My goodness, I cannot believe that I am doing the seven-month check-in! It felt like yesterday that I wrote my six-month check-in for My No Buy Year. This month was quite a bit harder than last month.
We went to Japan during the July school holidays, and it was my first time going overseas and not buying anything. I think it is easier to want to spend money on holidays than during the work week because there is time to shop, and with going to different places, there are new things to see and want. In any case, I didn’t buy anything in Japan except yummy food. Well done, self.
Approved Purchases: I did buy things in July for my children. We are heading into birthday season in our house. The rules for my No Buy Year only apply to buying stuff for myself, so gifts are allowed. My husband and I have a rule that we spend $100 for each child for their birthday. We budget that amount in our gifts line item of our weekly budget, so there are no surprises. I like that it is fair – the kids know that they get $100, so they don’t ask for ridiculously expensive gifts. I dropped by an Op Shop and was able to get a few toys that I know my kiddies will like. It cost a grand total of $15. (This isn’t going to help the ‘getting rid of clutter’ plan of mine). The other gifts we have purchased from the shops and online.
I have continued to do more things on my ‘Things That I Love’ list, which is bringing me joy. Less savings this month due to the overseas holiday, however, I have continued with my Financial Literacy. This year, I have read the following personal finance books:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (my favorite)
- Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur
- The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
- Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup
Personally, I love to read books, and I have thoroughly enjoyed broadening my horizons and understanding different perspectives on personal finance.
Decluttering: I really need to get into decluttering again, but that might need to wait until spring, after the birthday season.
Being Generous: on my list of ‘Things That I Love’ I listed being generous at number 48. This month, I have enjoyed doing this more than usual. It’s a nice feeling.
Summary: I am still continuing with this experiment of not buying stuff. Cheers to completing seven months of my No Buy Year.
If you would like to catch up on my previous posts on my No Buy Year, just click on this link.