This month I am doing an No Spend Month challenge, where our family of 4 will try to fit budget under 0 for the 31 days for daily expenses.
To see Past update click on links below:
No Month Spend Challenge: Update 1
Our family usually lives pretty much every month like this, living on less and spending less but this month I am making a public account of our expenses. Only difference is this month I have to make sure and remind myself to stay under budget to make sure, as some other months, some unexpected expenses and emergency situations makes our expenditure higher. For example, we had to replace water heater last month and so on. Sometimes there might be an other situation such as health and family situation that might cause to spend more than our budget.
Last week, we spend about $80 or so, on gas, and groceries for home, everything we needed. We did NOT pre-fill gas in cars or stock up on groceries to make it easy.
This time we did much better, we spent total of $24.65 for following items, food, sand toys and 2 used books.
Week 1 Spending: $80.38
Week 2 Spending: $24.65
Total for Jul1-July10th =$105. 03
That leave us about $195 (little less) for remainder of the month.
One of the major expenses that many of us have is eating (groceries, eating out) and gas for cars. Here are a few ways to save money for those who want to save. There are a few people who have plenty, than you can spend and save you like.
Ways to save money in Gas
1. Drive less
2. Carpool with others
3. Combine errands together
4. Walk to nearby places, instead of driving
5. Fill gas at costco or cheaper gas station
6. Fill gas in morning
Ways to Save Money Buying Groceries
1. Check your pantry, stocks before going shopping
2. Never shop hungry
3. Use coupons (double or matching coupons will even help better)
4. Make a list before you go and stick to the grocery list
5. Buy generic brands
6. Watch cash register for any possible price mistakes (it happens)
7. Use in store coupons with manufacture coupons (see #3)
8. Do not buy non grocery items at grocery store.
You’re doing wonderful so far! 🙂 Keep at it! Right now the big thing I’m saving for is our emergency fund… my goal is $5K, but I may up it. I’m really unsure as to what # is right for us.
Looks like you’re back on track, Preeti. I know you were concerned after week 1. Great job so far!
Betsy,
Yes my spending is down this week, it might be up. It is like sine wave, ups and down! I wish there was a steady expenses though. I guess on average it works out.
Pingback: No Spend Month Challenge: July 2011 | Heart and Mind
Pingback: No Spend Month -July 2011: Update 3 | Heart and Mind
Betsy,
Yes, last week good, this week expense is up again! That is what I like about this challenge is it is so unpredictable, even when I am not being successful here 🙂
Carla,
Thanks for the support. I know you will have 5K saved up in no time the way you are doing it. I am always impressed with creativity such as you have.
Pingback: No Month Challenge Take Away and Lessons | Heart and Mind