Firstly, Happy Easter!
I can hardly believe it’s already nearly April and I’ve successfully completed three months of my No Buy Year challenge! Time really does flap away, doesn’t it? This month’s theme was “Own Less, Spend Less & Live More.”
One of the resources that has been helpful to me on my financial journey was Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover.” I really enjoyed reading this book. I blogged about it here. Its simplicity and practical advice resonated with me, especially since my husband and I are focused on paying off our mortgage faster. But what has been most helpful from a savings perspective is my No Buy Year! We have a little reminder in our kitchen that says, “Goal – Pay off Mortgage,” which has been a rather ‘in your face’ source of motivation. The No Buy Year has enabled us to make some more extra mortgage repayments.
Focus Areas for March:
Own Less – Decluttering
I have realised that decluttering is not a one-time activity but more like gardening—constantly removing the weeds (or clutter) to maintain a clean and organised space. Tackling one room at a time made the process less daunting and more manageable.
However, I am happy with the progress that I made this month to declutter parts of my house!
Spend Less – No Buy Year
I didn’t buy any unnecessary items. Well done self!
Live More – Things That I Enjoy
With less focus on shopping and materialistic pursuits, I’ve been actively seeking out activities that bring me joy. This month, I checked off eighteen items from my “Things I Love” list, with hiking through the rainforest being the lovely highlight. The serenity and beauty of nature was truly picturesque!
Key Takeaways:
Financial Discipline: The No Buy Year has been instrumental in helping us stick to our budget and make extra mortgage repayments.
Continuous Decluttering: Keeping a clutter-free home requires regular maintenance and ongoing effort. Sigh!
Finding Joy in Simple Activities: By focusing on activities that bring genuine joy and fulfilment, I’ve discovered a more meaningful way to live.
As I continue on this journey, I’m excited to explore new challenges and opportunities for growth. Stay tuned for more updates on my No Buy Year adventure!