The Compact Challenge 2010 (formally "Need help for a challenge")

415SanFran

Ha thanks for the warning oldmacdonald I did this in the US where they do not have pin and chip.

pink_numbers

Hi everyone.

Firstly, thank you so so much for all your support. I am truly touched by the kind messages you have all sent me. It took me by a surprise, as I didn't realise there were so many of you lurking! lol Honestly, you guys have made my day! (I'm not quite eliquent enough to write how greatful I am of everyone, but I really really am).

OH and I had a good chat last night. Really, probably the first time we chatted about how to ease the bipolar in practical ways. We figured out that the critical thing is being accountable for my actions/spending. We have money VERY separate, I mean I have no idea how much he spends on what, and visa versa. This makes it super easy for me to spend spend spend, with no one questioning how much I'm spending. So we're going to be totally transparent to each other, and explain what I spent my money on. The thought of my OH feeling let down because I had a splurge is enough to stop me!

He will be keeping my card, as it's not about HIM being in control (he can't really have any control over me in the first place and he knows this ). It's just me not knowing where it is. We spoke at length about it, and agreed that (mostly to prevent arguments when I am hot headed) he doesn't make the decision on whether I can spend the money. That's still my decision. However, the thought of me fessing up to wanting to splurge is probably going to be enough to stop me. We'll keep trying new ways of dealing with this until we find something that works.

I think it's a superb idea to make things from the yarn to donate to charity! (SanFran, you are as ever full of good ideas!) More kitty blankets coming up!

I do feel much better today, having actually fessed up to my splurges for the first time to anyone. I should've done this before. I am also really glad that between my OH and I, we have made some positive steps. I am extremely touched by the warm support you have given me, thank you so much.



ETA: I am still going to keep up with my challenges!

pink_numbers

oldMcDonald wrote: »

Just a little warning....

We did this a couple of years ago, and then we needed one of the cards for a breakdown which led to a very expensive repair of our mini-bus. When we defrosted our card the white signature strip on the back was destroyed and the chip and pin had stopped working on it - we had to get new cards sent out. Whilst waiting for the new cards did stop any impulse spending, it wasn't all that helpful in an emergency!

:rotfl:Thanks for the warning! I've always been unsure about this method, and now I know why!

pink_numbers

veggieblob wrote: »

Pink Numbers - I've been lurking on this thread because I find it inspiring. I'm not up to doing the whole hog but I have made improvements after reading your thread and I bet I'm not the only one! I can't comment on the bi-polar aspect as I know very little about it, but it does appear that you have a wonderful way of managing it, even if you do trip up occasionally.
Please don't hide from the thread because you have had a hiccup. You are helping people look at what they are spending and are an inspiration, even more so for being honest about your "blips".
If you were my daughter I'd say I'm very proud of you and what you are doing - I really hope that comes across as it's meant, not as condescending!
Keep up the good work!
Suex

Your message made me cry, in a very good way! and yes it did come across as warm heartedly as you intended. Thank you

ceridwen

CRAFTING HOBBIES

www.meanqueen-lifeaftermoney.blogspot.com/

is Ilona's blog where she creates crafty things virtually from thin air.

Just a thought - in view of the earlier mentions of crafting hobbies.:D

MrsMoo2U

I would just like to say that I found this thread today. I am always in awe of people who have the gumption to take on a challenge like this. What strength of character you all have. I would love to be able to take up this challenge and it is something I have thought about lots of times. I am not ready for the full challenge yet but I, like OldMacdonald, will probably dip my toe in the water. I am interested in the fact that you make your own toiletries etc. I hope to learn from that as we go along. If you dont mind I will post and join in where I can but please forgive me for not being as brave as the rest of you.
My bible for making my own things is The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood http://www.amazon.com/FRAGRANT-PHARMACY-VALERIE-ANN-WORWOOD/dp/0553403974 (sorry dont know how to do hyperlink) It has some lovely ideas in there.
On a clothes buying note. I have to say that I have lots of clothes to sell on ebay and I dont want to buy new this year. The nicest skirt that I have came from a charity shop (first every buy from a charity shop) and every time I wear it people make lovely comments. That has spurred me on. I would also love to be able to knit and crochet.
Look forward to keeping up with you all.

pink_numbers

ceridwen - thank you for that link, I've been reading through her blog now, I want to be THAT crazy when I'm 60!

cherisong - welcome to the thread I think it took about a year and a half, maybe more, from the day I found out about the compact challenge to when I was ready to commit to doing the challenge. Just like yourself, I took small steps in making changes all around my life, until I felt I was ready.
Please do keep posting thank you for the link, I will check it out as I have heard of the book mentioned before.

patman99

I keep trying to cut-back on everything, but with a (nearly) 17 year-old son who thinks all his computers should be permanently left-on, and the the phone is a toy, then it is really becoming hard to cut-back.

soon2bjobless

I have just been reading this thread from the beginning and find it totally fascinating - years ago we had huge debts and I really did the no-buying thing and felt totally isolated - this was before the credit crunch arrived and it is now acceptable (and applauded) to try out things like this - it worked, we have no debt but gradually my retail therapy has creeped up again. I actually started blogging myself about it - http://awantnotaneed.blogspot.com/

So far the weather has actually helped as in I cant physically get to the shops!

Alison_Funnell

pink_numbers wrote: »

Alison Funnel
Thank you How is your no new toiletries challenge going so far? I must warn you, once you do such challenges, it will change the way you look at things so much that it won't be long before you'll be joining us in this challenge

Sorry I didn't reply sooner - so easy to get distracted in all the various forums and threads here!

Oh the toiletries challenge is a doddle - I have a STUPIDLY sized stock pile. I am talking over 24 bottles of stuff, huge amounts of soap and masses of bathbombs and such similar items. So it's more a using it up and no being a consumer tbh.

You are right, it is addictive. I have been wanting to go to the sales and visit a newly discovered poundland and other such goodies - but I can't bring myself to do it and spend money!!!

There was a collection at work for a colleague who is retiring and as I donated my amount I was thinking in my head how long others would be able to live off that amount!:rotfl: