As I started recording some purchases this week, I decided to organize my document that I write these updates in. I had debated when I started to do a 3-month shopping ban. Being 7 weeks in now, I had thought about extending that to 6 months. The reason I said 3 months initially was to give myself a manageable goal; and to be off the ban come summer! As my mindset is slowly shifting, I realized that I had wanted to be able to buy souvenirs during the summer camping trip with my niece and nephew on Vancouver Island. As the weeks pass, I realize that I don’t NEED anything from the trip, as long as I can take photos. Or I could dedicate my July birthday money to things I really want. I started a wish list, including Taylor Swift’s new album, and two I don’t have of hers, and headphones that will dedicate to my TV as my neighbours are quite loud in this old wooden building. I still have a long time before the trip and my birthday to decide but I am feeling confident that I can continue this shopping ban—most likely, for one year. My end date for now will be: Month 12: March 9-15, 2025!
I was on Facebook Marketplace to renew some ads this week, and looked at a few things for sale, but wasn’t tempted, which is new for me. It is really empowering to choose that you need nothing, so you spend your time doing other things rather than online browsing. I also found a Buy Nothing group in my neighbourhood, where people give things away that they don’t need, and others can respond to the photos, asking to be considered. I’ve given away a couple of things so far, that help with the decluttering I’m starting around the condo. It’s a great group to be part of, to pass on things others may use more than you do, and less ends up in the landfill.
I had a weird allergic reaction this month, with 5 full days of hives. I spoke to the pharmacist, and he thought it might be the high pollen counts or snow mold. Since I am allergic to pollen, dust, mold, grass, etc, it could be several things. After 5 days, and Benadryl, the reaction thankfully ended. There were a few allergy creams for the hives and the Benadryl purchased. I’m now on 3 different eye drops for allergies too.
| MONEY SAVED:51 % I sold some Lululemon shorts and bras that no longer fit, I received my tax refund, which went directly on my credit card to pay for my glasses. I saved 51% this week. | MONEY SPENT: 49% This week’s money was spent on 90s concert tickets with a good group of friends for July, new glasses and prescription sunglasses, groceries, a meal out once a week, gym payments, prescriptions/pharmacy supplies, my puppy emergency fund, my monthly RRSP investment, tax bill at H&R Block, dog food and treats, Alfie’s small groom, some treats for my friend who lost her mom, movie ticket and popcorn at a movie, half of our Mother’s day gift to our mom, car insurance, home insurance, and ice cream from a local shop (this I will have to cut way back on, as it is delicious, but crazy expensive!). |
