The great countryside no shopping week

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How about the week of Sept . 25th we see if we can stay out of the store .Make food from scratch , use what we have on the homestead .No stopping for a quick burger and for me no soda .

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), September 19, 2000

Answers

I'm game! As long as it's "no shopping" and not "no spending" - can't get along without the football game and my letters! Both of which are cheap entertainment, when you think about it. This past week has been a budget breaker with ma-in-law's birthday and Sis's Homecoming week at school - my pocketbook will be glad of a rest!

-- Polly (tigger@moultrie.com), September 19, 2000.

I'm game to try, but have found with my new job, working from 5:00 to 1:30 in the morning, that I'm always tired and have been buying more frozen veggies than usual. I don't buy the other packaged foods as we can't eat most of that stuff, anyway, and don't do the quick foods for the same reasons.

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), September 19, 2000.

Is this our whole family or just us?

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 19, 2000.

I'm game, I've done it before and it's not that hard, of course everyone who doesn't have chickens, goats,or a cow will have to make sure you have plenty of that stuff before the 25th, making homemade stuff uses lots of those two things, well on the milk we could use the powdered if you don't have fresh raw milk on your place. Are we supposed to report at the end of the week, soda's aren't a problem for me it's that candy bar at the checkout line. I plan to start milking my goats again this week. Carol in Tx

-- Carol (cwaldrop@peoplescom.net), September 19, 2000.

How about some different levels? I bet there are some people out there who can't quite face a whole WEEK without spending money, so what if everybody does what they can, big or small? A week, or even a day or 2 of not going for fast food or the vending machines would be a huge step for some. A lot of people don't have the room or money for storing up a lot of food and other supplies. They are some of the folks who could most benefit from no or reduced spending. Gerbil

-- Gerbil (ima_gerbil@hotmail.com), September 19, 2000.


Do it the way you feel comfortable .Every little bit helps .It may be easier for some knowing they are not alone .

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), September 19, 2000.

This is a great week for this purpose. The last week of the month is the week I never have any money anyway! I have longed to try this but really wanted moral support. If we all encourage each other, I think we'll all do better. Now, everyone start planning.

-- Cheryl Cox (bramblecottage@hotmail.com), September 19, 2000.

I'd love to try this! The fewer the times I have to go to town the BETTER!!! Carrie in Wis

-- Carrie Wehler (carriew@ticon.net), September 19, 2000.

I am 30 minutes from a grocery store so everything is fine except milk! Instead of being a total failure could we just take a look at where we can't stay away from buying and also I don't think it is fair to go to the store on the 24th and fill up like Y2K. I'd like to see where I am actually if a crisis took place without any advance notice. Debbie - What do you think?

-- Debbie Wolcott (bwolcott@cwis.net), September 19, 2000.

A no shopping fast. It may seem mighty slow for some, though. Patty, from some of the responses, I think you've hit on something far deeper than just saving money. For those of you who try this and especially those that complete it, you'll have more than just $$ in you pocket. You can't go on any kind of a fast and not reap rewards from it; and rewards other than what you're fasting from. This could really be a great experience for some of us. If you try it and see that you're not prepared for it, you'll have gained knowledge for the next time you want to fast. If you don't make it, don't beat yourself up. Realize the success you do have and the knowledge you've gained about yourself.

This fast wouldn't be hard for me but it would be for my husband. He's out in the working most of the time, I'm at home. But I sure can appreciate it. I've been homeless, we've been homeless, so doing without is no big deal. One thing we did learn about ourselves, is when we have more money we hold on to it harder, but when we don't have hardly any, we do spend it easily. That may not make sense, but it's the way it is.

I hope lots of people try this and go for the learning, not just the saving.

Guess I better get my grandson's birthday money sent this week. And since my husband was injured and missed a couple days, we'll have a short check, so we'll have to be even wiser.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), September 19, 2000.



When I had my back surgery this past May I could not go anyplace for 2 months because I could not sit! Aside from sending my husband out for necesseties and medication for me, we did no shopping. I couldn't believe how much money I saved. In fact, I saved enough that I am taking a long awaited for vacation with my two sisters in October that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford. Going for a week without shopping seems easy compared to that - I'm game! I agree that it would not be fair to shop for extras the 24th to carry you through. I always grocery shop for 2 weeks at a time and this Thursday is my time for the next two weeks. I'll not grocery shop any more after that until the forst or 2nd of October.

-- barbara (barbaraj@mis.net), September 19, 2000.

