Spending Zero Money
After meeting the savings challenge of Miser Monday, you'll be glad to know that Tuesday's savings challenge requires no shopping, or planning to shop. This Tuesday is a no spend day! Yes, you are challenged to save money by spending zero money today. Now, if it happens to be a day when a particular bill has to be paid, then by all means pay it. The challenge here is meant to save you money, not cost you money in late fees and penalties! But, as for everyday spending, there will be none of that. You're probably wondering if it's possible to go an entire day without spending. Well, you're about to find out how difficult, or easy, it is for you.
If you should choose to accept Tuesday's saving challenge, I would recommend that you avoid all shopping environments. Don't go out the house at all if that's an option. And, no sneaking online to look at shopping sites! The best way to avoid spending today, and save as much money as possible, is to keep yourself sheltered from consumerism.
When my family became a one car family, I was amazed at the money I saved just staying at home. Saving money was easy when I didn't have transportation to go shopping whenever I wanted. Plus, I saved money on automobile expenses. Consumerism is everywhere and the more you expose yourself to the tactics of the vendors, the more likely you are to give in. They spend a great deal of time and money researching what makes you buy. Unfortunately, for consumers, their tactics usually work far too well.
If you realize you've forgotten something that you need in the way of groceries, I suggest trying for a substitute. If you don't have a good cookbook that offers substitute ideas for missing ingredients (like making buttermilk by combining lemon and milk), then go on line to see if you can find a substitute recipe. Another option is to switch today's menu with tomorrow's. You'll delay the need and meet your Tuesday savings challenge.
The challenge is to not spend any money. I didn't say you couldn't barter or exchange goods. If you have a need to get something done that requires money, and can't delay it, try to barter for goods or services. Bartering is a great money saving strategy to use all the time. Also, try recycling to avoid purchasing items. Recycling saves money and saves our resources.
As you go through the day, approach each potential spending need with care. Do you really need it? Consider your other options to keep to your no spend commitment and meet your savings challenge. The biggest reason we spend compulsively is that we don't take the time to consider other options. There is a valuable lesson to be learned in this savings challenge. At the end of the day, you decide if it was a difficult or easy challenge to save by not spending money
Next in this seven part series - PART 3: Recycling Tips
Click here to access Part 3 of 7
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