My wheels are turning again on yet more ways to save money. Between wanting to save and use less gas, I am going to make an effort to have more no spend days each month. My personal definition of a no spend day is not using any cash, debit, or credit cards. This doesn’t mean I can’t go out at all. However, I would be limited to the gas in the car since I won’t be spending money on gas if it is a no spend day. This means more than likely I will stay home.
I suppose the real question is, how often can I have a no spend day. During the school year, I can do this five days a week. I fill up my tank on Sundays and do not spend again until I go grocery shopping either Friday evening or Saturday morning. I pack a lunch. I either go to my second job after teaching or I go straight home.
The summer is another story. Being off all summer, one feels couped up staying home all day, every day. I can go for a walk but after that, not much else can be done (we are temporarily in an apartment which is another post for another day) if I don’t want to go and spend money somewhere to keep myself and family entertained.
I am going to challenge myself to have at least two no spend days a week in the summer months. If I can find a frugal hobby to keep me busy (in addition to the blog), it would be a huge help. I am not crafty, so if anyone has any suggestions, I would be grateful.
Is anyone else taking on the challenge of having no spend days due to rising prices (gas and otherwise)?
I dont know if your aware but regal cinemas has free movies in the summer tuesday and wednesday mornings. or if your local parks have movie nights
Good idea, thanks!
There are tons of things to do in the summer! Bike ride, swim at the lake, day hike in the mountains – of course you'll need lots of sunscreen for outdoorsy things. Walk in the mall & enjoy the free a/c!
Possible money making idea – You could create a workbook for the students that you tutor – and sell it on eBay. Your students cannot be the only students who struggle. Just a thought.
I like the idea of no spend days. I realized that I had one of those on Monday – and we'll have another tomorrow. Today, I went grocery shopping but I did get a free ice cream at Ben & Jerry's (our shop was closed on free cone day?!).
Best,
Emily from Nap Time Is My Time
Thanks for stopping by! I'm your newest follower via GFC!
I wasn't calling them "no spend days" but I'm definitely having those, all the time. I don't have my own vehicle anymore so it makes it much simpler for me because I don't really have the opportunity.
I recommend the public library. It's a great place to go and spend a few hours for free.
Most libraries have a huge assortment of craft books and magazines. That would give you an idea of something else to do.
I've been looking at books for decorating kids room's. I'm very inspired right now.
Also a good way to save is to plan ahead and only go for groceries twice a month instead of four times. It takes some planning, but for some reason it works. And you're not going without things. You just somehow spend less on the things you don't really need.
I love the No Spend concept! I might have to try it out!
Alexa Hopping! Come visit me at http://www.marriedtoageek.net
Keri
I try not to spend money at least three days a week. Since I only fill up my gas tank twice a month, gas isn't a huge issue with my spending. Goggle free activites in your city, you'll be shocked at how much is out there. We go to movie/concerts in the park during the summer for free activites.
Over from the Alex hop, hope you'll stop by my blog.
We are in the same boat
My hubby is a 2nd grade teacher and budget is super tight in the summers! We spend a lot of time outdoors w/the kids, hitting up the free things like library time and local free movies, etc. Checking you out from the Alexa hop.
Crystal
http://www.survivingateacherssalary.com
We actually have been doing this for several years, and now I'm trying to cut out one of two weekly trips to the store to save on gas. It's so pricey right now!
My big, exciting thing in the summer is to fill up the kiddie pool and use the slip and slide. I know, I know, but you know what? I think we focus too much on having to DO stuff all the time.
I am trying to leave the house less. Since I'm a stay at home mom, we don't always need to leave the house. When we do, I try to do everything at once. We live on a budget (meaning everything has a place), and just because gas prices go up doesn't mean our income goes up. That means we have to cut back whenever we can.
Stopping by from the Alexa Hop.
PS Mom Reviews
This is a great idae. I just posted a no eating out post on my blog. Because we spend WAY too much
I am already a follower, but just stopping by for the Alexa hop!
Stopping in from the Alexa hop! Love this challenge! Where we live there are a ton of free public things to do in the summer!
We do the same – no spending days. I just wish we actually saved money by doing it. But all the money goes to bills!
Stopping by from the Alexa Hop and I even grabbed your button. I'd love it if you could grab mine too and follow back!
http://www.adeliciousobsession.com
We do no spend days, but it is generally because we just don't have any money to spend. :/
Jenilee from Six in the Nest visiting from the Alexa Hop.