I'm in....I posted on an earlier thread that I attempted to go for the entire month of July, and did quite well. (Only bought a pizza.) I'm working VERY hard at paying off debt, and managing to put away a few $$ each month since I started my paper route. I'm seeing progress, and that really motivates me. I have clear, attainable goals, and I'm so excited about the future. (I still have to buy my farm!) I know that I'll have it easier than most, because it's only me, and as Gerbil said, everyone can do this at different degrees. So....I am challenging myself to a longer period of time. I will not spend one penny on food from 9/25 to 10/31, that's five weeks....no stocking up, 'cause that defeats the purpose. I have to tell you, when I did it last month, the first week was the hardest. After that first week, it's like being on a high because it's such a feeling of freedom. Good Luck Everyone!

-- Cathy Horn (hrnofplnty@webtv.net), September 19, 2000.

Grocerys, no problem! We could 'fatten up for winter' ( I have already!) on what's in the pantry. But the Goodwill, and church Thriftshop, no deal, they have 'surprise' $1 bag sales! I'm addicted!

-- Kathy (catfish@bestweb.net), September 19, 2000.

I'm in, too. I just know that will be the week they have a great auction or something, but if I don't look at the sale bill, I won't be tempted. Same with those ads that come in the Sunday paper. If you don't see it, you won't want it. I'll even stay out of the thrift shop that week, and just see what we can do. I've already tried to set a limit for groceries, and didn't do very well, as I kept seeing sales and stocking up on items that were great buys, and that I knew we would need. Got to quit that! Good luck to all! Jan

-- Jan in Colorado (Janice12@aol.com), September 19, 2000.

sorry no can do my birthday is that week and I get birthday money so got to get new shoes before the rains start.

-- kathy h (saddlebronc@msn.com), September 20, 2000.


I'm okay. It's the spouse that never seems to want to cooperate. He feels that if he's gonna make it, he's gonna spend it.

-- Sandy (smd2@netzero.net), September 20, 2000.

I'm an old woman on this forum/ I have had & I have had not!!!!!! I have raised children/step-children/ foster children/ helped anyone & everyone who I thought could use a little help. And I have fasted for times when in prayer about things. I have done without--& finally this last year God showed me I WAS NOT TAKEING CARE OF MYSELF!!!!! SAVEING MONEY & DOING WITHOUT ///HAD BECOME AN OBSESSION WITH ME!!!!! I needed to stop & smell the roses & ENJOY LIFE--AS IT IS WAY TOO SHORT!!!! So I no longier feel guilty for spending a little money once in a while on things I enjoy!! I have spent all my life saveing & doing without & God revealed to me THAT HE DID NOT WANT ME TO LIVE A LIFE STYLE WHERE I ONLY DID FOR OTHERS & NEVER THOUGHT OF MY SELF!!! I have gone without--when I never had too/ because I lived that life style--always saveing & always doing without---God showed me that is not what life is all about!!! We are to be good stewards & serve others --but we are also to enjoy life & I have found when I treat myself better--I'm even a nicier & happier person!!! I went without shopping unless it was to make money for our business--I have done without--I have saved--NOW IF I WANT SOMETHING --I DO IT --BUT I NEVER TAKE IT FOR GRANTED & I THANK GOD FOR EVERYTHING!!!!! Sorry if I want to do something nice for my self or someone else that week I will & I'll praise God that I can!!!! I'm going to enjoy what life I have left--I'm not ever going to to spend money I don't have-- or spend foolishly --but I will take better care of my self because when I do that I take better care of everyone else! I may go crazy wild that week & go out to eat --or treat my daughter & her family--or I may call a friend & just pay that long distance phone bill & tell her how special she is to me!!!!! I have done without--now I'm going to enjoy life instead of going without when I never needed to!!!!!!!!And now that I am old I wear purple!!!! Sonda in Ks.

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), September 20, 2000.

Sonda, sorry if the post upset you .Know one has to be part of this if they don't want to .Live life as you see fit .For the rest of us who would like to I'll be writing in on the 25th .

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), September 20, 2000.

