July was a month where we spent more than usual, so I made a conscious effort to scale back in August, which we did accomplish. Many people are struggling with rising costs, including us, and so we have to try and do what we can to keep our expenses under control.
This month as we've been running out of things we’re simply doing without the item or coming up with a substitution. For example, I ran out of large garbage bags, but had tall kitchen garbage bags, so I made do with those for the time being. By managing without these items I can put off additional expenditures until next month. So, I've been keeping a running list of items we need and making do for the time being.
We will continue to monitor our spending and grocery store prices and make substitutions as we can in order to save where possible. This doesn't have to mean going without, but rather getting creative as I mentioned last week.
These were my simple goals for August:
Financial & Household
Plan several no spend days this month. ~ This was a success as I had multiple no spend days in August.
Declutter for Consignment at end of the month. ~ This was a success, and we cleared out many items we no longer use. We’ve also opened up valuable real estate in several areas of the house such as my bedroom closet.
Frugal Kitchen
Use one turkey from downstairs freezer ~ I have placed one turkey in the refrigerator downstairs, so it can be thawing, so I’m calling this a win.
Fitness, Wellness & Exercise
Return to my regular exercise routine. ~ This was mostly successful as I did ride my bicycle pedals everyday and added more walking and exercises into each day. This goal could still use some tweaking though as I also want to get back to the physical therapy exercises I was doing before.
Drink at least 6o ounces of water daily. Some days I fail on this goal, so this one needs to be worked on as well in September.
Schedule daily medicines ~ I did much better on this goal in August and want to continue this in September.
Personal Growth
Read at least one physical book ~ Done
Make and follow a daily to do list ~ Always a work in progress.
Christmas Goals
Work on making some large casserole potholders as Christmas presents.
How about you? Any goals you would like to accomplish in September? We will revisit these at the beginning of October.
We have been working on decluttering and selling a few things on Facebook marketplace. I think I will work on that again on the weekend. We did a dump trip yesterday and am planning on doing another today, so the garage is looking a bit better, more room to walk around. Good look with your goals.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gil. Sounds like you’ve been busy too. I love getting rid of the clutter and selling it is even better.
DeleteJuly's budget blew up but much was sticking up so I took was strategic in August. However, August was a lot of meals out due to a variety of factors. That said, September and probably October I'll be careful again on groceries and Household items. I'll make sure the household items are stocked for November so my kids can take care of my house easily for me. Man is everything expensive and shrinking in size.
ReplyDeleteYou said it, Sam…expensive and shrinking. That’s so great that your kids will be there while you are on your trip.
DeleteI think everyone blew their budget in July.
ReplyDeleteAt least we are in good company, right?! 😂
DeleteGreat goals and great finding new ways or subbing. I keep talking myself out of shopping! I have plenty here to use, so might as well.
ReplyDeleteJust taking time to think about things is a huge money saver.
My big freebie is the garden and walking - free exercise.
Thank you, Cheryl. You are so smart to not shop and use what you have there. Great freebies too! My kind of freebies.
DeleteSounds like you have done really well with your goals! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good profit at the consignment sale. Those casserole potholders will make great gifts.
I'm trying to do some fall cleaning and painting this month. The front porch is taking me longer than I expected, but I should have it finished unless I get rained out.
Going to make a menu to see how many meals that I can make without going to the store, except for milk and eggs. There doesn't seem to be much on sale this week so maybe I can avoid some spending.
Good luck with your goals this month.
DeleteThank you, Kathy. I wish you the best with your goals too. Fall cleaning and getting your front porch painted will be like a breath if fresh air. I like it when I make meals with what’s here and not need to go to the store too.
Our June and July were both very expensive months, but August ws pretty kind to us.
ReplyDeleteOur falls are usually a little busier and will see an increase in spending because of birthdays and buying for Christmas, and some events we have coming up. At least we planned financially for them.