I'm into the groove of not spending much, and staying within my minimum wage budget without strain. I'm able to save over half my income this way, and I suppose that's exciting, but I can't tell a fascinating "I didn't go to the mall" story. However, my increased frugality has become a habit.
We've done 2 birthdays with low expenditure and high return, by being extra thoughful and taking time. We've starting cooking more, both grains and beans and other simple stuff at home, and nicer stuff to take to friends' houses. We cut out electric bill over 50%. When we go out to eat we savor the experience. We line dry regardless of the weather, after doing a second spin. We come up with non-spend solutions before solutions thet require an expenditure.
I had always felt in control overall of my spending and knew I lived below my means, but I have felt very good about living so far below my means. It's like I'm adding all sorts of tools to my toolkit, so that if anything bad should happen as far as income, I have a security blanket of knowing I can make do and be satisfied.
I knew my challenge was to live on minimum wage; I didn't realize an extra bonus would be to have an increased sense of gratitude for all that I have.
Okay, that was a little hokey, but, today it's true.
Not Spending is Not Exciting
April 18th, 2006 at 03:09 am
April 18th, 2006 at 03:19 am 1145330387
I am really happy for you. I know what you mean when you say "my increased frugality has become a habit." It is a wonderful feeling. I use to go to the mall and spend pretty much every dime I had and then return what I did not really need or want just to put gas in my car or food on the table. Now that I am changing my bad habits I hate when I spend money on anything that is not necessary, and yes you are right it becomes a habit ( a good one)
Keep up the good work
April 18th, 2006 at 04:01 am 1145332915
Keep the posts coming about your min. wage challenge.....I'm enjoying watching from afar!
April 18th, 2006 at 04:41 am 1145335272
April 18th, 2006 at 12:18 pm 1145362738
April 18th, 2006 at 03:09 pm 1145372941
I find that in place of the "how I spent a fabulous day at the mall" stories...I now post "I walked all afternoon with my GS and looked at flowers and squirrels and airplanes that passed over us"....or "this afternoon I spent time visiting with/ cooking for my mom who just had surgery" "watched the snowstorm" "saw the sunset"
There are still fabulous days...just a different kind of fabulous...
April 21st, 2006 at 08:10 pm 1145650216
April 22nd, 2006 at 03:55 am 1145678159
April 22nd, 2006 at 05:22 pm 1145726530
April 22nd, 2006 at 05:22 pm 1145726563