$19.24
I've morphed from No-Spending January to Thoughtful Spending February and so far I'm pleased with the results. Until this afternoon my only spending for "things" in February was $3.99 for organizers for the bathroom. But I started to have a list of "needs," and decided to see if I could visit Dollar General and not go wild. How thoughtful would I be?
My list of "needs" was comprised of toilet paper, gum and greeting cards. I figured I would add sugarless candy if I found a variety I liked. My estimated spending for this visit was eight to ten dollars.
I explored a different branch than I usually shop at and happily found it closer to home and much less crowded. The card selection was extensive and well stocked. I bought a dozen assorted birthday, get well, sympathy and Easter cards. I found gum, sugarless toffee candy -- not easy to find -- and toilet paper. I added the two packets of tuna fish -- $2.49 each in my neighborhood -- cheese and the vanilla coffee I received in my Valentine package. I've really come to like it and I was happy to find it. The food purchases were $7.00.
I added two packages of padded mailers -- always useful to have on hand -- and no regrets here. The only purchase I can describe as not-so-thoughtful are the Coffee Time oven mitt and dish towel. If it had been January I would have headed directly to the checkout counter without those two items. But it's February and I'm really enjoying using my Coffee Time dish towel.
My biggest regret is the cheese. I didn't look at the package very carefully and I found tonight that it's a bad sign when the notice on the bag says, "This product is not formulated to melt." My lesson in thoughtfulness for February is to read the label before I put the product in my shopping cart.
My next challenge comes next week. I will be on a vacation in a great shopping destination. I've been there several times before and probably bought the usual tourist purchases, but that's never stopped me in the past. There are a few gifts I'd like to choose, but I'm keeping my spending budget for splurges for me to $25.00. I will report on my success in March.
Is anyone else No-Spending or Thoughtful-Spending? Any tips or lessons you'd like to share?
As ever, thanks for visiting. Take care and have a great weekend!
