| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cmandle |
Posted - May 23 2007 : 07:21:33 AM
Who's with me? Details on my blog:
http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com/2007/05/summer-camp-for-adults.html
:)
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 1:19:31 PM
I am not buying things for me, but this effort has shown me how many things I buy for others! I love to buy gifts and give them, so I continue with that, trying to be frugal!!!! My daughter's birthday is July 4. So is mine, but that does not matter! I have all I need.
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| cmandle |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 09:53:53 AM
Thanks for the great links, Kim! Those are going to be a big help. I like the idea of the grocery game!
I'm glad to hear reports of how everyone's doing! Don't sweat the small stuff or be too hard on yourselves about little blips here and there...the point of this whole thing is just to learn to THINK differently about how we spend our money. You're all doing GREAT!!
Dan and I had been attempting a cash-only lifestyle for months before Buy Nothing Summer began, but it never seemed to work out. We always had something on the credit card bill at the end of each month and though we've always paid off those bills in full right away...it was such a drag on our checking account.
Therefore, the first month of Buy Nothing Summer has been a bit hard. We paid off last month's credit card bill and then vowed "cash only" for the rest of the month. Since we'd been "buying now and paying later," that meant that this month was (is) a little tight. But the good news is that next month, I won't have that $650 credit card bill to pay off (!) and will be able to put more of that towards our retirement savings and the kids' college funds.
We still only allow ourselves a set amount of money (in cash) from each paycheck and have to make it work all the way through to the next one. It was hard at first, but we're getting the hang of it!
I also think that it's nice to have an excuse like Buy Nothing Summer as sort of a free ticket OUT. Why would we go to the Mall of America on a rainy day? We can't buy anything anyway and you know...we don't NEED anything there anyway, so let's think of something else to do. Way more fun.
Keep at it, everyone! It's fun to hear your stories!
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
| mima |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 07:37:26 AM
I'm doing terrible!!!! I feel so guilty! Our house is under construction and I've done some shopping therapy because I hate the mess... Then I have buyers remorse AND my hubby gets really upset with me!!
My daughter is really into Dave Ramsey too. I'm gonna borrow her book as soon as she's done with it and get inspired. She and her husband are planning to pay off all their student loans and buy a house. They live on a cash only basis because of Dave Ramsey! They are doing great!!!She's a SAHM too! |
| mommom |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 07:28:16 AM
We're doing good except for baby and bridal showers. My daughters, my best friends daughters baby showers, and two girls at work are having bridal showers! I haven't done too badly but it seems this stuff comes all at once! Susan |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 06:02:13 AM
I had a relapse. I bought a book, and some bulky yarn. The yarn was on clearance for .97 a skein and the book was about charity knitting, so I don't feel TOO bad, but it was a relapse, nevertheless. |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 10:03:04 AM
Just wanted to share two of my fav financial sites/links/activities.
The first is www.daveramsey.com It's the Dave Ramsey site, and he's on the radio. We used his ideas to get rid of our 14 credit cards and get completely out of debt (about 20K in credit card debt, a car payment, etc). The only thing we have left is the house payment. He's on stations all over the country, and if you're lucky enough to have DSL, you can listen online. Really, check him out.
Second is a new thing for me- www.thegrocerygame.com It's a site where you "buy" weekly lists for your grocery stores. The listmakers have cataloged the weekly sales (based ona 12 week sale cycle), added the coupons savings (you have to get coupons each week- I buy two newspapers),and the find the best deals for buyers to stock up on. Sounds like you could do it yourself, and you can, if you want to keep a 12 week cycle of all the sales in your fav stores and lists of coupons available. I pay $15 every 8 weeks for two store lists. So far, I've dropped my grocery bill from $100 a week to $60 a week, and I'm trying to get down to $50 a week. Basically, the list tells you when things are at their lowest prices and then you use your coupons to stock up on those things you need. I'm buying more and spending less than before. For example, I stocked up on dishwasher detergent when it was on sale (and I had a bookoo of coupons for it), and now I have six months worth. Now I don't have to buy it at regular price just because I'm running out. It's really turned into a game to see what I can get cheapest. You can get a trial period of 4 weeks for a dollar- and that accesses you to all the store in your area that have lists.
