I got together with Mrs. HB for a second week in a row and not only did I do all her grocery shopping with her, but hung out at her house one morning to meal prep for the coming week ahead and to make a few freezer meals. Those are the pictures you’ll see when you scroll through this post.
She is giddy at rewiring her brain and stopping to THINK before she spends and it is bringing her peace and happiness. And it’s so fun to witness. We went on a walk last week and since I was on a no spend week, instead of stopping for tea and coffee like we usually do, I brought a thermos and recycled cups and we stopped for cocoa on a bench instead. I said “Hey, we just saved $5!” and you could see the wheels turning in her eyes.
I could go on and on about this I think I’ll let her chime in instead. Below are comments she left on the blog last week and I wanted to make sure everyone saw them all.
Change. It’s a GOOD THING. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. We all have bad habits we’d like to curb. But the bottom line is, it’s your money, your hard, HARD earned money and no one else is going to put food on your table. So watch your dollars. Your older self will thank you in the years to come.
***********************
Monday, January 9th, 2017
Wow, I am over run with emotion as I have read every word that ya’ll have written and it is ALL so supportive and informative and enlightening! I honestly will take all your suggestions to heart and will over time incorporate them into my plan…. Unfortunately it’s just the start of the week and already I have blown my personal spending budget!
Not all on food stuffs but other life stuff. I locked my keys in the car, $80, Blinds needed repair, $53, and during a Boy Scout outing, which we had planned on cooking out, the weather got bad and the troop ended up eating out which was another $53 (I paid for my son’s friend who didn’t bring any extra money). This is hard but, my stars, I am so touched by all the positive feedback.
Quite honestly I expected a lot of negativity, beating myself up that I had let it go this far, too lazy and not disciplined, etc. Just goes to show what wonderful readers Mavis has! It will be an interesting and self reflective journey but I am committed!
Oh did I forget to mention that for 20 years my wonderful husband has been asking me to make a budget for his Christmas or Birthday present? Yes he has and I hate to confess that it took me this long. But better late than never and with Mavis’ help I finally have given him this gift. This is not only for my sanity but for him and a little less anxiety in his life.
Friday, January 13th,
Well I cant believe that I have survived this week but honestly it has been a very liberating week. Tomorrow starts my second week and as of Thursday evening I have $460 in reserve! You cant even imagine my real face emoji that I am feeling right now. And I know exactly what the biggest reason why is….. Cash only!
I have been so scared and apprehensive about this you cant even imagine. Because I am no longer carrying my debit or credit cards with me, I keep thinking what if I NEED money ? At the grocery, whatever. But the strange thing is… I have all but stopped spending on just stuff.
Example: Driving home from work meeting the other night, traffic was HORRIBLE! I knew my in-laws had the kids and my husband was taking Little HB to baseball, so really no real need to get home. Dinner was in frig, if they so chose to eat it. Normally I would stop for a “pee break” and to let traffic die down at a local TJ mAXX or Marshalls, just to vege. I swear it IS retail therapy but in the moment I would spend $100, $200 on stuff I didn’t need. I really enjoyed this time of uforia but then would come the anxiety of the impending bill!
I don’t need this anxiety in my life and I passed the opportunity up. Mainly at this point because I know Mavis is looking over my shoulder! I also passed up a $3.50 ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s! Wait for it …….. IN MY DREAM! I am starting to dream about saving ! Totally bazar! Anyway this week has left me feeling more empowered and light, emotionally, physically and spiritually! What a gift Mavis my friend has giving me!!!! Thank you Mavis!
~Mrs. HB
Note from Mavis: No hater comments okay… We all have bad habits. Energy drinks, soda and bottled water could easily shave $50 off her budget. We all know that. BABY STEPS. Slow and steady wins the race. That’s what I’m talking about. Planning ahead, and relearning how to shop and what your priorities are takes time. And I think my friend is doing an AWESOME job so far. 🙂 Keep on rockin’ Mrs. HB. You’re doing great!
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