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!