In case you aren’t aware I put myself on a spending ban to get back in control of my finances. You can check out February’s post for all the info and rules I have to follow. You can also see how I got on last month in March’s post.
While I’ve still made the odd purchase this month I feel like the spending ban has been a worthwhile exercise. Previously if I wanted something I would generally just buy it without much thought. Before I buy anything now I stop and think whether I actually need it. I also consider if there is an alternative or if I can get it cheaper elsewhere. I definitely feel much more in control of my finances than I was at the start of this little experiment.
How did I do?
The idea with the spending ban was to stop me endlessly shopping but still allow me to pay bills etc. My living costs have been higher this month but I think that I have done better with spending in other areas so it should have balanced out. I had to pay my car tax (£190) which I had completely forgotten about. I’ve also had a dentist appointment and an eye test and contact lens check at the optician.
I have also been out a little more this month. I have an event this week and I couldn’t stop myself buying a new dress, although it is a hell of a lot cheaper than I would normally spend.
Saving wise I am pretty pleased with myself. This month I have saved around £535 and over the course of the three months my savings total has reached £1085! To be honest I am completely shocked as while I do save a bit each month it is only a small amount because I believed I couldn’t save anymore. I clearly had no idea how much money I was randomly spending and I never really had much to show for it.
From now on I will be more mindful of where my money goes and will hopefully create a good balance between treating myself and saving for a rainy day.
Spending not including living costs:
- Brunch at the Tamburlaine Hotel (delicious and 100% worth it) – £15
- Dress for launch party ( complete bargain) – £10 from Boohoo
- Ticket to hear Alexandra Shulman speak at Cambridge Literary Festival – £12
Well done. It’s amazing how much you have saved. At the start of the year I did say I was going to spend less but my problem is all the cute Disney stuff in Primark. Also branded nail polish in pound shops I love a bargain.
Author
It was definitely worth doing but there is no way I could have carried on with it. I’m just going to try and be a bit more mindful from now on. I was tempted by so many things!
Hello from a new reader. I loved your spending ban posts. I am currently on day 3 of my spending ban and I’m finding that eating out of the freezer rather than mindlessy food shopping every 3 days is stopping me spending so much on treats like ice cream. I’m going to aim for a one month spendng ban and document it on my blog. Remie
Author
Hi! Thank you, I’m glad you like them. Part of me feels like I need another challenge but I guess I am still trying to only by ten items over the year. Think I might fail that one! I will definitely look out for your spending ban posts 🙂