Being on maternity leave has its benefits. Namely, I get to stay home with my baby for a whole year. The challenge, is that with me not working, we have significantly less money coming in the door. My maternity leave benefits and Stephen Harper beer and popcorn money are basically enough to cover our mortgage, property taxes and insurance, after that, Scott is left carrying the ball for everything else. We don't live an extravagant lifestyle, but I am a woman who likes to shop. I don't even have fancy taste or like expensive shoes. Well, I like them, I just don't buy them. My point is, I've been thinking lately that I really need to rein the spending in. I'm sure my husband will read this and breathe a sigh of relief.
In her ever timely-reading my mind fashion, Jennifer posted about this very subject matter. She was inspired by Crazy Aunt Purl. I am going to see if I can take on the challenge for at least the summer months. Realistically, I should commit to this for the next year, but I want to see how hard it is before I get all crazy and stuff.
So, for the months of June, July and August, I will not buy anything that isn't essential (ie - food, drink, crucial toiletries, things the kids really need). The only caveat is that if Scott and I actually line up a babysitter, we will spend money on entertainment - we get out so rarely, that will hardly break the bank.
I'm going to keep a running tally of items I did not purchase, and a list of things that I would like that I will not purchase at this time. Hey - maybe by this Christmas I'll actually be able to think of things for people to get me instead of the last few years where I just scratched my head and racked my brain for gift suggestions for spoiled spoiled me. Bonus!
Items Not Purchased:
Purple Gund Ostrich (for Cameron)
Items I Would Like (But will not purchase)
Subscription to "In Style" magazine
Love it! And you're hardcore going three whole months!
ReplyDeleteI envy your commitment. I also need to do this. badly. It's so hard..especially because I am so bored living here. ugh. You are stronger than me !
ReplyDeleteI even added a list to the right side to track my good behaviour. Hopefully I won't have to add a list called "Things I really shouldn't have purchased".
ReplyDeleteTina: I totally know what you mean about the boredom. I shop when I'm bored between appointments for work. That's been the biggest challenge so far.
ReplyDeleteKat: If you don't care about the big screen, you can watch all the seasons here: http://www.surfthechannel.com/tv/Gilmore_Girls/
But hopefully your contact can get them for free!
J.
Nice idea. I'm still jealous about Canada's VERY generous maternity leave benefits, though. Argh! A whole year off? I got 10 short weeks. Don't get me wrong - I'm grateful I had that long - most only have enough sick and vacation time to take 6 weeks. I'm just now getting enough vacation time built back up to be able to go home to Colorado at the end of next month for 5 days. Huz's bro is getting married and the grandparents need to see Claire! It's been since Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, (sorry about that venting) I like the idea of living within your means and buying what you NEED, not WANT. I need to adopt this lifestyle!