The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
Good day. I went to Barnes and Nobles, saw a special someone, and read a bit of "your money or your life", which really is a good book. This years fast is a bit easier than last years.
An estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Housing = $13
Food = $3
Gas = $3
Total = $19
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
It was another good day, as I feel that I am not completely dependent on money. The past few months I have been spending more than it seemed necessary,but I think after this fast I will be a little more responsible. I have made some subaccounts at ING, most notably for vacation and for car repairs, and I think that when I get out of debt I will add additional categories such as housing and car.
Showing posts with label Fiscal Fast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fiscal Fast. Show all posts
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Fiscal Fast Day 3
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
Not a bad day today either. I mostly stayed at home, and I went to my open enrollment meeting for health benefits.
An estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Housing = $13
Food = $4
Gas = $1
Total = $18
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
Not a bad day today either. I mostly stayed at home, and I went to my open enrollment meeting for health benefits.
An estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Housing = $13
Food = $4
Gas = $1
Total = $18
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
I made a pizza from scratch which was really fun and came out better than I expected. I read a lot of an economics book, and played some video games. The stock market went way down today, but it is what it is.
Fiscal Fast Day 2
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
It was a really easy day, mostly because I was treated to lunch from my principal, and dinner from a special someone. The only challenge I had was to bring lunch and dinner on the road because I wasnt planning on staying home during the day.
An estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Housing = $13
Food = $9 (if i paid for buffet, $2 is I dont count it)
Gas = $4
Total = $26
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
It was a really easy day, mostly because I was treated to lunch from my principal, and dinner from a special someone. The only challenge I had was to bring lunch and dinner on the road because I wasnt planning on staying home during the day.
An estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Housing = $13
Food = $9 (if i paid for buffet, $2 is I dont count it)
Gas = $4
Total = $26
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
It was an easy day considering I was treated to two meals. Money is not as important as the relationships and friendships you build.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Fiscal Fast Day 1
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
It was an easy day. I stayed home literally all day. Saw the wilmington final, and cooked a huge chicken casserole. I figured that the casserole cost about $6 to make and it will be about 5 meals. Really good deal and good for you.
An estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Housing = $13
Food = $3
Gas = $0
Total = $16
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
It was good to start this fast after doing it last year. I thought a lot about money today and my goals for the future. I have come to realize the importance of an emergency fund, and I have also thought more about how to spend money on things I love, and not on things that I do not really care about.
It was an easy day. I stayed home literally all day. Saw the wilmington final, and cooked a huge chicken casserole. I figured that the casserole cost about $6 to make and it will be about 5 meals. Really good deal and good for you.
An estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Housing = $13
Food = $3
Gas = $0
Total = $16
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
It was good to start this fast after doing it last year. I thought a lot about money today and my goals for the future. I have come to realize the importance of an emergency fund, and I have also thought more about how to spend money on things I love, and not on things that I do not really care about.
Fiscally Responsible Independence Day Fiscal Fast Week
This year I have decided to begin the fiscal fast the day after independence day. It just seems appropriate to do it now as a way to have stronger feelings about the dependence of money.
I encourage you to read about last year's fiscal fast by clicking on the label for it on the right side of the screen.
A few details...
Last night I filled up my gas tank at the nearest gas station to home.
I did go to the grocery store on Thursday last week and spend about $30. However, I did not plan to do the fast this week so it seems ok.
If there is a genuine emergency such as my car breaking down then I will break fast (no pun intended).
I will continue the fast until Friday.
I will be leaving a journal entry each day next week concerning the following...
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
The main reason why I am doing this is to find ways to enjoy life without depending on money. Also, I want to find places where I could lower miscellaneous expenses and I think by fasting it will show me ways I have not thought of.
Please leave comments of your thoughts or encouragements.
I encourage you to read about last year's fiscal fast by clicking on the label for it on the right side of the screen.
A few details...
Last night I filled up my gas tank at the nearest gas station to home.
I did go to the grocery store on Thursday last week and spend about $30. However, I did not plan to do the fast this week so it seems ok.
If there is a genuine emergency such as my car breaking down then I will break fast (no pun intended).
I will continue the fast until Friday.
I will be leaving a journal entry each day next week concerning the following...
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
The main reason why I am doing this is to find ways to enjoy life without depending on money. Also, I want to find places where I could lower miscellaneous expenses and I think by fasting it will show me ways I have not thought of.
