December was Christmas shopping. January was sales. And for February, I’m joining Gretchen Rubin for a month of no spending.
Here is how her last no-spend February went.
What are my rules?
Wait, I should also explain that I am starting no-spend February today, February 2nd.
What happened to February 1st? I was caught off guard on a stop by Winners to get a birthday present for my eldest child. They’d just texted me a picture of something they’d found at their Winners, but not in their size. Middle child and I got the message while at the grocery store, and we stopped by Winners on our way home. No luck on the present for the eldest, but while there, we browsed the sale rack–because of course you do. I got a couple of things for them, but I also found a blue and green plaid sweater for me. Cute but also not exactly necessary. I shopped on the very first day of no-spend February.
But rather than throw the whole month away because of one mistake, I decided to start Monday.
After all, I’ve long been an advocate for the view that new year’s resolutions start the first Monday in January. I’m going to bring that Monday energy to my month of no spending.
Back to the rules. Gretchen Rubin’s worksheet is here.
I’m focusing on online spending–no clothes, books, or sporting equipment. (Books that I can charge to my research account don’t count.) I’m also not going to shop in person but that’s easier to avoid since I don’t do so much of that. Food is essential-even food I buy outside the home. If there are things I really want I’m going to keep a list and re-evaluate when the month is over. I will make an exception for gifts for other people.
Join me for a month of no spending?
I am tempted. This sounds like a good challenge for me. And maybe for March instead. Also, books cannot be on the list. For me. They are an essential! I get as many as I can out of the library. And, sometimes they are simply not available.
You get to make your own rules!