Could there be anything nicer than a bunch of fresh flowers? To keep costs down I tend to buy mostly in Aldi and Lidl, with the odd special purchase thrown in.
Tittifated chocolate, another weakness.
Even though my magazine addiction is better controlled, the odd one slips into the trolley now and then.
These small 'habits' can certainly mount up in the money stakes, so I shall be going without from now on. There will be more, including a no spend June. This month essentials; bills, food and petrol will be joined by 'can't be avoided expenses'. The long term plan being that future no spend months will be essentials only.
Life events coming up will need all hands to the pump and a no waste approach. It will be a challenge, it will be tedious (I will get bored, I will get grumpy) but I need to keep my eye on the long game.
Time willing, I hope to document my journey here.
So here goes; £5.50 on a Systema water bottle for a Geography field trip (my first 'can't be avoided' purchase for June). I know there are cheaper options out there but they all leak. This is relatively cheap when compared to others on offer - £15 for a water bottle are they mad? I wouldn't mind but I donated a perfectly good one to charity a couple of weeks back when decluttering. The trade off no bottled water, even the cheap option from Aldi, from now on. You know who you are!
Wish me luck.
Are there any little treat purchases that you are willing to give up to invest in or enjoy something more worthwhile?
I haven't bought any wool or fabric for a couple of months now & don't intend to until 10th Aug. I've also cancelled all my magazine subscriptions - of which there were many. I like The Simple things I may have to subscribe to that but it would be my only one, it is cheaper to subscribe after all! I could then put all my savings towards my Christmas craft magazines when they come out. Good luck x
ReplyDeleteThat's the one thing I am missing, wool! I have really itchy fingers to knit something lovely for winter but can't justify the expense. I like your idea of cutting back to save for the Christmas magazines, they always look so lovely at that time of year too.
DeleteHello, I found your blog via Annie Cholewa's and have enjoyed reading a few of your posts. We're in 'austerity measures' here at the moment as my husband is 'between contracts'. I am putting all catalogues straight in the recycling and ignoring emails of 20% off, etc! It's essentials only. I find it very hard to resist magazines, too, but am doing so (for now!). Sam
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from you, will visit your blog also. I've decluttered the emails too because they are obviously designed to tempt feeble souls like me.
DeleteBest of luck! Isn't it annoying when you chuck/donate something after getting fed up of it cluttering up your space... only to discover you now need it! I'm generally quite good at avoiding treat purchases, by nature I'm a saver not a splurger, although no doubt I could make cuts somewhere. I've noticed recently that I rarely buy magazines anymore as I much prefer reading blogs!
ReplyDeleteI just need to retrain myself to be a saver like you, just as well I am the only splurger in this house because then I would be in trouble!
DeleteI thought Sea Dog chocolate was one of life's essentials, don't tell me I was wrong!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, good luck with the cutting back x
Yes I know, it is rather tasty. Thank you for the good wishes.
DeleteJust wanted to say thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope to see you again. I am following you now so will see you again here from time to time I am sure. xx
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome.
DeleteGood luck with the no spending days. I found writing down what I send each day really helps to concentrate my mind so I can see just where it all goes. I'm also trying to list where the best place to buy our monthly essentials are. My husband is 50 next year and I want to try and save for a big birthday treat.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I am listing everything, and seeking offers before I consider spending but it is early days for me. Hopefully I will have as much focus as you.
DeleteOne of the remnants of having been taught by nuns is a facility for abstinence, so I've already given up magazines, wine (mostly) and too many visits to cafes. It's the fabric collection that's my weakness though I guess I could cope without a top up for a while as there's so much to be going on with.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the saving. Just don'be too hard on yourself.
Just managed to stop myself bidding on Ebay, so impulse control is in check and the three pieces of chocolate found in the fridge earlier were the best I ever tasted. So far, so good.
DeleteI couldn't give up my Simple Things magazine. Reading it is an oasis of calm once a month ... and I love that there are less adverts in it AND the back cover is brilliant.
ReplyDelete