I am going to make small update this time. I am doing no spend month challenge for the month of July. Actually it should be called “little spend month”, as we have a budget of 0.
4 people
31 days
$300.00
We are in California, Where gas prices and some things are expensive compared to other places. Last year, the challenge was tough and we barely made it under $300. This time it seemed hard but I was ready for it.
Now, I am honest enough to update that I have busted our budget already and there are still 6 more days left in the month. Since last month I had little over $30 left for the rest of the month: See update 3.
We had to buy some perishable groceries such as yogurt, vegetables and things it came over $32 and we had to buy some soap and shampoo as we were out, (last time we bought was months ago, it just happened that we ran out in time of no spend month challenge. While we could have managed somehow but with about 2 weeks still left and with kids, we went and bought cheapest thing.)
We usually do not fill our cars with gas or stock up groceries before the challenge, otherwise it would just defeat the purpose. Like’s murphy’s law, anything can go wrong will go wrong, has happened a bit this time.
So now we are already over $300 budget and there are still about a week left. So, I have failed at this month’s challenge. There are just a few unexpected expenses such as car smog and extra driving, and some other reasons. I can justify in my mind all the reasons, we went over budget, but the fact remains that we did over spent of our $300 budget. I feel bit let down but I wanted to write honestly as I can.
Things happens and that is why we all should have emergency fund to cover those unexpected things in life. One thing is there, being aware of why we spend money and what things, keeps me accountable here, when I write and share here, even my triumphs or failures.
Hope all of you are spending less and saving up for emergency fund. Take care.
See final Take Away Update on No Spend Month Challenge
Pingback: No Spend Month -July 2011: Update 3 | Heart and Mind
Honestly, for including your gas & vehicle expenses, you did wonderful!! Most wouldn’t have included those in the $300 challenge!! I think you deserve a big hug!! (((hugs)))
That’s ok, Preeti. You did not go over budget by much, and it was not to buy frivolous items. You will make it up by being even more thrifty another month. A budget is just a guideline, and you can be a little over one month and under the next, as long as it balances in the end.
Betsy,
Thank you for support, but I busted my budget. Sometimes everything falls apart at once. Being sick does not help much. I hope next month goes better, even though I am not doing no month spend challenge then.
Carla,
Maybe some would not have included gas and car expenses in challenge but I thought of that as part of the budget but this time, by car registration came late so It had to be part of this month’s expense. Usually they sent out 20-30 days in advance leaving me more time to pay the bill. Thanks for the hugs, much appreciate the support.
Pingback: No Month Challenge Take Away and Lessons | Heart and Mind