Well, as you can see I'm having a "Double Challenge Month" for February!! There's another "Low (no) Spend Challenge", and a "Decluttering Challenge"! You can join in both challenges, or just the one you're most interested in! :) As you can see I've reversed the Low/No as I think for most of us, not spending for a month just isn't going to happen! Heck, I can't even go a week without spending, not when I've got kids who tend to put a kink in all my best laid plans! ;) lol!
I've decided to offer up a little "bounty" prize as well this month! It's nothing grand or life changing, but it will be a pkg. full of few of my "favorite things"! I want it to be a surprise though, but if you know me... think coffee, chocolate, pretty handmade items, notepads, etc... Sound fun?! I think so!!
Here's how the Low (no) Spend Challenge will work:
1. Choose a financial goal for the month!
- Would you like to build up your emergency fund, save up enough money for something special you've had your eye on but can't afford, want to double up your debt payments, wipe out a credit card completely?! Whatever your goal is, I want to know!
2. How will you achieve your goal this month?
- You need a plan of action! Will you be cutting your budget back, cutting out eating out for the month, no "hobby" shopping, trying to earn extra money? Come up with a plan & make it work!
3. How will you allot your spending this month?
- Obviously I suggest a "cash" budget, as you can't spend what you don't have! ;) There is no putting it on credit, throwing it on a tab, digging into $$ you shouldn't be spending, etc... But if you deal with debit cards, credit cards, etc... Go with what keeps you on track! Will you budget daily, weekly, bi-weekly? Find what works best for you & stick to it!
4. Track your purchases!
- Keep track of your spending. Yes, even that pack of gum that was "only" $.79! ;) It REALLY helps you to see where exactly your money is going!
5. Are there any "exemptions" for the month?
- Do you have any previous engagements, birthdays, events, etc.. that simply won't fit into the month? Then choose your exemptions & plan from there how you can still reach your goal!
Here's how the Decluttering challenge will work:
1. There will be 4 main challenges for the month. I pick the theme, you pick the challenge!
- Week One: Personal Space Challenge
- Week Two: Family Space Challenge
- Week Three: Productivity Challenge
- Week Four: The "Dreaded" Challenge
2. Bonus Challenges!
- I will be giving you 4 *bonus* mini challenges throughout the month! Fast & easy to accomplish!
3. Purging!!
- Toss, sell, or donate 29 items! One item for every day of the month in February... Easy as pie! ;)
4. The Proof is in the pudding!
- If you have a blog, before & after photos of your decluttering projects would be awesome please!!
Ok, now for the nitty gritty rules!
1. Please leave a comment on this post letting me know that you'll be joining in, and please state if you're joining one, or both challenges!
2. Take (borrow, steal, etc..) my challenge photo from above & post it on your blog along with your goals for the month & please don't forget to link me up!
3. Commit to updating about your challenge status at least once a week! So 4 updates at the minimum please! Simply post about your progress on your blog & let me know that you've updated in my comments section. My blog dashboard DOES NOT show me any incoming links, so I need "direct links" please! If the month goes along and there's been no updates after the first week or so has been posted, I'll assume that the challenge didn't work for you. I'd like to keep the link list page updated & current so we can encourage & follow each other! I also need to track participants for my "bounty" prize at the end of the month!
That's it! :) Simple & straightforward I think! I'll be posting my "plan of attack" soon!
So... are you in?!
