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I'm thinking about trying this out. I'm a broke student and I need ways to save money to buy winter clothes that will stand up to the Boston winter. I also want to start saving, even though I really am living month to month as it is.
I was watching Extreme Cheapskates on TLC and discovered the "Fiscal Fast" method. You go one week without spending any money. The only money you can spend is if you find some loose change around the house. You are also not allowed to stock pile before the fast.
Has anyone tried this?
Any ideas or tips?
Have you tried this? Would you try this?
I have to pick up a a few necessities from CVS tomorrow and then I can start.
I'm thinking about trying this out. I'm a broke student and I need ways to save money to buy winter clothes that will stand up to the Boston winter. I also want to start saving, even though I really am living month to month as it is.
I was watching Extreme Cheapskates on TLC and discovered the "Fiscal Fast" method. You go one week without spending any money. The only money you can spend is if you find some loose change around the house. You are also not allowed to stock pile before the fast.
Has anyone tried this?
Any ideas or tips?
Have you tried this? Would you try this?
I have to pick up a a few necessities from CVS tomorrow and then I can start.
We went an entire year of purchasing only what we needed, nothing more and we paid off 4 debts that year, it was great and bought our very first Certificate of Deposit for $500.00. We are now debt free and continue to purchase only what we need, it is a nice, simple easy way to live without excessive junk and clutter around your home.
I can only see that making a difference if you routinely buy a lot of stuff you don't need just because you see it.
I suggest that you try this: when you see something you want to buy, ask if you really need it and if you can afford it. If you really need it, wait a week and if you still think you really need it, then shop to get the best price ad buy it. That will eliminate most of your impulse buys.
I can only see that making a difference if you routinely buy a lot of stuff you don't need just because you see it.
I suggest that you try this: when you see something you want to buy, ask if you really need it and if you can afford it. If you really need it, wait a week and if you still think you really need it, then shop to get the best price ad buy it. That will eliminate most of your impulse buys.
Has to apply to services as well, since we spend more on those than merchandise.
I've done this, but not to an extreme. I just vowed to not go grocery shopping or out to eat and use up what I had. I did allow myself to purchase milk if need be (which I didn't need to), and of course gas for the car. But I didn't grocery shop and there was no stopping for coffee or "I don't feel like cooking so I'll eat out".
I forced myself to cook, and I actually enjoyed cleaning out the pantry.
I've done this, but not to an extreme. I just vowed to not go grocery shopping or out to eat and use up what I had. I did allow myself to purchase milk if need be (which I didn't need to), and of course gas for the car. But I didn't grocery shop and there was no stopping for coffee or "I don't feel like cooking so I'll eat out".
I forced myself to cook, and I actually enjoyed cleaning out the pantry.
I feel the same way. I shop once a week and plan for the pantry and fridge to be mostly empty by the next grocery run. I keep a list of items that are about to expire on the fridge door* and troll the internet looking for recipes to use up that last little bit of whatever. This morning I made chocolate mouse with the remainder of ricotta from last week's lasagna. Additionally, I schedule one "bits and pieces" dinner during the week to use up leftovers. Our grocery bills have dropped dramatically since I adopted a "use-it-up/don't throw it out" philosophy.
*I also keep my grocery receipts, so I know exactly how much money I'm throwing away when I do let food expire. It's been quite an eye-opener.
Last edited by randomparent; 04-08-2013 at 02:29 PM..
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