I looked over our spendings in the last three months and almost fainted when I saw the amount of money we spend on food!! Now, we try to eat healthy and I try to buy organic if it's not too outrageous, but we also spend a lot of money on eating out.
That, on top of the fact that I had to write a very hefty check to IRS made me want to have a "buy nothing" month.
So, for the month of April we agreed not to eat out or buy anything that is not an absolute necessarily. Even though we are not big spenders, there is always seem to be a "great sale" on either computer stuff or tools (my DH is very handy) or I am just really really craving for sushi. But I am really determined!!
Anyone else tried/wants to try this?

Oh, it does help that we have no B-days, anniversaries in April (we don't celebrate Easter)
Lena

Anyone else tried/wants to try this?

Yes -- my goal is to do everything I can to save money so that I can stay home or live on one income.

I have a problem with our grocery bill, and I just can't seem to figure out what I'm doing wrong . . . . I probably buy too many frozen meals, like lasagna. This is the area I most want to tackle now!

Eating out about makes me sick now days. It's such a waste of my money!

My only exception to not spending is if I see a potential Christmas present. In a way, this is a necessity, but I only get what is a good buy and is for a specific person. I also keep a list so that I don't over buy.

Trying to get rid of STUFF that has accumulated in our house has also helped me at the store. I actually say to myself, "Why are you looking at that ____? It's just more STUFF!" It really helps!

M

Check out this website. It's all about not spending money unless it's absolutely necessary.

The Compact On the right side of the page, you should find your state and click on it. I'm part of the Colorado Compact, and our goal is to not spend money unless you absolutely have to. If you can borrow it or get it free, all the better.

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www.myspace.com/vioburn

Frugal is being wise with your money and resources and cheap is forcing everyone else to.

Check out my blog, I'm starting to add more to it, as I can...vioburn.blogspot.com

I do this actually at least 2 months a year...I usually try to do it the month before my husband goes on vacation in the summer and November before Xmas.

I am a coupon junkie and stock up...so I get things good and cheap and 2 months off which is the money we use for xmas and vacation.

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Avoid Fruits~N~Nuts....you are what you eat!!!

We try to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegs, so I can't stock up on that, but I can probably open a butcher shop with the amount of chicken/beef I have in my freezer. We live in an appt and my fridge and freezer are not that big, so I store stuff at my granda's house. She doesn't cook much any more, so there is plenty of room.
I am going to try to plan menus around the food that we already have. Why not have "spring cleaing" in the pantry, right?
So far this month I spend .92 cents on babanas.
Lena