Please leave comments of your thoughts or encouragements.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Fiscal Fast: Year 2
I will be going on a road trip with Andrew to New Mexico and West Texas, and the week after I get back I will be going on a fiscal fast. For those of you who dont know what this entails, please click on the label fiscal fast on the right side of the screen. I will pretty much go one full week without spending any money. Right before the fast I will buy approximately $20 worth of groceries and fill my gas tank in my car. Unless it is a dire emergency I will refuse to spend money on anything.
Some random thoughts:
- I am already thinking of unique recipes I will make using ingredients that I already have at home.
- In hindsight my finances this time of year are much better then they were last June.
- I have some interesting thoughts on spending money on people I care about which will be explained in another post.
- I have been buying about 90% of my purchases via cash. The only times I will not use cash is when I am splitting the bill with someone and dont want to get change, or when the bill is like $9.03 or something. I refuse to carry change. It feels pretty good going to UFCU with about $8 in change every month anyways.
- I just paid off a $4000 credit card that I had waited on due to a significant other. When that fell through I felt really good paying off a credit card with a high balance without even flinching.
- My laptop is joining my mom in Florida. aka retirement. Im likely going to buy a macbook, but if I do I need to use it for at least 3 years for it to be financially worth it for me.
- My car is still going strong after hitting 160000 miles. After going 6 months without a car loan I dont see why I would ever get a car loan again (unless my car breaks down in a big way by next year, knock on metal)
- Long term, assuming lots of things most notably a lack of a significant other, I feel like once I build an emergency fund I might just want to invest fully in the Roth IRA then put more in a Roth 403B rather than save up for a house. Just a thought, and if a significant other comes around that changes everything. Thats another reason why a look at money as security in terms of having more options in life.
Ok, enough blabbering at 6 AM
Some random thoughts:
- I am already thinking of unique recipes I will make using ingredients that I already have at home.
- In hindsight my finances this time of year are much better then they were last June.
- I have some interesting thoughts on spending money on people I care about which will be explained in another post.
- I have been buying about 90% of my purchases via cash. The only times I will not use cash is when I am splitting the bill with someone and dont want to get change, or when the bill is like $9.03 or something. I refuse to carry change. It feels pretty good going to UFCU with about $8 in change every month anyways.
- I just paid off a $4000 credit card that I had waited on due to a significant other. When that fell through I felt really good paying off a credit card with a high balance without even flinching.
- My laptop is joining my mom in Florida. aka retirement. Im likely going to buy a macbook, but if I do I need to use it for at least 3 years for it to be financially worth it for me.
- My car is still going strong after hitting 160000 miles. After going 6 months without a car loan I dont see why I would ever get a car loan again (unless my car breaks down in a big way by next year, knock on metal)
- Long term, assuming lots of things most notably a lack of a significant other, I feel like once I build an emergency fund I might just want to invest fully in the Roth IRA then put more in a Roth 403B rather than save up for a house. Just a thought, and if a significant other comes around that changes everything. Thats another reason why a look at money as security in terms of having more options in life.
Ok, enough blabbering at 6 AM
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Fiscal Fast every month!
I am going to be doing 7 days of fiscal fasting every month. I will not do them all consecutively but randomly throughout the month.
For readers that do not know what a fiscal fast is, it is when you go a certain amount of time where you do not use any money for anything. I have already completed a fiscal fast in July, and I will be fasting for 7 days out of every month until I have no more debt.
I think that this is easily possible to accomplish in my situation. At school I am too far to go somewhere for lunch and Ive been cooking a lot more thanks to the newfound beauty of leftovers. This is all I have to do for 2 days during each week and its equal to a fiscal fast each month!
I challenge you to go 7 days out of the month where you do not spend any money. Its really not as hard as it seems and you will clearly see ways you can cut expenses and budget better.
For readers that do not know what a fiscal fast is, it is when you go a certain amount of time where you do not use any money for anything. I have already completed a fiscal fast in July, and I will be fasting for 7 days out of every month until I have no more debt.
I think that this is easily possible to accomplish in my situation. At school I am too far to go somewhere for lunch and Ive been cooking a lot more thanks to the newfound beauty of leftovers. This is all I have to do for 2 days during each week and its equal to a fiscal fast each month!
