I considered doing another no-spend month in April, but after struggling through March (and falling off the wagon) I'm not enthusiastic. I was able to save quite a bit, but I also had to pass on a couple of very nice bargains, and say "I'm not spending this month" so many times I sounded like a broken record. My guy did not help a lot with my goal and sometimes even tempted me to spend, which is when I fell off the wagon.
What March taught me -- other than it is really hard not to spend any money for 31 days -- is that my behavior has to change. I need to avoid temptation, like searching for yarn lots at the online auction site. It's a fun habit, but it also tempts me to bid. Aside from what I need for one big Wool Ease project and some gifts I have planned for this coming winter, I really have enough yarn now to last me for at least a year. If I see some good sales on Hobbii, or I spot Wool Ease for a good price when I'm out at the brick and mortar thrifts, I will buy them, but otherwise I'm good.
I also need to find other ways to reward myself for finishing tough projects (spring cleaning for one, stuff for the day job, too.) It's nice to shop and get myself something new that I want, but that's all I do lately. I'm going to instead plan days out with my guy and our nephew, and having a nice meal together, which we all enjoy. I already started last week by taking them to Disney Springs for dinner (and my guy paid for our meal at The Earl of Sandwich, which is about the best food for a cheap price in the park.)
Finally, with the rising cost of, well, everything, I need to stockpile extra funds for the uncertainties of the future. That means seriously curtailing my spending so I can save more money every month. I think I'll give myself a $50.00 monthly thrifting budget. If I don't use it, I won't add to it. I wonder, how long can I make $50.00 last? We'll find out when I report back in May. :)
Image by Olya Adamovich from Pixabay
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