During February of 2020, I didn’t buy anything that wasn’t considered necessary – no to new clothes, no to new books, no to slices of cake in our local dog-friendly café.
I’ve just completed another Frugal February (certainly an easier task in an era of Covid-19 and stay-at-home orders) and I feel good about it. It’s been good practice to pause and actively consider whether a purchase is essential – most of the time, it hasn’t been. I’ve saved money, but what of the purchases I did make?
Purchases came under one category: scrapbooking supplies – mainly cardstock and patterned paper and glue. But you know, to my mind, those supplies were essential. 🙂
I ignored the flyer about the Boden sale.
I resisted purchasing more books.
I resisted ordering a few new white t-shirts (my go to top under a cardi).
So while Fugal February can’t be considered an unqualified success, I was much more aware of the purchases I did make and resisted ‘adding to basket’ without thought.
This West London Life 
Those scrapbooking supplies are almost definitely essentials! It is so tempting to find yourself browsing websites and ‘accidentally’ putting things in your basket, so resisting that Boden literature was very impressive!
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I gave myself a pat on the back for resisting the Boden sale. 🙂
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Well done. Of course during this last year recording the pandemic was essential, so any supplies to make it happen are definitely in the allowable expenses column. Being aware of spending is at any time a good idea. That age old saying of mind the pennies & the pounds will take care of themselves comes to mind.
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Those were my thoughts – essential expenditure. Having lived with a financier for more than 15 years, Mr Micawber is often quoted as our monetary guide. 🙂
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That’s quite an achievement :). It’s amazing how much we can NOT buy when we’re mindful of it … I too have ignored the Boden emails and I now routinely – after removing any telltale names/address info – put all catalogues in the recycling without even flicking through them. There are some companies who still send physical stuff despite being requested not to!
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So much easier to resist if you’re not bombarded with sale flyers in the post! 🙂
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I have to remember that for next year. I like the idea of Frugal February. At my age, it should be pretty easy to do since I don’t need a thing! Of course, I know that “need” has nothing to do with it!! Congrats on your restraint!
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Thanks – February is a good month to pick, because it’s the shortest! 🙂
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