturday during an argument over poker that we might as well quit. He kept saying that I am the one who spends more money. As, I explained to him, this is for both of us to realize what we spend the most money on. I rarely ever do for myself. When I do spend money it is on my kids.

My payback, yes, I spent money. I signed Mason up for swim lessons for March and April and that required that I pay for said lessons now. Obviously, I couldn't wait until March to sign up for lessons in March. See money spent on my kids!!!!!!

Other items, I am refraining from purchasing right now. Mason needs new shoes. I put on a pair of his favorites the other day and his toe was all the way at the end. Now, I have a few a half size up, but they are too big. Barely, but still. I need shoes that lace up for him. He has one good pair of converse and some boots that still fit, so I can wait until March to get him new shoes. We will go shopping together and try a bunch on.

We will see how this week goes. I am guessing easier. Michael is gone part of this week on a work trip, which makes it easier on him to not spend money. I will be playing single Mom, which makes my life harder but busier. I will be heading to the grocery store today or tomorrow to pick up milk, eggs, bread and formula for Addison. Check out an update on Addison this week.

30 Day Challenge

Michael and I decided that we were going to do a 30 Day 29 Day Financial Challenge during the month of February. It started Monday, of course. The goal, not to spend any money during the month of February.

The Rules:
     1. No eating out.
     2. Only buy Milk, Bread, Eggs, Cheese at the Grocery Store.
     3. Eat our way through the pantry and freezer.
     4. Nothing that is not essential. Like if we need toilet paper, gasoline, diapers...done.
     5. No Extra Activities.
     6. NO SHOPPING!!!!!

We decided to eat through our pantry, mainly because we have a deep freezer full of food that half the time we forget we have and therefore buy more of it or never eat it. So, we are planning to avoid the grocery store, except for items for the kids or items that won't last a month.

Michael and I have bets on who will break first. I definitely think it is him. Why? I work from home. I don't have people calling me everyday asking me to go to lunch. My day consists of getting up, getting kids ready, working, eating lunch, picking kids up, making dinner. Repeat! Michael leaves the house and goes to an office where people ask about lunch. For instance, he has a lunch Wednesday (already breaking the rules), but it is okay because it is a lunch that has been planned for awhile. But case in point. He will not make it!

What is going to be hard for me? No shopping. I am a shop-a-holic. Mainly for the kids. I have already been thinking about things for the kids like new shoes for Mason that I need to get. Oh well. I can wait until March. But it is going to hard. Super hard. I already realized one essential item I am going to have to get soon. Powder foundation. I am out. Like emptied it this morning. GRRRRR! I would wait, but I have a work trip this month, and can't go looking like a scary person.

I think it won't be as hard this month as it could be. Michael and I both have work trips this month. We will get to cheat sort of. We will eat out and probably eat very well, but on our company's dime and not on our dime.

I will give an update every so often. Hopefully we make it the full month! Wish us luck!!!