August 3rd. I am three days into my challenge of buying nothing new for the month, and I am failing miserably. What I find so difficult, is dealing with others who are not of the same mindset. I can not go into details here as the item that I have bought is a joint gift for our DIL, and the cost is shared with her mother. "New" is what is expected, and as the gift is for a newborn, I can understand the hesitancy to accept anything that isn't new for hygienic reasons. If it is of any consolation, the gift will be used often and much money and energy will be saved by its purchase, and as a thought in line with compromise, our newest arrival will wear hand-me-downs from her sister.
As I look ahead to the rest of the month, I can't see any occasions that I should not be able to handle. I think the secret to success with any endeavour, is careful planning. Dad is aware that his birthday may be a little different this year. My anniversary is at the end of the month, and my husband is aware of what I am trying to accomplish. It will be fun to come up with a unique gift for both occasions.
We went away for the weekend and I bought nothing (YAY me!) so I suppose that all is not lost. I am actually enjoying the thought that goes into a project of this sort. Shopping is now for necessities only. I actually go out less often and save gas in the process. Having a shopping list helps too. Shopping trips are quicker.
So...onward and upward. Good luck to all who have joined me!
Five Frugal Things | a mend, a coffee, a ticket…
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1. I mended my duvet cover A bit of the seam at one end started to fray.
And we all know what happens if we …
The post Five Frugal Things | a mend, a cof...
I have found that since I retired, we buy so much less!
ReplyDeleteWe plan a once a week trip into the grocery store...I bring a list after searching the flyers for what sales they have and only buy things on sale for future meals of things that we like and will use...
Same with other items. We found that we love Dollar Stores and save so much money buying from them for paper goods, etc. We carefully research what is a good buy and what isn't.
My standard question before buying anything now is: Is this something we really need and will really use (or eat)?
I found that if I go shopping only when we NEED something and don't "window shop" we really buy a LOT less.....
And, we cleaned out a lot of our closets and dressers. It makes me feel so much more organized to only have in the house what we will use or need.
The rest went to charity, which also made us feel better.
It is living with integrity,like Oprah talked about....
So, good for you for attempting this project. I think the cleansing will help you and your entire family.
Thank you for your comment and suggestions! Just what I needed to hear this morning!
ReplyDeleteAll the best in your journey Wendy! And I don't believe that there's such a thing as failing in this journey - just opportunities to learn more about ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI found at the start of my no-brand-new year that I had to renegotiate so much of my life - including relationships with other not like-minded people. It was amazing how big a part consumption played in how I related to others!
Eventually (and after a long time) we found other ways to relate and its no longer stressful. It does get easier.
Wishing you all the best in your journey!
Thanks Eileen...
ReplyDeleteI know where I can go if I need direction and suggestions!