June: A Spending Freeze

This month I've placed myself on a spending freeze for several reasons. One, I'm going to Europe in two and a half months! I need to save up my pretty pennies. With the exchange rate not being too great and my credit/debit cards charging international fees, I'm feeling self-inflicted pressure to have a cushion for this trip. I also want to invest in new dishes and kitchen cookware (I have VERY little now) so I'm saving up so I can maximize on those labor day sales! Can you tell I'm a planner? The past two months I've spent a lot on clothes and makeup. Once you start spending on that stuff, it's so hard to stop. At least for me it is. Summer and fall are my biggest weaknesses as that's when the best clothes come out and I'm ready for the new seasons. I also have a bad habit of shrinking clothes. Or at least I hope that's why they're getting smaller? I have several rules for myself while on a spending freeze.

1. DO NOT STEP FOOT IN A TARGET.
You might laugh, but I have no self control in there. I've taken inventory of all of my hygiene and cleaning supplies and I do not need to go Target. You hear me, giant bullseye?

2. NO BUYING CLOTHES OR MAKEUP OR OTHER BEAUTY SUPPLIES.
This is ZERO fun but it's something that needs to happen from time to time to keep budget in check and to detox myself from the "need" impulses we all get as consumers. I've checked my makeup bag. I can get through this month without buying anything. I'm sure of it.

3. NO ENTERTAINMENT EXPENSES MON-THURS.
No happy hour for me, no eating out just because on these days, and no froyo or coffee dates. On the weekends, I need a little indulgence but when I'm on a spending freeze I always think twice before accepting any social invitations that are expensive. I do plan on taking my boyfriend out on a date to the movies this month and making him some desserts. However, the money that I will save from not eating out or going to Target more than covers this. My weekends are not on freeze for fair priced entertainment.

4. DO SOMETHING FUN AND FREE EVERY WEEKEND.
Sometimes it's hard for us to come to terms with the fact that there are fun and free things to do! A few of my favorite things are the beach, hikes, walks, and picnics.

I may channel my buying impulses into blog posts so don't blame me if you see my bag obsession showing up here in the next few days. Fair warning!