Frugal February

So what's Frugal February, and why February? The idea behind Frugal February is to try to adopt as many money saving ideas as you can during this month, such as spend-free days, not eating out, etc., and live as cheaply as possible. Try to eliminate all non-essential spending and only spend money on necessities. Why February? Mainly because it's the shortest month and that gives you the best chance of success. Most salary earners get paid the same amount of money each month, irrespective of the number of days actually worked. Of course, you can do this at any stage of the year, but your chances of maximizing your pay are greater in February due to the three fewer days. Also, 'Frugal February' sounds a lot funkier than 'Frugal September'. – MoneyHabits.com

As I kick off Frugal February. I wanted to evaluate my spending. This past month, I had to pay my car insurance and a few other bills. It killed me. I am saving up for a car currently and a few other future purchases. I also will be traveling throughout the year so I prefer to have some cushion in my bank account. Shopping is my weakness, my Achilles heel. Rough day, good day, doesn’t matter- I get this crazy urge to hit up the store whether grocery store, mall, or Target. Amazing how that feeling and rush I get magically subsides with the swipe of my debit card. But as much as I love shopping, this month I am keeping a budget for essentials. And although I have been able to live on as low as $12 a week minus gas of course, I don’t particularly like to. I tend to let my groceries fluctuate. Right now, I am stocked for the next week so need for trips to Trader Joes and Lucky’s. We shall see how frugal February goes. And btw I know V-Day is coming up. I am not a gushy girl about the 14^th of February. So my boyfriend and I will be hitting up Barnes and Noble and buying each other a few books. Not in my breakdown, because I’m an adult, and sometimes I do what I want.

Here is a breakdown of what I normally spend:

Gas: $20-$25 per week

Groceries: $20-30 per week

Bar tab: (half off drinks every Thursday night) $5 per week

Rent: $700 a month 

If you are embarking on Frugal February, Good luck!

 This is going to be a tough few weeks but we've got this!!