Hello Dear Reader,
Anyone who’s given something up knows that the first week is the hardest. We are half way through the first week of not shopping and it feels unusual as we’ve usually bought something by now. I had major cravings today and wanted to go to the scrapstore and fill a bag with fabric for a couple of quid. I need sewing room extension as it is and have enough work in progress to get on with and I don’t need any more. We are all going to have to roll up our sleeves and just step away from the shop and walk away!
I love a mooch around charity shops in acceptance of the fact that I might spend money, I’m not going in them either! Has anyone else had any cravings? Let’s use this opportunity to release the need to confess and get it off our chests!
I may have wanted to waiver but I didn’t! I’m off to the sewing room to create a few blocks.
Come on Dear Reader, do share. The weekend is going to be tough so we better be ready to cheer each other on.
Until tomorrow,
Love Froogs xxxxxxxxxx
Hi Froogs
Discovered your blog a few days ago and have read it every day since then. A first for me!
I'm in Dumfries and Galloway Scotland and share your enthusiasm for serious frugality. I do agree that it's extremely difficult to not spend money….even a couple of pounds in a charity shop. But most times I do not need the item I'm tempted to purchase. What I do if I'm tempted is go for a walk around and have a little think. I evaluate how useful the item is and how unique it is. Most items fail this test and I don't go back to purchase it. There's always other things that come along!
I downsized last year due to early ill health retirement. Age 54 and female. Now have a multi fuel stove and basic electric and gas appliances. Like you I have a mini oven, also slow cookers and use a camping stove for item requiring short cooking. I like to pay up front for my fuel.
Keep up stoptober. You can do it!
Regards
Helen
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Stay strong Froogs! Don't succumb… I have decided to join your challenge in so much as I will only be buying essentials. Yay go me… I even wrote a frugal shopping list today ,by meal planning whilst trawling through the freezer and cupboards and I even substituted a few ingredients to what I already had in the cupboard instead of buying them. If I fail miserably I can always try again in Nospendber (November).
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I went fro a wander into my fave charity shop the other day and it was out of habit something in me said there was nothing I wanted and then when out realised I was in stoptober! and you knwo whast there realy wasnt a thing I could have made use of. My parner was talking to a friend of ours that is due to go home oversas for a little while said he wanted a bag for me and bless her she let this slip, he asked me and I said darling you know what I love you for the thought but no O donr need it. Ant the best thrill is a crafting buddy of mine let me have some bedding she could no longer used and in it was some very pretty lilac fabric with roses and there is enough for a dressing gown and a pair of bottoms i MIGHT if i am careful get a “Jammie” top out of it THRILLED ISN'T the word.. remember everyone no spend unless its bills and a committed expenditure we can and will do it , why because we are not slaves to the mainstream we are intelligent and committed. btw froogs the quilt looks wonderful happy stoptober all xxxx
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Hi Froogs, I am so pleased that you have written this post. I have had my hardest day of the challenge so far!!! Because I am a housewife, staying at home to look after my gorgeous little ones, I usually pop into my local town a few time a week for something to do. The challenge has meant that I have spent the last four days at home…. And I am starting to get bored. I have already re-arranged to living room, my daughters room and cleared out old toys for the charity shop. Today I really wanted to look around the charity shops but instead I counted the money in my purse and realised that I hadn't spent anything and actually that felt really good. I have read the post from the last few days over and over to motivate me. I know I can keep going. Come on the next few weeks. Xxx
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I have joined in as well! First major hicup was a chance to buy tickets to go see Andy Fairweather Low, appearing locally but we have resisted and saved £35 each. That is going into the paying down the mortgage account! Might have to get “wide eyed and legless” on some home made sloe gin instead though - medicinal you understand to get over the disappointment!
Eating from stores and doing ok, in fact am putting more back in the freezer as I make it all into meals to go!
I have a good supply of knitting yarn so that will keep me occupied for a while! I will still spend my £3 to go to chat and knit club though, held every first and third saturday locally as I need the help with my knitting! Hoping to finish a cot blanket for a friends coming baby, have plenty of wool so going to ask for help to make a little hat for the babe!
Loving the support and inspiration your blog gives! x
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I'm saving towards early retirement - and there's nothing in the shops that I could buy that would give me as much pleasure as my freedom will! So I am happy to tighten the belt and pop that money into my savings.
I found that once I really got a handle on my spending and paid off all my borrowings, it started a 'virtuous spiral' and before I knew it I was saving a cracking amount of money each month. I would urge everyone who is on that road to just hang on in there; keep going, by hook or by crook, and very soon you will be amazed at how much better your financial situation is. You will be so, so, happy that you made the effort.