Patty, Hon-- you did not upset me--I just was very upset with my self that I wasted so many years of my life takeing care of everyone else & never realizeing that I never did anything nice for my self!!!!! You should know me/ by now that I say things with out much tact or grace! I see so many young girls with their families that are makeing the same mistakes that I did!!!! It is fine & good to save money --I praise you for doing so---but don't wait until you are old like me to see that life is so short & do nice things for your self!!!! That spending money & shopping is not wrong if you are not excessive!!! If you want to go for a month or a year without shopping/ go for it--- but also I'm saying --BE GOOD TO YOURSELVES!!! Don't wait until you are an old lady like me to see=== what did I do it for??? Wish we could see each other face to face & you could hear my voice --as sometimes --I'm sure I come off with what I say in a different way than what I mean it!!! I'm rather coarse--but don't mean to be!!!! I just want you girls to see also that sometimes the small amout of money saved is not a "big deal", in the whole picture of things!!!! Sure wish I would have spent more & did more & made more long distance phone calls instead of thinking of the money it would cost!! It must not have came across the way I wanted it to--did I do any better this time?????? You girls are very special to me/ I just don't like to see people make the same mistakes I did if they don't have to- --not saying not shopping is a mistake---but being--tooooo obsessive about saveing money & not being good to your self is not good either-- -I really hope that made sense!!! Sonda in Ks.

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), September 20, 2000.

Sonda, my problem is the opposite I spend way to much and go out to dinner way to much .I need to get in control .Go get a pizza and a coke and enjoy .

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), September 20, 2000.

Due to a sudden decrease in income along with a sudden increase in bills (and they haven't even come to fill the gas tank for the fall yet!) I'm already pretty much on minimal purchasing as it is, for Lord knows how long. Just the odd birthday gift and such is all I'll be spending on that isn't bare neccessities for the next few months at least. Okay, I lie, I bought a jar of Nutella when I went grocery shopping this week - our first jar ever. After the first sampling, it was immediately voted a permanent pantry position. Guess I'll have to give up something or the other to make room.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), September 20, 2000.

Soni- I grew up on Nutella in Italy! We had it in preschool on a mini- loaf of warm bread. I would fall asleep at naptime with a saved half in my pocket.

For those who haven't tried it- it is spreadable chocolate like peanut butter made from hazelnuts.

I will try to be good for a week too. For me that will be staying away from the grocery store and not buying plants!

-- Amy Richards (tiggerwife@aol.com), September 20, 2000.


Sonda, I am an old lady too! My husband and I have worked very hard to be in the position we are in now. It was worth it! I don't feel that I was deprived of anything although for many years we only bought necesseties. We had a goal we were working towards and because we were frugal, we have accomplished that goal and it is a wonderful feeling. Money does not buy happiness. There are many things you can do for fun or for friends and family without spending a lot of money. I don't mean one has to totally do without but we need to set our own priorities and goals and decide for ourselves if the sacrifice is worth it. For us it definitely was but everyone is different. I will be more than eager to go a week without spending, except to pay the water and phone bill and electric bill!

-- barbara (barbaraj@mis.net), September 21, 2000.

I'll have to do this the week after, next Wednesday we are going to MS to see my daughter and put up shelves in her dining room for her birthday. So there is gas money not ordinarily spent although the lumber is already bought. But I'l read the posts here next week and that will surely get me all revved up for my no shopping week. Good luck to everyone and here's to your will-power!

-- ArtieAnn Karns (rokarns@arkansas.net), September 21, 2000.

Barbara said it beautifully!!! All I'm trying to do is cut back where I can, so I can continue to add to my savings. My goal is to be debt free and have money in my pocket so I can buy property for my 45th birthday (Nov. 2002). I'm very proud of myself, because 3 years ago I was so far in debt I wondered if I'd ever get caught up. I made a 5 year plan, and worked my a** off. I've made do and done without. I've cried a lot. But...nothing is more important to me right now than buying land. And I think I can say this for all of us - Sonda, you are a sweetheart, and are very dear to us, too.

-- Cathy Horn (hrnofplnty@webtv.net), September 22, 2000.

Hang in there Cathy, you will reach your goal!!! You have reason to be proud. Being in debt is the "American" way anymore, not necessarily the best way though! I pray that this week of no spending will help others to see that they can reach their dream goals too. Just take time, as I think is what Sonda is trying to say, to smell the roses along the way - that doesn't have to cost a lot! God bless you all.

-- barbara (barbaraj@mis.net), September 22, 2000.