I challenge you to go 7 days out of the month where you do not spend any money. Its really not as hard as it seems and you will clearly see ways you can cut expenses and budget better.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Fiscal Fast: Day 5
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
Not a tough day. I waited until 12:10 to pick up some random food on Saturday just for the sake of it.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter = $13
Food= $3
Gas = $4
Total = $20
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
It was a very positive experience going through the fast. I will start to eat healthier and not go out to eat as much. I am going to do a week long fast once a week every year, just to remember my lack of dependence for money. I will be able to save $2000 this month, and I could reasonably save $1500 a month in September. It sure feels good not being dependent on a ton of money.
Not a tough day. I waited until 12:10 to pick up some random food on Saturday just for the sake of it.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter = $13
Food= $3
Gas = $4
Total = $20
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
It was a very positive experience going through the fast. I will start to eat healthier and not go out to eat as much. I am going to do a week long fast once a week every year, just to remember my lack of dependence for money. I will be able to save $2000 this month, and I could reasonably save $1500 a month in September. It sure feels good not being dependent on a ton of money.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Fiscal Fast: Day 4
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
Again, it was not a tough day at all. I became a little bored randomly in the afternoon, but no big deal.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter = $13
Food= $3
Gas = $3
Total = $19
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
I am starting to realize that it is possible to live a pretty good life with very little money. I learned some really interesting recipes that I want to cook next week, and I am definitely eating a lot healthier during the fast than I would otherwise. Eating healthy is also cheaper than eating with a high grocery bill. The bottom of the food pyramid is grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which you could buy for under $1 a pound, while meat and dairy is quite a bit more than that. Eating cheaper naturally seems healthier. I am lowering my budget for food by $50 a month, and I will end up eating out less due to cost and health. Today was another day where my Roth IRA made as much money as it cost to live, totally rocks!
Again, it was not a tough day at all. I became a little bored randomly in the afternoon, but no big deal.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter = $13
Food= $3
Gas = $3
Total = $19
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
I am starting to realize that it is possible to live a pretty good life with very little money. I learned some really interesting recipes that I want to cook next week, and I am definitely eating a lot healthier during the fast than I would otherwise. Eating healthy is also cheaper than eating with a high grocery bill. The bottom of the food pyramid is grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which you could buy for under $1 a pound, while meat and dairy is quite a bit more than that. Eating cheaper naturally seems healthier. I am lowering my budget for food by $50 a month, and I will end up eating out less due to cost and health. Today was another day where my Roth IRA made as much money as it cost to live, totally rocks!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Fiscal Fast: Day 3
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
There really weren't any challenges that I could think of. It was a very laid back day. If I had to bring up one challenge, it might be that I have about 2 meals of chicken left.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter= $13
Food = $4
Gas = $5
Total = $22
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
Today was a really easy day. I didnt really feel like I had to spend money on anything today. I read a lot: mostly Diary of Anne Frank and Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea (great book!) I had a good day today; it looks like I dont need to spend lots of money in order to enjoy life. In other good news, I made enough money in my Roth IRA to cover my costs of living today! That is an amazing feeling, it will be even better when this happens when Im older.
There really weren't any challenges that I could think of. It was a very laid back day. If I had to bring up one challenge, it might be that I have about 2 meals of chicken left.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter= $13
Food = $4
Gas = $5
Total = $22
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
Today was a really easy day. I didnt really feel like I had to spend money on anything today. I read a lot: mostly Diary of Anne Frank and Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea (great book!) I had a good day today; it looks like I dont need to spend lots of money in order to enjoy life. In other good news, I made enough money in my Roth IRA to cover my costs of living today! That is an amazing feeling, it will be even better when this happens when Im older.
Fiscal Fast: Day 2
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
The toughest challenge I faced today was not eating after I went to the gym. I went about 4 hours after the gym without eating, pretty much lost any gained muscle there. I also went to the library and looked about 5 minutes for a parking spot that didn''t have a meter, but I didn't have to walk much either so it wasn't that big of a deal.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter= $13
Food = $6
Gas = $6 (went to the simonizers and played frisbee golf)
Total = $25
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
Today was definitely tougher than yesterday but I still got by fine besides my hungriness for an hour or so. There was definitely more positive than negative though; I found a tutoring client that I will tutor for 4.5 hours a week (thats about $500 a month extra!) I also went to the gym and went on the bike and traveled the same distance as my home to school just to see if I could do it. It took 28 minutes, but it might be pretty different in real life due to hills and occasional traffic. I think I am going to get a bike and occasionally drive it to school (when I don't tutor afterwards). If its reasonable doing this, then I wouldn't ever get freaked out if my car doesn't work! I also just noticed that the Dark Night starts on Friday. It would be nice if I could go to a matinee on Friday and it wouldn't be rediculously crowded, but Ill just wait until next week to go.
