Blogging Away Debt

Last Week and This Week – Spending Report

I did not post my typical spending report this past Monday for two reasons. First, life is wearing me down with the house drama. And two, I am rocking my Anticipated Spending (see this past week’s spending plan here) and No Spend Month so much there is nothing to talk about – go me!

In fact, I’m not posting a typical Anticipated Spending today BECAUSE other than gas for my car…I have no plans to spend any money this week. Wow! Wish me luck.

This week is the epitome of No Spend Month since there aren’t even any bills due.

Planning for the Holidays

With money on my mind and not in my hand, I am starting to think about the holidays. If you will remember, I did not put any money for Christmas or any of the fall holidays in my Fall Budget.

But really, do you think I could go a Christmas without spending any money, specifically on gifts? Have any BAD readers ever had a No Spend Christmas? I am very interested.

I’ve had two thoughts on this. One I don’t know if I could get through Christmas without giving gifts. There is just something in me that demands that. And I love this idea as far as kid gifts.

Planning for Christmas presents for kids – credit to a Facebook post (not mine)

On the other hand, I’m really committed to my financial goal of getting out of debt. And not spending for Christmas would be a big boost towards that. I would love to know BAD reader thoughts.

And if I do a No Spend Christmas (other than food, of course which would be grocery money rather than holiday money,) I would love ideas on how to make Christmas special. I’ve been brainstorming experiences (free) we could do that would make it special. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

Volunteer to feed the hungry somewhere.
Scavenger hunt.
Cook off or bake off.
White elephant gift exchange.

Hit me with your best ideas as I continue to work on a plan. I’m definitely leaning to a No Spend Christmas. Or maybe really limited spend Christmas.

Halfway Thru No Spend October

by Hope

No spend month has been uneventful money wise. But otherwise, quite hard. We are going through a number of adjustments on the personal level. And there are no easy days right now.

History Buff

History Buff has found a full time job. It’s hard manual labor and good on many levels. But it is also very hard for him to be up and out the door every morning having never done this. I’ve been supporting him by getting up with him at 4 or 5am and helping get him out the door.

He’s also had to borrow some money to get through these weeks with no income. He had to buy jeans (he ripped his) and keep gas in his car to get back and forth. (He will pay me back with his first check this week.)

Gymnast

Gymnast is struggling with being homeschooled again. (We both are, but I don’t know of any alternatives right now.) While this is mostly emotional and behavioral adjustments, it is taking a toll on the household. If you are a praying person, please pray both he and I can give each other grace and patience.

Sea Cadet

Sea Cadet is staying busy with his part time work and full time schooling. But he and History Buff are struggling with the changes and having to share a space after almost two years of having their independence from one another.

Princess

Princess is not happy with my decision to have her dual enrolled in the spring. She is loving the high school experience, and is sad that she won’t be on the high school campus full time. I did read everyone’s comments on dual enrollment piece, and we are only pursuing the core courses at the collegiate level.

Currently she will take English and US History, both required for high school graduation and guaranteed to transfer to Georgia schools. She is also registered for a welding class because she is LOVING welding and the courses at the high school are very hard to get into. (She has completed two welding classes at the high school and must complete three to graduate.)

Our cup really does run over with with emotional and physical transitions right now. Thankfully, the money pressure is off. And I start every day counting my blessings!

And one of my favorite blessings this time of year is the cooler weather and the chance to wear my favorite fuzzy socks…what are your fall favorites?

fuzzy socks

Reading Books

On the bright side…I’ve been reading a lot with our slower daily schedule and more downtime then I remember ever having! But I haven’t finished a single book. I just keep jumping around. Do you do that?

Currently, I’m reading:

I’ve also been creating a list on Amazon of other books to read as I get the time. If interested, you can see my list here.

I would love any recommendations you might have.