Hey, Happy Halloween!
It’s also the day before my Spending Fast gets reactivated to try to get this medical bill debt paid off.
Thanks to Lena for asking this question over on the Community page.
Here is what I did when I first started the Spending Fast.
If you’re going to do the fast too – starting tomorrow November 1st- what are you doing to get ready for it and what are you dressing up as for Halloween?
I made a list of the things I need for the month and those things I don't need. I made a list of the things that are absolutely forbidden for me to buy at least for the month of November and I am hoping to keep it going through December and January (and longer). I posted that list on my blog and it went to my twitter and facebook feeds. I got my room mate to buy in and he will help ensure that I don't slip! I am looking forward to this!
Oh my goodness. I have only recently started reading your blog, but I absolutely need to go on a spending fast. The problem is that my wedding is coming up in January!! I am trying to be thirfty about that, but I spend like crazy on etsy, at Bloomingdales, at the Dry Bar just because its my bridal showe and my hair should look fancier than everyone elses…. so on and so on. Eeek! I swear that as soon as the wedding is over, I am going to go on a spending fast so that I can pay down my mounting credit card debt. (I have to put the wedding stuff on a credit card because I also have law school debt I am paying. OMG!) Anyhow, your website is truly inspiriational!
I am starting tomorrow, and am doing a list tonight. I am always doing things at the last minute. I hate that about myself, such a procrastinator. I live on Social Security, which makes it hard. I have a LOT of medical debt to pay off. No matter how sick I am (have the flu, or something that feels like it). I AM Doing This. I have to. Tired of beans and Ramen. So glad I found you. Thanks so much.
I'm getting back on track in November as well! Excited to get going.
Today I've done a few things to get ready:
1. made a list of everything I have in my fridge and freezer to show myself I could easily avoid spending more than $30ish (on produce) for the month.
2. put $100 in my 'spending account' so when it's gone it's gone
3. spent today reading finance blogs/artciles to rev myself up
4. planned my weekends for the month with cheap or free activities
5. put my feelers out for my pet sitting company to get as many jobs as possible this month for extra money!
good luck to everyone. you can do it!! :)
ashleycolean
The sign at the top of your post is too funny, because it's so fitting. Starting tomorrow I am beginning my own spending fast. I'm just planning on the month for right now, but I am excited to see where things go.
*high fives*
Andi
*smile*
"D-day" (as it's not so affectionately referred to around here) is tomorrow!
Finishing up, "Your Money or Your Life" by Vicki Robin- Loved this book.
Got an offer and applied for a $5000 Small Organic Farm grant (deadline Oct 31, coincidence? I think NOT;)
Meeting with Hannah, Financial Planner Extraordinaire, for some much "NEED"ed guidance (business, retirement, bankruptcy, taxes, student loans…)
Reading andthenshesaved, for some much "NEED"ed inspiration "priceless" (haha)
Love the sign *smile*
Lena
Ps No Halloween fun for me, studying for an exam in Advanced Nutrition, Biochem. It is scary tho ^_^
"I am trying to be thirfty about that, but I spend like crazy on etsy, at Bloomingdales, at the Dry Bar just because its my bridal showe and my hair should look fancier than everyone elses"
lisamarie, honey, you need to get a grip now, not in January after the wedding. Who knows how much more debt you'll rack up by then if you don't. Is the prospective groom on board with all the debt you're bringing up the aisle along with you? What's he toting along to the altar? Maybe one of the best wedding gifts you give this guy (and yourself) is to get things under control and mapped out TODAY. Good luck.
I'm on board for the Spending Diet! I made a list of needs vs. wants, and talked to my husband (who is totally on board, and excited to help me). Since I'm the spender of the family, I know it'll be up to me to be the disciplined one.
I'll be blogging about this a lot as I fight the spending/shopping urge.
http://www.thecowgirlinthecity.com
I dressed as Rosie the Riveter. thought you might like that. My costume was free, because I owned all the stuff & after all Rosie said, "We can do it"!
You can see it here:
http://nobodysgrassisgreenerthanours.blogspot.com/2011/10/happy-halloween.html
Love your site, keep going strong, sister!