Dear Viewers:
I saw an interview recently on the Today Show with a financial expert who recommended trying a “financial fast”. For 21 days you only buy what is absolutely necessary for your household. No take out. No Starbucks. No perusing the sale rack at Old Navy. Not so much as a bottle of water from the break room vending machine.
I figured we needed this ”budget cleansing” after the holidays and my Vegas birthday celebration. (My plan to win big at the roulette wheel did not pan out).
My hubby agreed that this was a good idea, so we were all set to start this Friday. Then the questions started. “Does our regular weekend wine purchase count as essential?” We debated that for a while and decided, yes indeed a bottle of wine is essential. What about beer? Hmmm. Another tough call.
So Jon came up with a great idea. Let’s start our financial fast Monday. That’ll give us this weekend the buy wine and beer, order pizza, and do some on-line shopping while we figure it all out!
Wish us luck,
Mindy Basara
Hopefully you stocked up on your non-essentials before the weekend. Monday will be here before you know it ; )
Mindy – I would be curious to see how this works out for you. My husband and I have often talked about doing this as well but wonder where to draw the line. IE: wine, beer, pizza… just general takeout on a night when we are too tired to cook.
Sarah,
It’s going so-so. We’ve been really good about eliminating take-out and putting off some bigger purchases, but we’re not being as disciplined about small things as I hoped we could be. For example, Michael’s had some crafts and picture frames on clearance – 75% off and I just couldn’t resist. As for the wine and beer, we decided those are necessities…we just have gone a little lower-end. Still tastes good to me!
If you have to ask those types of questions, then you’re not ready for any type of financial fast or even a financial diet. But there are so many people who are unable to manage their finances; people who live paycheck to paycheck and/or are in debt up to their eyeballs; people who have no understanding of the value of saving money for their future. I understand you’re making light of the topic, but please realize there are many people who could benefit from such a financial fast.
Kim,
I was just poking fun at myself.
Mindy
Hi Mindy,
Love your show – both You and Stan help me get going every single day. Thank you.
To your blog I have to say – Anyone who is still able to say – ‘let’s keep the wine-its still a necessity’ still is not feeling the impact of the ecomony. I just voted and reviewed the percentage of people who are/are not benefiting with a slight increase in our economy, and over 80% still are not reaping those benefits yet.