(from the start of the Spending Fast ® on January 1, 2010)
I have a lot of questions. Will you answer them?
Sure. Ask away. I'm friendly.
Can I give you unsolicited advice?
Ehh…
Why are you doing this? Are you nuts? Why not just cut-back a little?
Moderation has never been my thing. I tend to do things all or nothing.
Is this some form of self-hatred or a self-punishment thing?
Nope. Just an experiment. I like to give myself challenges to see what I am capable of.
Can you REALLY do this for an entire year?
I'm gonna try. I plan on it being for the entire year. If I mess up I'll write about it and you will know all about it.
Did you ask your husband if this was a good idea before you decided to do it? You know it affects him too.
I mentioned it but didn't “officially ask”. I'm getting used to that whole part of being married. Typically, I come up with an idea and I do it. It's just the way I work. He's getting more and more used to the idea.
What about movies?
My husband loves movies so this will likely become a BIG issue with him. I may need to give myself a small movie theater budget just to stay married. We'll see how it goes.
What about eating-out? You're really not gonna eat out for A WHOLE YEAR?
I'm not planning on it. But again, this is something my husband loves to do so again, we'll see. At this point like I said… not planning on it.
What about “nice-ites” for your husband? (asked by said hub)
There's lots of things I can do for free that don't cost a cent and they come from the heart. You'll see.
What about people who give you all sorts of nice things? You won't reciprocate?
See above.
What about trips?
I will deal with it on a situational basis. If I go on a trip I will do that frugally too and not spend any more than necessary.
What no make-up either? Girl! You're gonna look raggedy!
I know. I have a lot of make up that gets bought and never used because it ends up looking weird after I get it home. I've saved it in the basement and I'm actually gonna have to use that stuff now. If you see me out and I look funny I'm gonna blame it on that.
In your “Guidlines” you say that you'll spend money on hair dye. Why will you let yourself buy that and not other things? That seems like more of a “want” to me…?
I have a job and clients that I need to look presentable for. I can't show up looking too unkempt… it's as simple as that.
So, if you're in the grocery store and you want a fancy brand of coffee to treat yourself will you buy it since it's in the grocery store?
No. Folgers or whatever off-brand is good for me. Coffee is coffee. (I say that now!)
So, you said you'll be buying your food in the grocery store only. Say you're in the grocery store and you haven't had a treat in a looooong time and you're really in the mood for sushi and then- you see sushi and it looks sooo delicious and perfect. What will you do? Will you buy it? Huh? Huh
Uhhh. Gee. That's a tough one. Maybe? I don't really know. I'm going to try to not spend on wants and only on needs. So… hmm. I'll let you know what happens if I find myself in that situation. But good question. Keep em coming.
What if a family member gets married? What you're not gonna come out for that!?
I will. I want family and relationships to be #1 so not going would mess that up. Though, I would do the trip cheaply.
What about a new family member being born? Would you come out to meet the baby!!???
See above.
What you're not gonna buy me a birthday present?
Homemade all the way or re-gifting if I have something you might like.
So no new clothes?
Nope. I'm gonna do the whole “make do and mend” thing.
Do you want to go on a big trip at the end of this year to celebrate all the saving you've done?
Probably not. One of the main things I hope to get out of this project is eliminating my debt… so hopefully, that will be paid off and then I'll have a chunk in savings.
You're not gonna have any fun this year! You're gonna be MISERABLE!!?! You're not gonna be able to DO ANYTHING!!?!?
I will though. There's lots of things that can be done for free.
Will you let us know if you totally mess up?
Of course. That's what this is all about. I don't have any reason to lie. I'm not gonna be perfect and I know that going into this.
