Life is, well, expensive right now. We had to pay the tree removal company to help us after the storm, which was quickly followed up by a bulk feed order for the animals. (And they upped their minimum purchase amount too!) We took our cars in for a state inspection and one needed a few repairs. The other passed but with the warning that it would probably need four new tires by this fall. Combined with the increased costs of food and gas and electricity and all the things…I’m feeling the need to tighten the reins a bit. Instead of sobbing in frustration, I’m going to be proactive. In August, I’m embarking on a “low-buy” month!
For me, a low-buy month is an opportunity to be intentional with money. It’s a way to stop and determine needs vs. wants. It’s an opportunity to take a deep breath before diving into the fall and all of the celebrations that come with it. It’s a way to stretch my creative muscles and do what I can with what I have.
MY GOALS
- Purchase perishables (milk, fruit, cheese, etc.) but primarily eat from the pantry, garden and freezer
- Declutter like crazy and see if I can sell anything unneeded
- Create a list of items needed to buy in the future (birthdays, Christmas, farm things)
- Pay off the remaining balance on the credit card
- Focus on creativity and frugality
MY TO DO LIST TO COMPLETE BEFORE AUGUST 1ST
- Replace perishables and fill up the gas tank to give us a head start on the month
- Pencil out a month’s worth of meals, focusing on what we already own
- Start a pile to list on ebay/Poshmark
For added motivation, I made myself some worksheets. You can find them here!
I was just lamenting to my husband how much i spent this week. He very reasonably pointed out it was all necessary purchases. (Diapers, etc.) But it looks like so much since we buy alot of these things in bulk. I think i might try to follow your example here. For example, we have a freezer full of chicken and beef, yet our grocery bill is out of control. If i could get that down, it would be huge. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
We are in the same boat! 95% of our purchases are not extravagant or frivolous, but it still feels like money is flying out the door. Hopefully next month will help me get creative with what we have and give just enough breathing room before I dive back into a busy fall season!
Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks, I will!
I thought of you today! Our garbage disposal was out (and leaking everywhere!) and Josh went to Lowe’s and bought a new one, then watched a Youtube video and swapped it out himself! I was so proud (and grateful) that he could do it himself.
We had that expense, plus a $1200 furnace repair for our AC to work that Josh couldn’t do himself, and so I am feeling you. Keeping spending down in August is a big priority for us. Plus we will have back-to-school shopping and a little getaway for Josh and I around our anniversary, so we really gotta watch those pennies!!
Yay for a DIY repair! It’s always such a confidence boost when you can figure out a home repair without calling in the professionals.