Hi I just got home from spending 3 days with my daughter & babysitting with grandsons as she had doctor appointments for the new baby she is expecting! I went crazy wild & bought my self a new robe & slippers!!! I haven't done that in years!!!!!!!!( As A matter of fact I don't think I ever have done that!!!! ha) Barbara you are right you can do nice things for people & not spend a penny! We have not owed anyone a penny for years & when I married my sweet, hubbie (many moons ago) he had 4 children & TONS & Tons of debts!!!!! I have always owned my own business & during those days I worked 2 & 3 jobs so we could have/ & still sold everything I had/ to keep our heads above water!!! I had NEVER lived a lifestyle where I owed anyone a penny--& found my self in water so deep/ by someones elses (any thing but fugal living)!!!! Furgal is a word that would have ment the same as "spend thrift"--I was WAY BEYOND "furgal", I was totally obsessed with not spending any money!!!! The only money that was spend was on things that had to be-(and believe me/ I mean had to be). If I had a 10 million dollars/now/ believe me I would still be frugal/ & most of what we had/ would still go to help others--but I would make life easier for my own family & for my self! I have raised my own daughter to where she never does for her own self/ as that is all she saw & knew! There can be extremes both ways!! It had taken my hubby & his ex years to get that far in debt by extreme spending---it took me a very short time to get us out of debt & with a business paid for / home & land & schooling for the kids, etc. But I truelly wish I would have baked more pizza & called my parents & family more/ bought my self something I would have enjoyed/ as Kathy says, that dollar grab bag is a lot of fun for her---I never would have considered a dollar grab bag!!!!! That is obsessive!!!! I see my daughter do for others & I never see her buy anything for her self--I have taught her to be obsessive, also!! When you have saved & money is not a problem/ because you are furgal--it is ok to do something nice for yourself---I had never done that!!!! The most I would ever spend on my self was for someone to cut my hair once in a while--as I'm an old hairdresser & a good hair cut is very important to me!!! If in OVER 50 years the only thing you did selfish (is how I felt it was) is a hair cut===when money is not a problem at all/ I'm being obsessive!!!! Just wanted to let you girls know /if money is not a problem it is ok to do something for your self & others & not feel GUILTY about it!!! And to enjoy==& I mean REALLY ENJOY!!!! If it is a dollar box of epson salts to make yourself a bathsalts with to enjoy a bubble bath. The dollar might be well spent!!!!!! If it is a $1 grab bag/ it is ok to buy it/ it was probably well spent!!!! It is ok to let someone in the house eat a whole apple & not cut it up to share with 2 or 3 others if you have the money for apples. It is ok to have juice with pop corn as an evening snack if you have money for more juice for breakfast! What some people see as frugal/ I saw as being a spend thrift!! But I'm doing better!!! And I'm helping my daughter to see I was obsessive/ not just frugal!! Thanks for being so sweet!!!! As I said/ you girls are so precious to me & I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did!!!! Best wishes with your not spending for a week--but girls I think the best is to put into practice your everyday living of not spending what you don't have!!!! Or put into practice everyday of the week your being frugal!!! As it would be like a diet--on again /off again with no change in the big picture!!!! But when you are being frufal remember to ENJOY make that peanut butter sandwiches a picnic on the livingroom floor with a blanket. And it is ok to buy good food if you have the money to do it as it may help your family's health in the long run! If you are being frugal--also be senseable!!!!!! the old mother hen in Ks. Sonda

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), September 24, 2000.

Soni and Amy Nutella was an instant addiction in this house too..but only with my husband and I. Our kids are so wierd..LOL They'd rather have crackers than a chocolate chip cookie sometimes. My hips wish I was like that! Anyways, I am new to this forum and am thrilled that I found it. I conduct workshops on Frugal Living for the local womens center and host a bulletin board on a Canadian parenting site. I was not "born" frugal..more like "born again" frugal with some occassional relapses.. I try to be frugal so that we can exist on one income and I can be home with my gorgeous boys (3 yrs and 21 months). I am not always as successful as I would like. I love the idea of shopping free week and wish that is was next week instead of this week. Since its pay week I have groceries to buy and the 3yr old has a birthday party to attend. Rats!!!! Other than that I am way with you gals! Sonda, I wish that you were my neighbor. We could share some great chats. You sound like my kind of pal! Good luck to all especially the lady thats going for 5 weeks of shopping fasting. Alison in Nova Scotia

-- Alison Proteau (aproteau@istar.ca), September 25, 2000.

It's o.k. if you can't do it all week , what about a day or two ? That would be great .We can continue for a month if we want .Lets just share what helps , what we made from scratch ect .

-- Patty Gamble (fodfarms@slic.com), September 25, 2000.

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