Comments on: Feb was No Spend Month

By: beth maher

beth maher — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:05:59 +0000

First of all, I only just noticed you are blogging again and I am soooo happy! Your little corner of the internet was always my favourite.
As to the frugal living… I find it is definitely much easier not to spend money when I don’t go shopping. Unfortunately I live in Canada which means that for a few months every year, Malls are one of the few places to go for a walk without freezing to death. Towards the end of the Winter around here we just tend to get grumpy and not want to see snow anymore (it’s still sticking around, as we speak, grrr). So If I were to do this, it would be in, like August, or something. Which might be cheating. Although we live so frugally anyways, I think doing something like this might just be torture for me.

By: Krista

Krista — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 21:41:42 +0000

Just a suggestion to save a few more bucks – check out your local library for dvds (and books – obviously) Our library has all the award winning dvds – including Die Hard! You usually get them for longer, and the late fees are much cheaper

Good for you though – I wouldn’t have been able to go a whole month…

By: lindsey clare

lindsey clare — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:36:01 +0000

i fear i’m a bit evangelical about things like this too. my little family of two had quite a massive paycut at the end of last year and so we’ve HAD to be strict on ourselves. but you know, i actually really like living simply and modestly. it makes you appreciate everything far more, and it feels good knowing that less STUFF is being used/wasted because of me.

so good on you Claire!

(that vegan book does look wonderful by the way)

By: Erin

Erin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:48:35 +0000

I’ve been amazed at how much money I’m saving by not going out shopping, or even hanging out in the CBD or anywhere *around* shops, because of the sunshine. Even just doing my grocery shopping online, with my produce and Coles Online orders, has reduced my spending, I suppose because the temptation’s gone, and I’ve got to get rid of all the fresh veggies. I rarely eat takeaway or restaurant food now, so it really is a special treat.

I decided to fix the clothes that have been sitting in the mending pile – tricking myself into thinking I’m expanding my wardrobe. I thought it would be depressing, not being able to shop (especially op shop) whenever I feel like it, but I’m actually thrilled I’ve fixed the clothes I once loved. And I do have more to wear!

I’m going to have to fork out some dough for another pair of Camper boots, though. Even though they’re expensive, I think they really are worth it.

By: melissa

melissa — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:02:14 +0000

Hmm. I need to do something like this. I really don’t need lots of the things I buy.

By: S

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:58:31 +0000

Little mundane, but I would suggest shopping for basic groceries at Aldi

Our grocery bills have dropped from $140-160 a week to $80-$100.

By: kristina

kristina — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 23:46:50 +0000

When I watched The Story of Stuff a few months ago when it was making the rounds, I was struck by the statistic that 90% of purchases are unused or trashed within six months. We try hard to do our bit— recyling, composting, repairing or doing without, etc.— and I think of us as mindful consumers, but ever since then I’ve been apalled by the volume of our garbage. Food packaging, junk mail, newspapers, etc…

We’ve got to cut back, but I don’t see how. Sigh.

By: Dee

Dee — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:53:06 +0000

WTG! I did a “no-spend” challenge in January, and was also surprised by how little trash we had.

By: ash

ash — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:36:51 +0000

Brown owls membership? Dang, I wanna move to Australia, now!
That ribbon was a must!

By: michelle

michelle — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:09:08 +0000

It’s a strangely liberating thing to do isn’t it!

The awful run-off effect it has had on me though is that everything now seems frighteningly expensive – as if while I wasn’t watching it all doubled in price – which is a bugger because I LOVE to buy beautiful things. I worry that I will turn into one of those people who constantly moan about how expensive life is – and wear clothes that I make myself from old ‘green’ shopping bags or something similarly horrendous.

The kids need pyjamas, but I can’t bring myself to buy them when I could make them myself – and they kind of need them now…