2011: The Year of Nothing New
As part of my resolutions this year I will not be buying anything new in 2011 with just a few exceptions. Here's how it will work:
Okay to buy in 2011:
-Groceries (try to buy local first)
-Toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent etc.
-Eating out when it is part of a social gathering
-Health expenses as needed (i.e.: glasses, prescriptions, doctor visits)
-Travel
-Groceries (try to buy local first)
-Toiletries such as toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent etc.
-Eating out when it is part of a social gathering
-Health expenses as needed (i.e.: glasses, prescriptions, doctor visits)
-Travel
-Live performances (not that I go to many but I want to keep myself open to possibility or experience)
-Fabric and craft supplies. I must try to find recycled first and limit my budget to $35 per month.
-Anything with a gift card.
-Anything with a gift card.
NOT Okay to buy in 2011:
-Gifts that are bought. It is okay for me to give money though.
-New clothing, jewelry or accessories
-New shoes
-New books, magazines, movies, music etc.
-New electronics (The exception being if my cell phone stops working since we don't have a land line, it would get replaced)
-New electronics (The exception being if my cell phone stops working since we don't have a land line, it would get replaced)
I'm not doing this solely to save money. Yes, part of it is to save money, and my husband will be THRILLED if I save money, but I also want to recycle more, decrease my dependency on shopping, avoid frivolous shopping and increase my creativity.
Although I am committed to doing this, I would love to hear your thoughts. You can check out articles here, here and here to learn more about other people who have done this. I know this is a long shot but if anyone wants to join me in not buying anything new in 2011, please do! I would love the company.