The toughest challenge I faced today was not eating after I went to the gym. I went about 4 hours after the gym without eating, pretty much lost any gained muscle there. I also went to the library and looked about 5 minutes for a parking spot that didn''t have a meter, but I didn't have to walk much either so it wasn't that big of a deal.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter= $13
Food = $6
Gas = $6 (went to the simonizers and played frisbee golf)
Total = $25
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
Today was definitely tougher than yesterday but I still got by fine besides my hungriness for an hour or so. There was definitely more positive than negative though; I found a tutoring client that I will tutor for 4.5 hours a week (thats about $500 a month extra!) I also went to the gym and went on the bike and traveled the same distance as my home to school just to see if I could do it. It took 28 minutes, but it might be pretty different in real life due to hills and occasional traffic. I think I am going to get a bike and occasionally drive it to school (when I don't tutor afterwards). If its reasonable doing this, then I wouldn't ever get freaked out if my car doesn't work! I also just noticed that the Dark Night starts on Friday. It would be nice if I could go to a matinee on Friday and it wouldn't be rediculously crowded, but Ill just wait until next week to go.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Fiscal Fast: Day 1
This is my entry for day one of my fiscal fast. Each day I will write about the following topics highlighted in blue
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
The toughest challenge was right at the beginning of the day when I drove back home from the Simonizer. I was really tired and I had to drive 30 miles back home, and I really wanted to stop and get a breakfast taco and coffee. I still made it back home, ate a good breakfast of bread, eggs and a peach, and got by pretty easily after I took a nap.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter = $13
Food = $4
Gas = $5
Total = $22
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
In general it was a very positive day. I made a really good pasta sauce that kept me pleasantly occupied, and I read quite a bit of the Diary of Anne Frank. I feel that the fast will keep my mind thinking of creative ways to be entertained. Since it was the middle of the month I also projected out how much I will spend in the rest of the month. It looks like every category will be significantly lower than normal. Including normal debt payments but not including by Roth IRA and savings, I will spend about $2,000 this month. Really not bad.
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
The toughest challenge was right at the beginning of the day when I drove back home from the Simonizer. I was really tired and I had to drive 30 miles back home, and I really wanted to stop and get a breakfast taco and coffee. I still made it back home, ate a good breakfast of bread, eggs and a peach, and got by pretty easily after I took a nap.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
Shelter = $13
Food = $4
Gas = $5
Total = $22
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
In general it was a very positive day. I made a really good pasta sauce that kept me pleasantly occupied, and I read quite a bit of the Diary of Anne Frank. I feel that the fast will keep my mind thinking of creative ways to be entertained. Since it was the middle of the month I also projected out how much I will spend in the rest of the month. It looks like every category will be significantly lower than normal. Including normal debt payments but not including by Roth IRA and savings, I will spend about $2,000 this month. Really not bad.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Fiscal Fast
I will be going on a fiscal fast from Monday July14 until Friday July 18th. What this means is that between Monday and Friday I will not spend money on ANYTHING. I do not have any other bills for the rest of the month, so it will cost me nothing to live those 5 days.
A few details...
On Sunday night I will fill up my gas tank at the nearest gas station to home.
I will spend no more than $20 on groceries the Friday before the fast.
If there is a genuine emergency such as my car breaking down then I will break fast (no pun intended)
I will be leaving a journal entry each day next week concerning the following..
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
The main reason why I am doing this is to find ways to enjoy life without depending on money. Also, I want to find places where I could lower miscellaneous expenses and I think by fasting it will show me ways I have not thought of.
Please leave comments of your thoughts or encouragements.
A few details...
On Sunday night I will fill up my gas tank at the nearest gas station to home.
I will spend no more than $20 on groceries the Friday before the fast.
If there is a genuine emergency such as my car breaking down then I will break fast (no pun intended)
I will be leaving a journal entry each day next week concerning the following..
The challenges of getting through the day without spending any money.
As estimate of how much money I would have normally spent that day.
An observation (positive or negative) about my fiscal fasting experience that day.
The main reason why I am doing this is to find ways to enjoy life without depending on money. Also, I want to find places where I could lower miscellaneous expenses and I think by fasting it will show me ways I have not thought of.
Please leave comments of your thoughts or encouragements.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
