A Bit More on the Spending Freeze
Posted by MichaelWe're 10 days into the official spending freeze (Jan 15 - March 15). There've been ups and downs -- strikes and gutters.
First off, I really, really want to go to a Chinese buffet. Like, bad. There's a great one not two blocks from my house, and I love it there, and they know me. But no.
I also really want to go see a movie. There are quite a few out right now: Daybreakers; Avatar; is the Book of Eli out yet? But NO.
On the other side of it, I have paid off my Best Buy credit card already. It wasn't that much, but now I'm not paying that with every paycheck. Other than that, though, I'm not exactly rolling in the dough.
I have managed to make a few large steps toward leaving Citizens Bank (details to follow in a later blog, perhaps), but now my money is divided.
On the weight-loss front, it keeps going. I'm below 180 pounds for the first time since leaving Texas, on my way to the Wedding goal of 170 or below (9 months to go).
I have slipped up a time or two; I eat when I get sick. One day, I just didn't bring enough with me to work. I needed a soda and some snacks.
I also bought a hair-catcher for the tub, but since it's cheaper than the Foaming Pipe Snake, I'd say it's allowed.
Spending Freeze
Posted by MichaelThe girl and I spent waaaaay too much money over the holidays. Most of it came via my credit card, which is now approaching its limit. With the wedding a scant 10 months away and her going back to school, money's tight.
So we're on a spending freeze.
It works like this:
For two months, we purchase nothing but food and other essentials (and pay bills). We can go out with friends once per month and out on a date night once per month.
To help out, we plan our meals for the week on Sunday or Monday, along with who's going to cook them, and purchase what we need. Food Network and Cooking Light are great helps with this.
In addition, I've given up High Fructose Corn Syrup (don't believe the adds, that shit makes you fat), and on account of my speech impediment drastically worsening, I have been put off of artificial sweeteners, as well.
What else is out:
- Amazon.com - a great love of mine, and the source of most of my books
- Home Depot - I am a sucker for starting new projects and I love building stuff.
- Snacks - Usually impulse buys, therefore cannot be purchased
- Other things that will surely come up in the next 8 weeks or so.
Results so far:
A bit of cash saved, we'll see how much can go to the credit card bill after 8 weeks
Lost 2 pounds.
The weight loss is unexpected, but inevitable. No snacks, no going out to eat, healthy food at home. But, honestly, I started this out as a way to save money. Now it looks like I won't have to join weight watchers, after all.
MORE money saved, right there.
