I woke up this morning and I began to panic a little about my $11 a day challenge this month. "Oh, why did I make that post? I'm going to fail miserably. I'm sure of it." All these negative thoughts began swirling through my mind. "I can't do it. I can hardly stay under $15 a day. $11 a day is ridiculous!" Then I begin thinking, "I'm going to have to start buying Christmas presents this month. Thanksgiving is this month. I need to get a jump on Christmas cards this month. I haven't bought a potty seat for my child yet. Am I a complete moron?"
I've calmed down. The biggest thing I've learned from writing this blog is that my goals are generally something to aim at. I'm not going to freak out if I don't hit the target (do I want to hit the target? Yes!). At least I will have tried. If I end up spending $12 a day that's a heck of a lot better than $15 or $16 or $18. If I make my $11 a day goal, Hooray!!! At least I am challenging myself. I need to get this year cleaned up financially. This challenge is important (especially with Christmas coming).
So the biggest part of this goal will be devising a plan and sticking to it. If I want to buy a potty seat I'll need to work it into the budget. I should pick up some stamps here and there and plan out my Christmas cards in small steps (I can't cut out Christmas cards either. It's one of my favorite parts of the holiday). Plan. Plan. Plan and execute!
Today should be NO SPEND 73. That's 2 out of the 18 done already. I can do this. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Go!
I know you can! This is inspiring me to write down the wants and needs and seeing how to make it all happen.
ReplyDeleteI got lots of kid stuff on freecycle. You should ask for a potty seat there. Don't buy one. What about swagbucks/rebates. Can't you use "free" money/gift cards to buy one online if there isn't a free one available.
ReplyDeleteAs for Christmas cards. Forget it. Don't spend money on cards this year at all. Hug the ones you see and email a letter and pictures of your cutie to everyone else. I couldn't justify spending money on Christmas cards last year and no one seemed to be bothered by it. If you absolutely can't not do cards, then get them at the dollar store. They don't all have to be the same.
Are you hosting Thanksgiving? I hope you are doing potluck style!
You are doing great! Keep at it, you inspire me. I know you will find creative ways to make it all work without spending a lot of money!
Shay
I have to do Christmas cards! It's honestly my favorite part of Christmas but I make my own so they're actually very affordable, the biggest cost is stamps.
DeleteI'm not hosting thanksgiving but I will make a small feast for my husband and son. Luckily there are GREAT sales on all the food involved in the holiday I just have pick things up a little at a time. The same goes for the pumpkin cheesecake and pecan pie I'll be making for the big family thanksgiving.
I've never gone on freecycle but I'll look.
Thanks : )