I've decided to try something I've never attempted before and that is to only spend money on essentials in February. I'm calling it Frugal February.
Look, I made a banner and everything*
I really don't need anything now. I bought so much in the sales, most of it at bargain prices. I filled my present box (90% off jewellery at DotComGiftShop, 70% of gifts at Sainsbury's and Debenhams). I bought another Mia Tui bag, that I didn't need, but it was a bargain. I bought new running gear (90% off at SportsDirect).
I also had to buy new clothes to replace the ones that are now too big as I have lost weight. It was a thrill to be able to be able to shop at Boden, Gap, Monsoon and John Lewis and know that a size 16 would fit me. I also bought some jeans in a 14 as I'm still losing weight and they'll fit soon. I bought make up, perfume and nail varnish, all half price or less.
So, yes, I went a bit crazy at the sales.
Yes, I did get some amazing bargains, but the spending has to stop. So Frugal February it is.
I've made some lists of essentials and non essentials to remind me where the money has to go and where it can so easily be frittered away.
Essentials
- Regular outgoings (bills)
- Regular commitments (clubs and activities)
- Food
- Petrol
Non Essentials
Everything else, including:
- Takeaways
- Apps
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Running Gear
- Magazines
- Books
- Make up
- Nail varnish
- Jewellery
- DVD's
- CD's
- Yarn
- Stationery
- Handbags
- Fancy hair products that promise so much
Will you join me? If you post about Frugal February do let me know. Link up your posts below and we'll support one another through the month. Then we'll catch up again at the end of the month and see how we did.
28 frugal days starts today...
* using the Cool Realm code generator, it's simple and free. They didn't pay me to add this link, just so you know, I'm adding it out of the goodness of my heart because it's a great product. Jeez, it's awful that I feel I have to justify and disclose every single link these days.
I was just thinking the same, without having gone mad in the sales, it would be great to review our spending and see where we can save more. I recently read a blogpost about paying off your mortgage in 5 years- now that is an appealing prospect. Maybe if Frugal February works then so will Frugal 5 years. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLet's give it a go!
@Monica, yes I've heard that too. If you double your monthly payments you can pay off a mortgage really fast. I'm thinking now about a Frugal year...
DeleteI'm in. I'm far too good and letting pennies just slip through my fingers
ReplyDelete@Sarah, it's easily done. Thank you for joining in :)
DeleteI did this is January and so was a good girl and didn't shop in the Sales......it actually made my brain overcook not shopping in the sales. With getting married in August though I need to save as much as poss! Good luck with it :-) xxx
ReplyDelete@Emma, wow, you're a stronger person than me. I don't think I could stand to ignore the Jan sales. xx
DeleteI really should...
ReplyDelete@MetMum, it's not easy, but every little helps I guess.
Delete