Froogs - excellent job you are doing in encouraging us all!!
Jane
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I really wanted to buy a craft book that my friend had recommended. Amazon is my biggest weakness, and all of those 'tiny' purchases add up over a month.
But I gave myself a good scolding, went on-line and ordered it from my local library. I'll have to wait a while, but I've plenty of craft projects to be getting on with and finishing in the meantime. In fact October could well become 'finally finished that' month, thanks to you!
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Hi ya..only spent money on milk so far…i had to go to chemist for my dad..unfortunately for me it is next door to my fave charity shop…i did have a look and a wonder round but left without buying a thing..i have enough and don't need more.I have made some birthday bunting for my little girl who is 4 on sunday..we have also printed out some party things..crowns,place cards ect..i made a sash with her name on it and age…very cute..i have been batch baking cakes and cookies in preparation for her little tea party…we bought her present a few months back when it was on sale so thats taken care of…
I think my parents think i am potty..lol..they have been bringing me food..o bless them..i have explained i have money but i do not want to spend it on useless things…so far i have been given some bags of raisins,apricots,sultanas,nuts…they took my littlies out and have bought them new winter boots as well…i appreciate it very much but i am going to have to sit them down and explain again i think..
got to go ironing to do and a new library book to read.
sara
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Well done on resisting spending today. I went shopping with you on my shoulder whispering in my ear “remember don't buy if its not on the list” and I didn't…yay!!! I think I will take you with me everytime, you will save me a fortune lol As for the weekend, I'm working tomorrow and Saturday so I am planning taking lunch and snacks and leaving my purse at home, so no temptation.
I even dusted the sewing machine today and altered my work overall to save buying a new one!
Have a great frugal weekend and I look forward to reading your next post.
Karen xx
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I've been on ebay and nearly bought some bras but I didn't give in.
There's also a second hand market that sells lovely shabby chic stuff and a farmers market as well, but I stayed in and did some tidying up in the garden and chopped some wood.
I'm very chuffed with myself and looking forward to keeping it up.
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I had to take a package to a friend and I wanted more than anything to stop at JoAnn Fabrics on the way home. I even had all my coupons. But I turned on the radio and decided to enjoy the music and beautiful ride with all the autumn colors. I made it home, not one penny spent. I must admit I haven't been perfect, but doing terribly well, I think.
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I had to send a package to my daughter at college and there was no way I could send it without some fun things for her. I did make sure it was practical. Lip balm, vitamin C candies and a pair of pj pants on sale for $5 (USD) along with the paperwork she needed. This is the child that is on scholarship and works 30 hours a week plus a full load of classes. Excuse the bragging but the kid is amazing.
I spent the last of my grocery budget til the 15th. All set there. Put the last of the gasoline in the van so that will have to do til the 15th as well.
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I had to spend today, I had to post a parcel of seeds to a fellow blogger. I did go into the charity shop, but not to buy to take some stuff in. I did have a look at some wine glasses, but I kept my hands in my pockets and did not touch my purse. Big pat on the back for me.
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Easy not to spend when at work, leftovers for lunch even ate the quiche that everyone else turned their noses up at. Only essential spend all week but thanks for the reminder as the weekend will be tougher.
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My weakness is giving in to my children. 'Can we have broccoli, please?' my 6 year old asks. What sort of mother am I that I make her put it back? 🙂 But it is not on our meal plan and I am seriously trying to stick to it. Living rurally, I do find just picking up the bare essentials ridiculously expensive, and am trying my very best to avoid it at all costs. Everything is roughly double in our shop, and that adds up quick.
Good luck to all. I am really enjoying this journey.
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Ladies- I feel like an interloper- you're putting me to shame! Very well done on your wonderful frugality. Froogs- you never know, some might rub off on me 🙂
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I went out today and paid money INTO the bank,posted a letter(prepaid envelope) and DIDN'T go into the bookshop. I just came home ,made a flask of tea and went out to read in my favourite place.m
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Still got a little of Septembers money left and am well stocked up. Son is back of his holidays and I already have his lunches frozen for most of the month. He loves packed lunches - his is 31 and has just been made a manager at work, his staff are all amazed at his lunches and totally envious.
