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March No Spend

At the local farmer's market last weekend I bought this jar of raw honey and a bunch of organic carrots (not pictured; we ate them) with what cash I had in my wallet. They are what I hope to be my only buys in March. At the end of February I paid for my March medical insurance premium, which still has not gone up, and paid off my credit card bill as I do at the end of every month. I am currently at zero on my credit card and have no more cash, and hope to stay that way until April 1st.

This is just a genuine effort on my part to see if I can go 31 days without spending any money. I wanted 2026 to be a no-spend year for me, but when my premium didn't skyrocket I thought "Why do it?" Still, I need to save up for some other things, particularly some dental work, so I'm going to back pedal and try one month. Since my guy is giving me a much-need financial break by buying our groceries every month, and I've paid all my bills, I should be fine.

I have learned that it's very, very difficult not to spend money, especially when I do need something. Bras that actually fit me (I thrifted six new with tags last month for under $20.) Small padded envelopes (I've run out.) A decent size roasting pan for chicken (I made a Greek garlic roasted recipe whole chicken last night, and had to cook the darn thing on a cookie sheet with a flimsy aluminum rack.)

I could justify these expenses as necessary, but the truth is most times I could wait or just make do with what I have while I save. I am not sorry I bought the lingerie -- it is insanely hard to find bras that fit me -- but I can cut down some bigger envelopes, and use my cookie sheets until my birthday, as I've requested a roasting pan as a gift.

Keep your fingers crossed for me, and I'll report back at the end of the month and tell you how I did.

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