Spending Freeze

Not spending sprees? I had to move this topic way down to the middle of this month (just in time to do one) because I have been busy traveling and that is not the best time to go on a spending freeze. Going on one now that I’m back and basically broke should be a lot easier. Spending freezes work best when they are planned events and they can last as long as you’d like them to though 2 weeks is the usual freeze time. During the spending freeze you don’t spend and by figuring out what your missing (stuff you are spending on during your regular routine) helps you realize just how much you could be saving. Before you start a spending freeze it’s a good idea to have decided where you are going to put the money you save so you don’t undo the good work of the freeze. It is also a good idea to have the car gassed up, toilet paper stocked, and the menus planned and shopped for. You should keep a small amount of money available for perishable food items, but that extra latte at the drive thru goes off limits along with, pizza delivery and the weekend DVD from the Redbox. Homemade pizza is easy, inexpensive, and healthier than ordering out. It can be a bit messy when you involve the kids in creating the pizzas but the fun and family time is worth it. Instead of a movie break out a board game or something the whole family can do on the Wii. After the spending freeze take a fresh look at your budget and see if it needs tweaking. It is so easy to get in the habit of spending everything you get income-wise each month or week. My mother always said money has a way of burning a hole in your pocket. A spending freeze might just be the thing to get you on track and saving for some future needs or fun.