Over the past six years I’ve gone from extreme saving, to not spending wisely, to learning to save again. I’m finally getting better at balance, but definitely still feel the repercussions of the between years. Right now Jimmy and I are planning our wedding, paying for regular maintenance on our older cars, and trying to save for a house, which we would love to be near the beach. Fourteen days ago I started the Living Well Spending Zero Challenge. Yes Zero. Over the past six years I’ve gone from extreme saving, to not spending wisely, to learning to save again. I’m finally getting better at balance, but definitely still feel the repercussions of the between years. Right now Jimmy and I are planning our wedding, paying for regular maintenance on our older cars, and trying to save for a house, which we would love to be near the beach. With so many financial balls in the air there are many days I feel behind. I get frustrated with my spending or lack of resources, and am constantly reworking my goals as unexpected expenses come up.

A few months ago I stumbled on a blog called Living Well Spending Less. I read Ruth’s story and immediately identified with her struggles. When the Living Well Spending Zero Challenge showed up, it fit in perfectly with my happiness project and I was excited for some help and accountability.

The challenge itself is fairly simple, no spending on extras. Extras of course include everything from going out to clothing to prepackaged meals. If you don’t need it to survive, then it’s out. Minimalism is key and the challenge is exactly what I needed to make my “finance month” a success.

My goal with this challenge is to prove to myself that I can save more, live simpler, and want less. I have a nice head start, but I think this is the push I need to keep getting better.

Until next time,

Kaycee

P.S. My favorite song today is Money, Money, Money by ABBA