Kim in NC |
| vintagechica |
Posted - Jun 15 2007 : 08:21:14 AM
For me its going pretty well so far as Im still in between houses with the move...just buying the necessities as we go along. But the big challenge for me will come when we get to VA and there will be things we need for the house. But I am planning on making some rag rugs for the kitchen, using a lot of my fabric stash for pillows and such. Hopefully freecycle or craigslist will help us out with any furniture needs.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
Visit me anytime at my blog:
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
| Love-in-a-Mist |
Posted - Jun 13 2007 : 4:41:54 PM
this is the first time I read this post.
I just wanted to share that I have always been in charge of all the money and we have been living pay check to pay check, barely. The last couple months I have gone over and last month was $500 over. We get paid once a month and the bank called to inform me on the 16th that we were over drawn. I usually hide it from my DH, because he has no idea what's going on. This time I decided to tell after a few horrible days. Well, I got the money taken away from me and now I have to ask for everything and show receipts. This is my first month of not buying anything. You know what, I don't even care! I am so glad to have all the pressure and guilt taken away that I wish I would have sucked it up and admitted I couldn't do it a long time ago. AND we have money again! We are going to have about $500 to put in savings this month. PLUS my husband is alot nicer because he knows whats going on. Life is good again. So stick to it girls, it's worth it and if you are as bad as I am and know you have a shopping problem, I hope this will inspire you to ask for help.
http://love-in-a-mist-shannon.blogspot.com/ |
| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Jun 13 2007 : 09:11:46 AM
okay I'm in need to get out of debt, its really taking a toll on us. So will update on progress as much as possible. This is a great idea!! May have to continue it thru the fall or until all our credit card debt is payed off. Definately until the credit card debt is gone. Thanks everyone for the inspiration |
| vintagegrl |
Posted - Jun 13 2007 : 05:16:18 AM
I still have to figure out how to access the blog. I've been so busy lately I hadn't had time to buy anything! I did go to Walmart yesterday and bought only one item: bobbins for the sewing machine. Which is for me unheard of! I'm still sticking strong to this, but it's so hard. |
| mommom |
Posted - Jun 12 2007 : 08:15:32 AM
Golod morning! I have never been one just to buy something if I don't need it. We were given a lot of seeds and plants for our garden this year. Also, I did buy impatiens....two flats for $20 at the farmers market! I still have freezer bags from last year, too. I am using the material I already have to make aprons and am also making a blanket out of leftover yarn. Gas is what's biting us hard right now. We've been eating fresh asparagus from our garden and the Amish kids have been bringing two quarts of strawberries a day to us. They are so good! I just paid off two bills, too, which has made my dh and I very happy! Keep writing, ladies, so I can get more inspiration! Susan |
| cmandle |
Posted - Jun 12 2007 : 07:16:19 AM
Oh, you're all doing great! I think one of the biggest hurdles is just THINKING about it. For our family, it's the mindless spending that was really getting us down. Now we THINK about everything and it's made a world of difference already.
As for "what's okay and what's not okay," remember, we all set our own rules with this program. Jeannie, I think it's great to allow purchases for others! It's hard for us to completely stop giving too. We're just trying to re-think and make it a more valuable and hopefully less expensive gift!
Keep on, keepin' on everyone! Remember, this is supposed to be fun!
Catherine :)
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 12 2007 : 07:06:56 AM
I have flubbed up, but mainly on gifts for others. So I may amend my plan to allow me to spend on other people (Father's Day, my son-in-law's birthday and his mission trip to Mexico, sundresses for the grandgirls). And then I found a beautiful rose-pink long flowy skirt - it had been $72.00 and I got it for $10.00! (Shows you how much of a mark-up retail has). I caved on that one. Will keep trying!!!! It is a hard habit to break, the fun spending, but a good lesson to learn!
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Jun 12 2007 : 07:04:21 AM
Kathy- I'm glad you posted how you're doing, so I can fess up that some of my not spending is because other ebayers are outbidding me. :) That's okay though, if fate intervenes and makes me realize that I didn't need whatever it is I want. (WANT being the operative word)
Kim in NC, who is making her grocery list and sticking to it. |
| ktknits |
Posted - Jun 12 2007 : 06:25:53 AM
Do I have to count the electric spinner and milk bottles I've purchased here on the list?!
