Month of No Excess

Woah, nelly-- I have no idea what has happened to this year, but I've had some small successes and some huge failures when it comes to health.  I have more, more work to do.  But for today, I am tackling one solid month of no excess in my spending.  Have you heard of "No Spend Month," yet?  It's an old concept, I'm sure; but a new one to me.  The idea is to restrict your spending for an entire month, so that you can train your brain to think about spending in a new light, and help yourself recognize the difference between a need and a want.

This is an area I need tremendous help with; even when I recognize that I want something, and do not actually need it, I have a hard time talking myself out of it.  As such, I'm committing to live for an entire month on $125.  October 6 -- November 5, 2012 I am going to spend no more than this amount on all food, clothes, gas, household needs and all other expenses.  I am not counting rent, bills, health expenses, or my gym membership.  But for all the rest, a cash budget it is.

Today, I spent exactly $5.17-- I purchased two packages of yeast, so that I can bake homemade bread, and a bag of spinach for the meal I delivered to friends with a new born.  I also have a nearly full tank of gas in my car.  I travel quite a bit for work, but I'm aiming to drive to work as little as possible, and I plan to consolidate errands and such as much as possible.  There are few errands that cannot be accomplished by walking or riding my bike this month.

Total so far: $5.17 of $125.00 total