No Spend 2010

I ran across a post on Mothering dot Commune suggesting a No Spend Year, I love the idea! However, I am not in a position to commit to the plan this year, there are many items that I urgently need to replace as I fell into the trap of buying cheaply-made items because they cost less, however that poor quality just ensures that I'll have to replace that item much sooner than I would have otherwise. So this year I am working on replacing all my poor quality items with high-quality items that I am sure will last longer, even if it does cost more up front.

Also, Luke is just growing so dang fast that I am having trouble getting clothes that fit him before he goes up another size! I am hoping to take advantage of end-of-season sales this year to get Luke's clothing for next year all stocked up.

I hope to make 2010 my No Spend Year!

Here are the rules I currently have decided upon for No Spend 2010.

What doesn’t count.
Food
Medical expenses( co-pays , prescriptions, etc. as necessary).
Regular car maintenance
Socks, undergarments, and shoes as necessary.
Current bills, I will meet the obligations I currently have but will not take on anymore.

* I know that there will be things, or situations, that do not fall into one of the above categories that would still be considered essential/necessary… I leave this as the placeholder for those unforeseen items*

I will not buy anything for Myself and my son that doesn’t fall into one of the above categories, unless essential/necessary and even then will strive to get them free or used before buying new.
The ultimate goal of my No Spend 2010 is to save enough for a down payment on a home or condo.

Ideas for saving more:
Visit the library
Take advantage of Free-days at Zoos, Museums, and the like.
Ask for Gift cards for Birthdays and Holidays, I have no qualms about spending someone else’s money.
Live off our Year’s Supply.


Visit my new blog, No Spend 2010, to follow as I gear up and embark on the no spend year challenge.