Saturday, September 29, 2012

What did you do Right?

I was attempting my second NO SPEND for this week a few days ago and I seriously wanted to buy all these little things. I had written to my friend about how badly I wanted to buy the little tooth brushes (I only bought them once but those single use Colgate toothbrushes are actually awesome), a bottle of water, some cat litter... stuff like that, all stuff I didn't need to buy on a day I was attempting a NO SPEND. My friend wrote back about how its interesting that we've come to a point where we're no longer lusting so much for non-essentials but rather practical things.

She's right you know. Many of us, many of you are thinking about practical ways to spend as little as possible on lunch and dinner. We're looking for ways to spend less on laundry detergent and make our own magic erasers. We're turning our thermostats down in the winter and driving as little as possible. We're wining this war by golly.We're staring financial freedom in the face and saying, "you shall be mine!"

There are steps back, bumps in the road, BIG fails and some days where it looks as if all is lost BUT we are changing. We are growing, progressing and going somewhere grand. Maybe if we keep it up and inspire others, maybe we can teach our governments a thing or two... just a thought.

I accomplished 2 NO SPENDS this week. I brought lunch to work with me over 50% of the time this month. I cooked a ton of dinners at home. I put $230 into savings. I said no to so many purchases that little devil me insisted I needed and I didn't buy a billion toys for my boy like I wanted to (I think I bought 1). This list makes it pretty clear that I didn't really accomplish anything I set out to do this month but the matter of fact is even though I didn't make it all the way to the top of the ladder I climbed pretty darn high. 

I encourage you to make a list (especially if you're feeling down on yourself) of everything you did right. I bet you're moving forward. I am.

Two days from now starts October, the fourth quarter of 2012. BRING IT ON! 

3 comments:

  1. Hi, I think it's really great that you're sorting out your finances. It's definitely the right thing to do and I shall be cheering you on with your fourth quarter challenges.

    From 1st October to 31 December there are 92 days.

    You've got $280 in your emergency fund and a gap of $720 to your target of $1,000. This means if you save $8 a day you will reach your EF target.

    $8 a day is all you need to save to take you one step nearer to your freedom!

    I hope you do succeed and I wish you well.

    Mandy

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  2. This entry was just what I needed to read after the financially stressful month I've had (topped off with a whopping $1400 dentist bill today, yay!). You're right, even on days like today where I feel like all is lost, I know deep down that it's not, it's only a minor and temporary bump in the road.

    Best of luck to you through the end of 2012!

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  3. It is all learning and practice I swear!

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