No really, I haven't been doing so well--not terrible, but not great either. I have to sit down and write down my plan so I can stick to it! Right now after I buy something I think, "Gosh, I shouldn't have gotten that." Not really the point of the whole program is it? But then again, that's how I am on a diet most of the time too--just AFTER I eat that big piece of chocolate cake I stop to wonder if it was really on my diet or not! :)
Happy Summer to you all!
http://ktknits.blogspot.com |
| Carolinagirl |
Posted - Jun 12 2007 : 05:11:20 AM
I haven't bought anything that was a necessary purchase- which is my plan. I'm going to use what I have this summer, since I have four million patterns already (my purcashing weakness). I bought two books on half.com last week though... they were instructional books about children's writing, which is my summer project (a children's/middle grade chapter book). As far as yarn and fabric- if I don't have an immediate creation for it, I'm not going to buy it. That seems to be the best way for me to approach the "buy nothing" idea...
Kim in NC |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Jun 11 2007 : 9:56:33 PM
Well, since I can't log into the blog, I'll post here. I am doing AWESOME so far!! I had a three day craft show that I was a vendor in this past weekend, and I didn't buy ANYTHING from the other vendors. Usually pretty tough to do - there were over 80 vendors there. Next door vendor kept bugging me to trade - she had silver jewelry, but I held firm - told her I was in it for the CASH. LOL. Anyway, so far, so good. Feels really good. |
| cmandle |
Posted - Jun 11 2007 : 7:55:45 PM
Hey Farmgirls!
How have the first eleven days of "Buy Nothing Summer" gone for you? What stories do you have to tell?
My husband and I just made a new garden for "dirt cheap" and there are photos and tales on the blog:
http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com
Take a look!
Catherine
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
| cmandle |
Posted - Jun 03 2007 : 05:53:47 AM
Fantastic! For all of you Farmgirls who have sent emails to sign up, your blog invitation emails have been sent out so check your email. It's never too late to sign on. This is a "make your own rule" kind of project since each family/person is so different with their needs, so you can jump in whenever you're ready.
Jayne, so glad to hear that you've found the perfect project for that yummy yarn! (And even though I'm looking forward to gardening and summer camping way over here on this side of the world, I'm still a little jealous of your cozy fires and knitting all winter long! My favorite season...)
Happy saving!
Catherine :)
My Blog: http://yogurtandgranola.blogspot.com
My Etsy Shop: http://yogurtandgranola.etsy.com
Buy Nothing Summer Blog: http://buynothingsummer.blogspot.com |
| daffodil dreamer |
Posted - Jun 02 2007 : 9:02:49 PM
Hi Catherine,
It will have to be a Buy Nothing Winter camp for me - lucky there is so much yarn in my stash to keep me happy in front of the fire! Including a gorgeous watermelon one sent by some farmgirl - oh, that was you!! I have finally found the pattern I want to use for that, so have it lined up ready to go. I am making a triangular shaped wrap with ties - the yarn is just too gorgeous to hide under long skirts as socks.
There is a book here called Living The Good Life. They lived without spending anything except their mortgage, rates and insurance payments (and if there were any emergency medical payments). They wouldn't even allow themselves to replace toilet paper if it ran out. They certainly saved a lot of money!!
This will be good for hubby. I try to convince him that we could afford to move to a farm as we don't NEED a lot of the stuff that money is wasted on. Maybe this will help to convince him!
Best wishes all,
Jayne |
| laluna |
Posted - Jun 02 2007 : 6:29:24 PM
Is it too late to join you all? Even though we also have been living fairly frugally compared to most people, we could use a definite kick in the pants at this point! ;-) I'll drop you an e-mail if it's not too late Catherine...
Thanks! |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 02 2007 : 07:50:05 AM
I just sent my email, and forgot to tell you it was from me, jpbluesky! So, it was from me.
Jeannie :)
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Jun 02 2007 : 12:05:09 AM
I sent an email too. This is such a great idea! I need something to help me save money.
Visit my Etsy shop at http://therusticcottage.etsy.com |
| Woodswoman |
Posted - Jun 01 2007 : 4:22:42 PM
I hope it isn't too late-I just sent my e-mail to join in. I actually started trying to "buy nothing" in January, but my will has wavered recently-I'm hoping this will get me back on track-I was going for a year-might have been a little over-ambitious!
Jennifer |
| mom2knk |
Posted - Jun 01 2007 : 11:37:59 AM
Hi Catherine!!
Just letting you know that I finally figured out what to do and am now signed up at the blog! Thanks for letting me join in!! |
