Excitement builds pending the start the Modified Minimum Wage Challenge (MMWC) in 3 days. I'm checking my frugal tool belt to see if this will be doable, and I think it is.
I made muffins from scratch (following the loose Tightwad Gazette recipe), so will have breakfast and snaks though the week. Mango-cornmeal-oatmeal-raisin-brown sugar-bran muffins-it's a very loose recipe.
I've purchased the YNAB spreadsheets, and I really like the look of them. Since I have almost 8 years of spedning in my Quicken, I don't think I'll be able to switch my "regular" money to it. I will be able to easily track my MMWC progress, and even if I slip, I should still be saving a significant amount of money.
I remember when I was going to school for 14 units while working full-time, and then graduated. It was funny how easy an 8 hour day was. Granted, I have no dependants and a very short commute, but when I was able to be home by 4:15 and all that time was mine, it felt very decadent. Now, of course, I'm used to the 8 hour day and it seems long.
What I hope this challenge will provide me, along with additional savings, is a reminder of how wealthy in some ways I really am. Just having a warm bed and unlimited food and more than one set of clothes and regular health care makes me much wealthier than many in the world. By limiting my spending, I will again not take for granted the wealth I do have. To be reminded to be grateful is a lesson I will gladly take.
Even within my challenge, I have many luxuries. I'm not sure what I will do it a travel oopurtunity comes up-I think I will go ahead and travel, and take the expenses "outside" the challenge. That may be cheating, but travel is rewarding and I will still be ahead.
Come Wednesday, I'm ready.
This will work
February 26th, 2006 at 09:50 pm
February 26th, 2006 at 11:51 pm 1140997879
I agree with your comments re; gratitude, one can never be too grateful.