I’ve never been one to set New Year resolutions. I like to make goals throughout the year, not just once. But I have decided to begin a new kind of tradition this January. A cleaning/purging of sorts.
In November I began reading her blog. She had taken the challenge to take that month, only spending money on groceries and gas. I read her posts every day and by the middle of the month, my attitude went from “I could never do that” to “Maybe I should give this a try.”
There are many people in our community who have to live with just the essentials every day of the year. I feel embarrassed that I think 30 days where I can only buy the essentials is tough.
I also realize that I usually spend money out of boredom or as a reward. ie. The kids were fighting all day, Matt had to work especially late and therefore I DESERVE that latte.
I am working on what my rules look like. In January we celebrate our anniversary. I want to make sure we take special notice of that occasion. How without spending money? I’m still working on that one! I’m also trying to decide how we keep our date nights during this challenge. Matt and I covet our time together. With him working three jobs and having three kids, we treasure our time together.
Would you consider giving up all creature comforts for just one month? Have you thought about where your money goes? I “know” where my money goes but I haven’t experienced giving up something in a long time.
So for the month of January, I’ll be doing my Money Marathon. I wish I was running a real marathon (that would be so much easier!) I’ll be posting my thoughts and experiences daily. I need the accountability to stick with it!
*Update: Just found this blog with some great goal setting ideas for managing/saving money for the entire year.
I was born in Jos, Nigeria many years ago. I spent the next nineteen years living in Liberia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
I’ll send you my 9 year old son to help you out……everytime I want to stop for another coffee or buy needless stuff, he always says “Mom, don’t buy that, it’s just a waste of money”. It’s really hard to argue against that!!!
I can do it with you. We also celebrate our anniversary that month! Maybe we can have a game night?
Rick and I have already decided to do this a couple of weeks ago. I love that we will be doing it at the same time!! We definitely have to get together. I am working on my rules as well and will be blogging along the way. I feel like God is already teaching me so much as I prepare my heart for this and I haven’t even really begun the challenge. I don’t know if it will end for me in Jan. I am going to take it one month at a time and just ask God to lead me where He wants to. I feel like He has so much to teach me about trusting Him in this area.
I am also excited to see how much money we are able to save. We still have quite a bit to pay on our adoption. I hope this will make a small dent in it!!
Let’s get a day on the canlendar to get together.
awesome! i also read the blog where you got the idea. i want to do it really badly, but, we’re in the process of buying a house. in which we need to remodel, so i don’t really think that’s going to work anytime soon. i should have done it in november. good luck. i’ll check in with you and watch your journey. maybe after we move we’ll try it too. we’ll probably really need to do it then!