No Spending January Still Going Strong!

No Spending January Still Going Strong!

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Day 24 of my no spending January and its going well.  Actually, its been pretty easy.  I knew Id have to spend a little on gas and food but I havent spent money on anything else.  I filled my gas tank once and will easily make it through the rest of the month (Its nice living about two miles from my office!).  Ive been eating mostly from my pantry and freezer so my food costs have been very low also.  I did make a trip to Aldi for some fresh fruit, vegetables and bread.  I did get a couple of extras like chips and crackers, too, but I only spent $29.35.  And I probably wont get anymore groceries for the rest of the month.  Considering that the only other groceries I bought this month came from a Walmart gift card (earned on Swagbucks), my out of pocket is minimal.  In addition to keeping my spending to an absolute minimum, Ive been able to increase my income by taking a couple extra shifts at work and spending a little time online.  Ive cashed out for a $25 Walmart card and $50 Paypal from Swagbucks already.  Ive made $5 from Gifthulk, $10 from InstaGC, and $6.12 from QuickRewards.  It all adds up!

Increasing my income while lowering my spending has been quite fun.  I have no intention of doing anything differently next month.  Or next year.  I love the freedom that comes from consuming less.  I love watching my wealth increase.  The realization that if I lose my job - or want to walk away from it - I will be fine.  I plan to increase my 40K saving rate from 6% to 8% today.  And Ill probably increase it again once I get used to that take-home number. I will invest the full $5,500 in my Roth IRA by the end of February.  And I will pay down a portion of my mortgage (I know a lot of people dont believe in paying off a mortgage early, but I hate debt and want to be completely debt free.  My mortgage is the only debt I have so I know this goal is attainable.).  Early retirement is in view and I cant wait.  

No Spending January Still Going Strong!

No Spending January Update!

No Spending January Update!

This post may contain affiliate links.

Im nearing the halfway mark for the month of January and still going strong.  So how am I doing?  I didnt spend one penny until January 10th!  Then, I did have to fill my gas tank (at $1.59 per gallon, it wasnt too expensive!  I was able to take advantage of a gas points saving program from my local grocery store.  I earned $.60 off per gallon!) and had to buy lunch out.  I was on a day trip to see my daughter play hockey.  I needed something to eat between her games.  I bought from the lunch specials menu to save money and took the leftovers home for dinner.  That set me back $12.66 for the two meals.  Not bad.  Not great, though.  How am I living without spending?  Heres a short list list of tips -

1 - Ive been eating what I have on hand.  Whenever I think about going out to shop for groceries, I look at my pantry and freezer and eat what I already have.  It might not be what Im in the mood for but its a lot better than spending money!

2 - I reheated yesterdays coffee.  A few days last week, I didnt finish my pot of coffee.  Instead of dumping it, I reheated it the next morning.

3 - I used Walmart gift cards to buy a few things I needed to complete meals - fresh bread and fruit and veggies.  I earned them from websites and use them to get free groceries.  I explained how I earn them in my last post.  Ive even put in a little more effort to increase my earnings!

4 - I brought my lunch to work every day last week.  This is an easy one for me because I dont want to run around during my 30 minute lunch break.  I sit at my desk and relax.  Or run Swagbucks on my phone.  Ive already earned a $25 Walmart git card and $25 Paypal from Swagbucks this month!  

5 - I earned $3.50 from Ibotta on groceries I purchased from Walmart (with gift cards - nothing out of pocket!).  Ibotta is a great website/app that pays rebates on groceries - and not just prepackaged food.  I save on bananas, milk, OJ and lots of other fresh food!  It really helps keep money in my pocket.  And if you sign up through my referral link, you can earn $10 after you redeem your first rebate!

So, those are some of the strategies Im using to save more.  And so far, its working!  Hopefully, it will help you too!

No Spending January Update!