This is NOT an eating or diet type of challenge. I am challenging myself to NOT spend any money on myself until December, or maybe later. I will see if I can extend the deadline. I ‘m thinking by then I might need some new underwear or socks or something. I’m calling it the Savings Spree Challenge. I’ve done this sort of thing through the summer or the dead of winter and actually succeeded. However, I will confess here and now, that before embarking on the “shopping hold” I had already done the damage for that Season so that there wasn’t anything I could possibly need! I’m thinking that kind of defeated the purpose. This time I am beginning with only the clothes in my closet from last year and am determined to keep myself from adding to it.
After recently cleaning out my mother’s home and her many closets overflowing with clothes, I realized there is just no need in the accumulation of more clothes. I know I have more clothes in my closet right now than I will ever wear. I am not, and have never been known as a particularly well dressed, follow the latest trend, fashionista type of person. So, maybe most folks won’t even notice that I’m wearing last year’s or even several year’s before jeans, boots, sweaters and coats. I will even have to hold off on purchasing a new purse for the Season. That one does hurt. I love a bag! During this time I am also going to streamline what I do have and do actually wear. I normally do a pretty good job of cleaning out and donating what I do not use. I tend to follow that rule of getting rid of something each time you bring something into the closet. However, I still find myself holding on to things year after year without ever taking them off the hanger. I have also kept some of those poor purchases just because I feel so guilty getting rid of something that I haven’t really worn. Well, no more of that. There won’t be any more poor shopping choices as I won’t be doing any shopping, so that part will be easy! There’s also no need to continue having those bad choices take up space in my closet. I’m imagining my closet looking so neat and clean like those you see in closet advertisements – you know, where everything is lined up by color, all neat and pressed, and you can actually see what you have. I always have closet envy when I see that!
There’s another reason to embark on this Challenge. Without mincing words – to save money. I’m tired of opening up my credit card bills and wincing at the balance. A couple of months ago I put them in a sealed envelope in a drawer and there they will stay. I’m actually looking forward to watching the numbers decrease and having no spending guilt when the bills come in.
I am hoping this Savings Spree Challenge will make me feel free and light and immune to the massive amount of spending and accumulating that goes on around us. I know I do not need more things in my life. I need time, energy, nice days, health, friends and hugs.
I am hoping that writing this here will be a reminder to me when I am tempted. This will hold me accountable. If you see me about to crack or evidence that I’ve cheated I hope you call me out on it! And, of course, feel free to join me! I would love/need the company! Even if it’s only for a month, or a week . . . .
P.S. However, please don’t call me out if you see me not looking so stylish or cute . . . .
What have you challenged yourself with lately? How do your closets look? How do you keep your shopping in check? How tempted are you by the new Seasons?
Hope you are having a great week!
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