Week 2 Update: March 24-30, 2024

This week was a lighter week for monthly bills, so I was able to save a lot more this week than Week 1. It was a bit easier for me, as I didn’t have an urge to buy anything unnecessary. Just food, paid parking at the hospital (for an appointment), and a car wash. My uni bestie visited from Denver, and she was very excited for my shopping ban! I am usually an excessive planner for guests–I buy way too much food, we end up eating out a lot, so I waste a lot of food. But this time, I made a very specific and minimalist menu (she still said I overdid it, but I didn’t even buy desserts for us!). There was no food wasted, and I was very pleased. On Friday, I went to my sister’s in Edmonton for Easter. I tried to be less excessive packing. I did the best I ever have for any length trip. One small suitcase (carry-on size), my gym bag, and one cooler bag from Save On for dog food. Those who know me well, know that I am the opposite of a light packer! I usually fill the entire backseat and sometimes the hatchback area of my Rav. I think trying to be more of a minimalist for purchases is carrying over to other aspects of my life! It was much easier to unpack the car (one load!), so I really appreciated that.

I can see how powerful this shopping ban already is in my life. I feel a new control over my life that I haven’t had before. I have hopes of saving money to go on long weekend or weeklong trips, and to save for retirement, which I hope will be in 10-14 years! Last year I went to Seattle, and I loved sightseeing around the city. I’ve always wanted to go to San Francisco, New Orleans, and New York City. I haven’t been on a winter vacation to a beachy location since 2004! I hope to be able to put some of the tips from Cait Flanders’ book on traveling on a tight budget. I’ve always bought a t-shirt or tank top when I have gone to a concert or a new city but may have to start thinking about tweaking that habit and changing my mindset to see the trip and the sightseeing as my keepsakes.