Cold, rainy days can lead to cabin fever and a desire for something to challenge the mind and spirit. Being in that kind of mindset while watching the evening news a couple of weeks ago, we were intrigued by KATU’s Shelley Bailey-Shah’s challenge to go a month without spending any money. An exchange of emails and a couple of phone calls later we accepted her invitation to participate.
While we won’t truly go without spending any money from March 6 through April 5, we won’t contribute to the economy at our usual pace. All the utilities and other will continue to be paid. Our insurance will stay in force. We won’t be hitting the mall, going out to eat, stopping at the gas station every few days or downloading that new app for the smartphone.
This week I am busy being a very organized hoarder. All groceries must be purchased before we put the checkbook and credit cards away. For a month, we will be eating out of the pantry and freezer. Even for two folks, that takes some planning. I am learning how long apples, oranges, lettuce and other fresh fruits and vegetables last. It looks like by the end of the month cabbage and carrots will be our primary fresh produce. We are stocked up on toilet paper, shampoo, laundry soap and all those other essentials.
We are also looking at how we can keep the cars parked and budget our driving so that essential driving – dentist, grandson’s birthday party and a few outings to keep us from going stir crazy happen as well as leaving enough fuel for those trips that aren’t on the calendar today.
So why participate in this frugality challenge? I agree there is much about this that is artificial. The challenge is an exercise in mindfulness. For the month Paul and I will be forced to look at how we spend our time. This month will be an opportunity to focus our attention on the present and what it offers instead of chasing the next shiny thing.
By the end of the month I am sure I will be even more grateful for the branch of the library within biking distance, sunny days for long walks and free movies on television.
We do plan to host a frugality party March 24. You are requested to bring an appetizer and if you feel like it, perhaps an apple, orange or fresh veggie to restock our fridge. We will provide the red wine (we know we have enough to get us through the month and share too). More details to follow.
Now it is time to get back to my planning, scheming and lists.