Hey, I'm a new follower visiting from the Alexa hop. I feel like money is tight for everyone these days. We take nature walks and do sprinklers- it fine to return to the basics. I try to make a big deal out of small things. Chalk drawings in the driveway, lemonade stands etc- it's all about being together and having fun!
Stefanie
http://weddedblisster.blogspot.com/
I can save you money. I can give you no spend days where you won't have to even think twice about going anywhere to spend any money. You can come hang with Ryan…there's no place close by to spend money and you'll be trapped b/c there's no way of getting Ryan around…unless you dare walk up Pine Ridge (which I wouldn't recommend…chair and him weigh over 300lbs)…then you could go to Dunkin Donuts. The only days I really spend are when I don't have it in me to cook…and then the place has to deliver or I will go get Chinese (you have no idea how I miss living in Concord where Chinese delivered). And just think…so you say, I'm gonna get a coffee at DD…$2.50 (no clue on price…just guessing) and do this 3x's a week…$7.50 now…multiply that by 4.33 and you've then spent $32.48 in one month on coffee…times that by 12 and you've spent $390 a year on DD coffee's! Compare to what it would cost you to make that coffee right at home. Abby and I just had the discussion when the kids went bowling…I said get my bowling shoes out…you could save some money. Her reply…it's only $2. So later when she got back I said, Abby how much were your shoes…she said $2.50. I said, if my shoes fit you, after going bowling ten times that $2.50 would add up to $25…$25 in YOUR pocket. Okay…so I came from the Alexa Hop…lol
I need a no spend MONTH! ha! I do try to have no-spend days. It doesn't matter though- I still end up spending on other days when I shouldn't. Maybe I should think of it as the other way around and only have like 2 spend days a week.
I need a no spend day!
Like a month filled with them! lol
The library is a good, free, cool place for summer no-spend days!
I love this idea. I am so bad about splurging "just today" …and tomorrow. And maybe Monday, too.
LOL.
Stopping by with my Alexa toolbar!
Johanna at Mama Chocolate
Family life, tips for mom, reviews, giveaways and more!
we love going to parks and it's free.
Visiting from the Alexa hop.
http://momdaughterstyle.blogspot.com/
Great suggestions:) Another part of the challenge is, although free, many of these involve getting in the car and driving. Thus, more gas is used.
What a great challenge. Try your local library. I can always spend hours there and mine is within walkin distance. Hopping over from the Alexa hop.
Sandy- Cherished Handmade Treasures
I do go to my local library with my children during the summer. Last July the theme was "All Aboard the Reading Express."
It was alot of fun, and my little ones LOVED picking out books.
It was FREE which is always nice.
Just like some of the others mentioned above, I am a stay-at-home mom, the family only has one car, we are on a budget, and can't afford the rising gas prices to go anywhere unless we "have to". I love going for walks with kids, the park, the library all of which are free. I also read you can download free e-books along with an app for your computer so you don't even need an e-Reader like the Kindle or Nook. I love the kiddie pool idea too!
I like the idea of no spend days. We could probably save more if we stayed home a couple of days a week. Here is a cheap hobby: knitting. I'm stopping by from the Alexa hop. I'm also anew follower on GFC, FB, and Twitter. Have a good day!
I think that's a great idea! I think I'll have to adopt the same rule once summer comes around. However, I know I will not be bored with 3 kids under the age of four running around!
Writing is a free hobby – writing something other than blog posts. Walks and definitely looking for free activities are a must for summer.
Just stopping by from the Alexa Blog Stop. Have a great weekend.
Good luck with this summer!! I also find that during the week it isn't so bad when school is still in, but the summer…oh man. LOL! I think we will be doing A LOT of walks and trips to the Library this summer!!
Stopping by from the Alexa Hop! I liked your page! Hope you'll come return the love!
Stacie
http://www.loveyoualwaysgiveaways.com
I'm going to start with one no spend day a week. I know it is small, but after reading your post–it seems like I could definitely do that. things like planning grocery trips better..and after all who wants to pay over $50 to fill up the car!
New Follower from the Real Moms Review
http://didoodlings.com
okay. thanks for the nudge. Will try it as it fits in my scheme of becoming debt-free!
Love,
Me
I'm going to try a no spend day. i am hoping to work my way up to 10 no spend days is a row. I am worried. I think this is going to be difficult,