30 day No Spend Challenge

• Titus 1:7 (ESV)

  For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
  

 Scripture teaches those who read it faithfully a lot about the walk we are called to as Christians.  Here is an area that I must confess is a failing of mine and which I have prayed for help. My next several posts will deal with this issue.  If you relate hopefully we can encourage each other in prayer.



While I was on Pinterest I found this lovely post by Ruth at Living Well Spending Less  (http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/31-days/livingwellspendingzero/) and I decided I would give this a try.  Last year we had a record breaking year in our Window Replacement business (SureProsd.com). But here we were in January of 2014 with little to show for it.  In February our accountant gave us a reality check and stated that we should have thousands in the bank.... many many thousands... we were not close. 

Granted we did go on a trip of a lifetime (a 14 day adventure in Europe along with a 7 day Mediterranean Cruise), we purchased three used cars, and took several weekend trips down to Cantamar, Baja California. So this ate up about $$$k, but where was the other $$$$$$K?
I am hoping that by doing this challenge, I can see my spending habits for what they really are and what feeds that desire to spend and buy items I think I need. (I really do not NEED anything).  My family is healthy, my grand children are close, there are many believers in my daily life, what more could I ask for? . 

Today is March 4th and I have gone 3 entire days without spending a dime!  At this point in my week (today is Tuesday, March 4, 2014) I would have already spent at least $130.00. And here is my analysis and breakdown:

A minimum of $20.00 at JoAnn's on Crochet notions that were 40% off
A minimum of $20.00 at Michael's  on Crochet Yarn  that was 50% off
A minimum of $20.00 at Big Lots to puchase, yet again .... more yarn that was not on sale, but is priced at $1.00 a skein.
A minimum of $20.00 at my local "Feel Good Nutrition" for my morning shakes.
A minimum of $50.00 for dinner for at least one of the days.

That is a whopping $130.00 in 3 days that I did not spend!

The ground rules seem simple... No spending for 31 days... Zero, Nada, Zilch, Nothing! A time to cut out my non-essential spending.  For me this including crafting items: right now I am on a crocheting binge and although I probably have more yarn that should last me a life time, I continue to save money by buying only yarn that is on sale.  Again, I have about 4 or 5 large plastic bins filled to capacity of yarn!  Seriously, Do Not Tell my DH. 

Ruth challenged her readers to use items from the pantry and freezer.  I will make an exception here, as I decided to do this without identifying what we currently have in the freezer  or in the pantry.  I know for sure, I will be making runs to get fresh produce.  But aside from this, I will make every effort to spend nothing on non-essentials.

As I start day 4, I have noticed a couple of things:  I get too many emails and texts advising me of the latest, greatest sale from.... you guest it: Michaels, Joann's, & Big Lots.  When I am done here, I will unsubscribe to these notifications hoping that this will allow me to be more sensitive to the continual marketing and selling techniques employed by these companies. 

I will keep you posted.

In Him,