NST: February: Back to Basics.

apple_muncher · 27 January 2016 at 7:48PM

NST: February: Back to Basics.

We have 29 days on this challenge together. From the 1st February all the way to the 29th. It is not really a ‘short’ month this year.
What is important to you? That is what you will naturally focus on and that is what will take up most of your energy, so choose wisely. Keep your eyes on that goal this month. What will you fill your head with this month? Remove excuses, unsatisfying filler activities (tv, FB, PC time) and dedicate time to your chosen focus.
Cut back to the basics. Be austere.
When is your Debt Free Date? How much do you need to pay each month to achieve this? Can you bring this date forward? What are the consequences of not meeting this date?

Food: If your cupboards are stuffed, then you are to hone and tone them. Be creative in your concoctions. Downshift brands. Set your budget and stick to it. Can you reduce it by 10%

Every penny has a purpose and a job. Allocate a role to them all. Pay to your debt/savings first. Do not give your money to coffee shops, canteens, vending machines, corner shops, takeaway outlets. Budget before the month starts and ensure you compensate for food, vehicle malfunctions, birthdays, travel, outings. And cut it back to the bone.

Buy a homeless person a tea/coffee; donate to a foodbank or the trussell trust; volunteer.

Recharge your batteries. The lighter days are coming. Do what you need to do to lift your mood (that involves no spending…!) Do it 5 times per week. So, clear stuff out and recycle it/give it away/donate it; sort out the paperwork that bothers you; exercise; listen to music; dance.

Use what you have before replenishing eg toiletries, cleaning products. Use up your freezer and cupboard stocks. Plan your meals. Take your lunch to work every single day you are there.

Avoid the virus that puts the over-riding feeling of ‘want’ beyond what you actually ‘need’, that makes us spend, waste food, accumulate debts. Weigh up every spend and if you decide to buy it, keep a note of it in your notebook.

Reduce your outings. You cannot afford to go out every weekend! Arrange them before the month starts and cut by 1. Can you do it cheaper?

Yellow stickers are your friend. If you need to use these or can get to a supermarket at the right time, then set yourself no NSD target (but keep within your budget). For those who prefer rules, you have to get 16 NSDs (not lost if you need medication, fuel, regular activities that need paying weekly or only buy reduced items)

Who is with me?

apple_muncher · 27 January 2016 at 7:48PM

Reserved for contenders:

1 apple muncher
2 misstara
3 *snow*white*
4 Eager_Elephant
5 crazy_cat_lady
6 WelshKitty85
7 Bobarella
8 Stewby
9 CandyCupcake
10 Catwoman_2015
11 Fmess
12 dolly84
13 Calling14
14 thriftylass
15 mothernerd
16 XSpender
17 FunBrum
18 marsbargirl
19 The Only Girl
20 positivelypunked
21 determined new ms
22 nannygladys
23 GSRcat
24 dizzyblnd
25 jeanangeo
26 Flee