I’ve decided to go on a spending ban for a month. I never really blogged about graduating, but I came out of university with £1800 saved up and the impression that I would be fighting off graduate jobs. Fast forward two months, and I am working (finally) but thanks to rent and living in Leeds while job hunting, I have £300 left of my savings. Ouch. I’m also not in full time work, I work four days a week and have an unpaid internship one day, so while I do have money coming in, I’m not exactly rich. I want to go travelling in a few years so I need to start building my savings again, and I figured what better way to kick start it than a spending ban?
I’ve seen people do spending bans before, but I’ve not really paid attention to the rules. As with most things in life, I’ve decided to make up my own. My spending ban will run between 28th August and 28th September, as this is my payday.
– I am not allowed to buy any makeup or beauty products
– I am not allowed to buy any clothes, jewellery or any fashion accessories
– I am not allowed to buy lunch or food out whilst working, unless I forget my lunch
– I am not allowed to spend money on food/ drinks/ nights out
– I am not allowed to do any online shopping
Exceptions:
– I can pay for food/ drinks etc if it’s someone’s birthday or special occasion (limited to £15)
– I can go on a night out the last weekend of September, as I am down in Stevenage visiting my friends
– Me and Scott are trying to go on fun trips and dates, so I’m going to put aside £20 for the month to do this
I am also allowed to use any vouchers or gift cards I may get, so long as money doesn’t come out of my bank account!
I’m not very good at resisting buying things, but I do really want to kick start my savings and put away £400 this month. I’m going to aim between £100 and £300 saved every month, and I’m hopeful that my job will turn full time within the next six months so I can put more away.
Now, before I started my spending ban I went on a miniature shopping trip. It wasn’t a planned spending ban, so I wasn’t being naughty or anything but I did have a few products I wanted (and a few I didn’t) that I picked up when me and Scott went for coffee. More spending, oops! We don’t really do much that costs though and we’ve both agreed now I’m working we should spend more time together outside the house, which is why I’ve put some money aside for that. I do think having a good relationship is worth a bit of spending!
What I bought:
Soap & Glory Be Youthful Serum (£16):
This is not cheap, but I fell in love with it after trying it out for my Sample Sunday (read here) and had to have it. It took me about 100 attempts to be able to get a semi good photo of this, shiny surfaces are so hard to catch on camera!
Soap & Glory Smooch Operator lip balm (£5):
Soap & Glory were doing buy one get one half price, and I wanted to take advantage of the offer but not spend loads as their skin products are quite pricey. I’ve lost all my lip balms lately so I decided to get this, as it worked out at £2.50.
Quick Fix Mask (£4.99):
I was going to get the Boots own version of this, but it was only £1.50 left and the tube was tiny! My skin has been quite bad lately, and while face masks I’ve got have really helped to smooth my skin out, I wanted a mask that would draw out any spots lurking around. I did want to get the Glamglow mask but at £45 I just couldn’t justify it right now.
Rimmel Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch (£1):
I had absolutely no need for this, but it was in Poundland and I couldn’t resist. Turns out I absolutely love it! I’ve got a full review of this bad boy coming up so keep your eyes out.
Not a huge haul really, but I’ve bought a few things over the past month (like a gorgeous MK look a like Topshop bag, a bronzer/ contour kit, shampoo and conditioner, amongst others…) which means I shouldn’t be feeling too neglected this month while I avoid buying anything. The only thing I think I’ll really struggle with is clothes, as I hate my wardrobe at the moment. But I hate it even when I buy things so oh well!
What have you been buying recently?
