Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Can I Do It? A Challenge...

I was raised by a frugal mama who imparted her frugalness to me. And after years of being a single mama and having to be frugal to survive, I just can't seem to shake it. No matter how I've tried, I can't justify paying high dollar for things. Well...for most things anyway. There are a few things I spend waaayyy too much money on.

Since I lost my part time job back in June, and considering some very expensive recent events, I have been trying to watch how I spend money and doing what I can to bring in extra money but yesterday, I began wondering if I could go a year without paying full price for anything. So, I thought I'd challenge myself to a year of seeing if I could truly get by without spending full price for anything. Most everything goes on sale at one time or another, and if I can stock up on said item when it does, I will.


Now to be fair and honest, this challenge is for me, not my hubby who can be a little spendthrifty at times. He has been known to pop into a store & bring home things to surprise us or just because he thinks/knows we need something. But my frugal ways have begun to rub off on him so, he tries. Also, we are by no means in dire straits because I lost my job but, we did count on that money and I don't want my job loss to become a burden financially to my husband if it doesn't need to be. So I am committed to doing what I can to stretching our dollars to go as far as possible.

I am also taking into account that some things rarely, if ever, go on sale. Things like milk (we buy lactose free) for instance. Yes, I find markdown milk. And veggies and meat do go on sale but, I won't beat myself up if I absolutely need something and can't find it on sale. I am determined to buy in bulk when items are on sale and use coupons for things I would buy anyway if I have them. I am going to do my best and we will see.

I will probably update weekly to see my progress. If this can help someone that may be having hard times or is just interested in saving a buck or two, then that would make me so happy!

I will share some things I do on a regular basis to save money another time.

Thanks for stopping by! (and wish me luck!)

*I would love to hear about YOUR frugal tips! Or maybe you would like to join
me in challenging yourself?!

7 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

I think it is going to be really interesting to watch you ring up the sales!! Great goal. I wish you well!

XO,
Janie

P.S. Thanks for stopping by, I always love your comments!

Susan McClaskey said...

I love the idea of living on less. I've come to the point in my life where I no longer need/want as much as I used to. I buy generic on 99% of all foods I buy at the grocery store. Most of the time I can't tell a difference and there have been occasions when I actually preferred generic. Thanks for stopping by at ButtermilkCottage and please come back often.
Susan

Darlene said...

I think it is a GREAT challenge for yourself and I know you will do a FABULOUS job! I can't wait to hear about your bargains and how you are doing.

I definitely need to rein in my spending a bit. I have been going a little wild buying new clothes cause I have nothing that fits since I have lost weight!

Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday.♥

~Lesa~ said...

This is a great idea! I am looking forward to seeing you take this on.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Good luck! What a great way to save money. I look forward to reading about your adventures in saving. laurie

Simple Home said...

I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes for you. We try to be frugal too because we feed a tribe :-) I love Dave Ramsey's statement "Live like no one else, so you can live like no one else". It's very inspiring. Good Luck in your endeavor!
Blessings,
Marcia

Darlene said...

I think this is a fabulous challenge and I know you will do GREAT with it! I need to rein in my spending but with the weight I have lost I had to buy some new clothes....nothing was fitting me. I think that is a GOOD thing....lol

Hope you are enjoying a wonderful week.♥