Year of No Spending.

As of September 1, 2015, M & I have started our one year of no spending.

Okay, so that may seem impossible... because it is, but here is what "no" spending looks like in real life:

Guidelines of a Year of No Spending:

1. Minimize necessary spending (ie: groceries, gas, house necessities). This means putting a little bit of effort into finding the best deals, cutting out unnecessary driving, and maybe even couponing?

2. No clothes shopping, no decor shopping, no unnecessary spending. We have an exception for clothes or shoes we actually need for work or special occasions (ie: weddings with a dress code).

3. We have a goal to use what we already have in the house rather than buying something new. (Including in the food pantry, our closets, and art supplies buried in the attic). We have been so blessed with provisions since we've been married and we are not always the best stewards of our gifts. This year we will focus on using all of them.

4. Instead of unnecessary spending, we will focus on bulking up our saving's account, paying off debt, and hopefully getting rid of some bills.

5. For holidays and birthdays, we will make gifts. Consider this my disclaimer for the year: don't buy my anything expensive, because I will not be able to return the favor. However, I will say that I can be rather clever and crafty when it comes to making gifts, so you may be pleasantly surprised by a home-made Huston gift.

6. We are firm believers in not missing out on experiences! Therefore, we will allow ourselves to spend money on trips, dates, events, and the occasional meal out. We are not stingy by nature, and we refuse to miss out on life just to save a little bit of money.

Throughout the year I will share how we succeed (hopefully), our tips for saving money through each season, home-made gift ideas, how to keep an old wardrobe fresh, how we come up with a budget, and whatever else I can come up with! Let me know if you have anything you'd like to know about this "Year of No Spending!"

Be back soon,

xo|AustinJean

#YearofNoSpending #budget