Day Four: Spending Zero Money

Money Spent: $0
So far:  I love this challenge!  It's nice to relax and spending money makes you focus outward instead of inward.

How it's going:  Great!  I am thrilled to report that I have not spent any money.  Wednesday a group of colleagues and I went to Dress for Success, an amazing non-profit organization for a tour.  On the way back, we stopped at Costco to pick up a couple of things and I was good!  In the face of temptation, I said no.  I could have bought a ton of things!

It's been tricky though because I am not allowing other people to pay for me either.  I want my existence to not cost any money for 10 days.  But, free food in our cafeteria is only free to me.  There is a cost for it.  I just don't pay it.  And electricity costs money.  You see what I mean.  So, I'm working on where to draw the line realistically.  Wednesday night, I skipped the driving range with Josh and my parents because buckets of balls cost money.  My parents offered to treat me, but I decided that counted as spending money.

Not spending money over the holiday weekend seems like I should be able to do it!  Gearing up for a baby shower, housewarming and BBQ/swim parties.  I will post an update after the weekend!

Happy Memorial Day!

Day One: Spending Zero Money

So last night, as I pumped gas in preparation for 10 days with no financial transactions, I felt a bit of anxiety.  I looked quickly toward the convenient store at the gas station.  "Do I need anything in there?"  The fact of the matter is that there are only four basic needs:  food, water, clothing and shelter.  I have plenty of all of the above to live for 10 days without spending a penny.

The purpose or inspiration for this challenge came from my own volition.  Between wedding planning and house buying and furnishing, there is a need for a respite in the monetary expenditures department, a time to settle in and enjoy our new home without focusing on that one more thing that we need.

Caveat:  Just yesterday, my parents invited Josh and I to the driving range on Wednesday.  I quickly realized that I could not go unless Josh already had a pre-paid driving range card.  Josh read my post yesterday and figured that soon he would be paying for me, that way I am not spending any money.  However, this is not the case.  No money from Josh (or anyone else) will be spent on me for the next ten days.  Although, if Josh had a left over Crackerjax card from a previous trip to the driving range, that could be used for my benefit.  You see how it goes.

This will be an interesting 10 days.  I am excited to share the adventure with you and challenge you to do it, as well!!

Ten Days Spending Zero Money

Today, I am gearing up for 10 days spending 0 money.  Today, I am filling up my gas tank and picking up coffee and sweetener from the store.  Based on my current calculations and reviewing the calendar for upcoming commitments, those are the only necessities I will need for the next 10 days.  And starting tomorrow, this gal will be spending NO money.

Should I run out of gas, I will have to find a carpool.  That is really the only thing I might run out of (I hope).  Should I find that I have to buy something, I won't.  I will have to find an alternative.  So, follow along and mark your calendars for the date for Friday, June 4th.  I am looking forward to shifting my attention away from the purchasing power of the dollar and onto more important things.

Stay tuned...