Got all my Christmas sewing and knitting sort of organised and am happy to stay home now until I get stir crazy. Apart from milk and the odd loaf I really have no need to shop for a good while. I am using powdered milk for cooking as you really cannot tell the difference. However last nights fruit cake made with ys currants has been decimated already as my son was ravenous when he got back from the airport but I missed him so much I dont care. ginny
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I broke down a bought some things that were wants rather than needs today……drat, drat and double drat!
Gill in Canada
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Shame I am on my hols but I am doing far far less buying than I normally would
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Well done everyone for being so strong and resisting so far. It's the end of Stopober 4th and only spending so far has been allowed. I had planned to purchase gas yesterday but heard that gas would drop 4 cents/litre at midnight so postponed until today. The last two nights I have been very tempted to stop to buy my favourite licorice, but zipped on by without stopping. Patting myself on the back. Yes, the week-end is on our doorstep and it will require superhuman effort to resist unnecessary spending as we are celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving this week-end.
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Hello
Started to do the same about books, what I also do is scan in to the comp what interests me saves paper and you will always have it to hand,as 9 times out of 10 I'm very bad at remembering to take back a book then get a whacking fine
all the best
Rachel
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As I'm immobile at the moment I will ask my sister to buy me some cheap onions, carrots and potatoes. She will come back with cheap carrots, onions and potatoes. As my
Mum is going with her, chances are she'll 'treat' me to them and will wave her hand at me when I try to pay. I am glad my knee hurts bc I would find it so hard to just buy the veg if I was there! #FQstoptober - I already ' met' a new tweeter bc of the #. stay strong everyone! I like theNospendber idea!
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Its getting hard. I am going to the village today as my magzines are in. I am out down the town with mum tomorrow. But I have been saving for that. I plan to only spend 25. I broke on Tuesday and bought to beautiful sliver necklaces for £3.00, home bits and a smock for £8.50. That included the silver necklaces. I love going into charity shops and I like helping good causes. Better than going to MR T anytimes!!!!!! I dont think you should stop buying little treats as so long as you can afford them. My magazine money is put away a bit by bit each day so it doesnt really hurt when they are doe. Sadly I buy about 6 of these!!! ALLIE
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Since we live not far away from 3 superstores, I don't do a big weekly shop, but a nightly trawl round all 3 on the yellow sticker trail.
So it's difficult to have a complete no-spend month or even week.
But I'm trying to shop without paying full price for anything, keeping a daily record on previous post to see how little it costs to shop for a month.
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Well done on resisting the urge to go and add to your fabric collection.
I've been given a super incentive to keep the savings on track, not just for October but for the next 3 years, not much I can say yet but if I'm good I'll be rewarded so well. 🙂
Sue xx
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Hopefully this will be our 4th no spend day of the month. On the spend day we did spend quite a lot but it's that month of the year where all the big stuff needed to be bought - hay, laundry and washing up stuff, loo rolls all those annoying things that we need but really take a lot out of the budget. Still, that's it for another 3 months now.
This weekend will be the biggest hurdle as I know when DH gets home he will almost certainly fancy a bottle of beer. I think I'll make some biscuits and tempt him with hot chocolate, biscuits and a dvd instead.
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Thanks to you Froogs I am still spending Septembers money and am doing my best to stretch it to November, that will put Stoptobers money into the mortgage account.
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I've just sat down and written out a complete budget, absolutely everything that comes in and goes out each month. I've not done it for a while and previous budget needed adjusting. Next i'm going to write down everything in my fridge, freezer and cupboards and make a meal plan from what i have, only buying in the bare minimum i need. We have one account for bills, one for food & petrol, one for the kids stuff and misc and one for savings. We have no debt other than the mortgage and any money we can save is being put to use on the house, it needs a lot of work doing. When (in the distant future it seems!) this is done then savings will hopefully be used to make mortgage over-payments. That is the plan anyway! I have only cash in my purse for the week's top-up shop and i'm leaving my only debit card at home. xx
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I have failed by a mile. This morning our beloved kitten was sick….the vet bill was definitely not in my plans. Oh well.
I really need to gird myself and just do this.
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Hi Froogs , I'm joining in too and only spending on essentials. I did a food shop today but was really careful and spent £30 less than normal. I also resisted a nice floral duvet cover in the charity shop. I don't need any more fabric.
I LOVE your latest quilt .
Jacquie x
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Beer's not hard to make, not much more difficult than hot chocolate, just takes a bit longer, but you kake a lot at once, lasts ages.
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I nearly gave in and bought a magazine - then I thought about the £4.00 less I would have in my purse so I took a deep breath and walked away. I know impulse spending is my weakness so that's what I'm working on.
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