How to survive a week and only spend $100 - sounds easy right?
So recently I have been trying to pay off some credits card debit and I came across a page where this woman paid off her college debt by only spending $300 each check. She was paid every two weeks, so $150 every week.
I was super intrigued by this and wondered if I could do the same. I am competitive, so I bumped it down to $100 to really test my spending ability.
Breaking down the money.
At first, you think "$100 that is easy, I will have no problem."
Okay bills excluded, everything thing else matters. The fun you have, gas you need, and groceries for the house. I have 4 dogs; their food is included too! The cat litter, the dish soap, and the TP. (Please do not go without the last item.)
Monday starts and I am doing great. There is food in the fridge, gym is paid for, cleaning is free, and I already went premium on WA. I have it good!
Dollars spent =$0
Okay Tuesday, how are we doing? Well I got up, had food in the fridge, did some writing and worked on my site, and then went to work in the evening.
Oh no, on the way to work I had to get gas... Gas is not cheap and my easy 10 minute commute turned into a 30-minute drive.
I could not fill up my tank because of 2 reasons:
1. It would be close to $60.
2. The dollar amount would be with change and honestly who wants to deal with that.
So, $40 on pump 3 it was.
Yes, I could have gotten less gas or not even included gas in my promise. I don't think so, go big or go home!
$60 left and only 2 days in.
Today is day 3 and it is only Wednesday. I woke up late, did some work at home, a little writing, and then went to work in the evening. Doing good so far?
I did not have coffee at home, because I had just run out. (I wasn't smart enough to go shopping before I started this fun challenge.) Okay a coffee and a water $3.50 that's easy.
On my way home, I realized there was only protein in the fridge, no veggies to top my salad, AND I did really want a cocktail. Okay fine, I will stop at Safeway.
- Tomatoes= $2.50
- Avocado= $1.99
- Eggs= $3.99
- Cherries= $5 <--Instant regret
- Peppers= $1.99
- Bourbon= $19.99 <--FML
Final total= $40.09
Now granted the Bourbon will last me awhile, but come on man.
$19.91 and it is only Wednesday.
Tomorrow is my day off, but I should have everything I need right?
I have food for a couple of days, gas in the car, the gym is paid for, and I canceled my plans (specifically for this reason). That only leaves me the weekend. I plan on working and checking off my lessons, so I should be fine.
...are we almost out of dog food?
I will keep you posted on how this first week goes :)
Recent Comments
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We are budgeting at the moment too so I feel your pain, a couple of easy days and you’ll make it stretch :)
Thank you Heidi! It is quite entertaining seeing what you would usually spend your money on an how much it all adds up!
We were doing everything online and using cards, now we take out our cash every week, divided it up and like you have a set amount for everything.
It’s a lot different when you have to part with you cold hard cash instead of waving a card and just buying what you want, certainly makes me rethink what I really need.
And it’s working, our bank balance is going up again lol.
Haha ya. These darn credit cards! We went on a trip to Italy, which was amazing, but it came out to a lot more than I had planned. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but it is hanging over my head!