Need to do a no spend week-anyone want to join in?

[BigBirthdayGloom]

I have been overspending on small things like magazines, treat food and charity shop clothes. I already don't spend big amounts-our budget is tight because we've had lots of big expenses in the last couple of years. But I need to knock the little drips of spending on the head too-we are having a very right month.

When I say no spend, I mean a bare minimum of treats that the dc usually have (sweets after swimming, swimming itself and toddler group for dd2) but no clothes for anyone, frugal food shopping and absolutely cold turkey on unnecessary things for me.

Does anyone want to join in? For me it will be tough not because I need things but because I'm very much an emotional spender.

[blackheartsgirl]

I will. My spending this week has been shocking. A lot of it has been an unfortunate necessity but due to our chaotic 2 weeks we have had take outs, four times spent money on taxis and drink, bought crap we shouldn't have but needed I suppose.

I've done a shop, topped up the gas and electric, filled car up with petrol and apart from tops ups with bread and milk and paying money to brownies and guides I intend to spend nothing on silly stuff.

I've really got to get a handle on my spending. The bills are not getting paid.

[babsmam]

Why don't you join us on the may frugal thread in credit crunch. Loads of support over there. We like a challenge

[babsmam]

A not spending money challenge that is in case that came across wrong

[BigBirthdayGloom]

I am a challenge-dh would happily confirm that, babsmam Might well pop over, although feel a bit embarrassed because what I'm doing is frugality induced by overindulgence on total rubbish. I am doing my best to make amends. Having a huge clear out-stuff out rather than stuff in is much better, and I've sold £65 worth of things on Facebook today. It would be nice to have not just a no spend but a make a profit week!
Blackheartsgirl I'm similar-I've let dh do the shop today, stayed in tidying as I didn't trust myself not to buy a mag and have made a list of all areas where I need to spend next week (parking, kids swimming etc). Aiming for no treats for me, and no purchased at premium things for kids. I still will give them post swimming snack-it's not their fault after all, but will buy multipack cheaply. If I manage a week I'll have a treat at the end, a fivers worth.

[Unescorted]

Big loads of us are on enforced frugallity. Don't be embarrassed. I had nearly 40k of debt to pay off.

[babsmam]

I think we all used to fritter away money on stuff until our frugal ways kicked in. There are a number of reasons for needed to be frugal. We won't judge.

[BigBirthdayGloom]

Thanks! That feels better. I think I'm going to find it hard (again-tried before) to give up the habit of spending as its definitely an emotional crutch. I stop buying one thing, say magazines, and then find myself having convinced myself other things are necessary. I'm not going to take my debit card out with me and dh has started doing the shop (at Sainsburys-but I have to acknowledge that his shop without my asda "extras" is actually cheaper. Still, would prefer us to switch to lidl.).

[babsmam]

One step at a time. Work on the emotional this then when you have nailed that look at the weekly shop.
Would an asda Internet shop suit you better?

[babsmam]

I had to do the same. I go out without my purse so often it's a habit now to leave it behind.

[BigBirthdayGloom]

Having a huge clear out is really helping-makes you realise how much money is spent on stuff that's ultimately bin fodder! I also think I need a goal-even if funds don't allow in the end-to save the cost of a new sofa. I'm not sure we'd end up buying one because everyday spending is swallowing everything, but it'd be nice to realise what I've saved by not buying rubbish. My next thing is to find something positive to do beyond accumulating and getting rid of stuff!