We have decided to put ourselves on a $300 per week budget for the winter. This means taking the cash out of the bank once a week, on Monday, and putting it in our pocket. Putting the debit card away, out of reach. This cash in hand has to pay for groceries, gas, cigarettes for him (yeah, I know, grrrrrr!!!), beer, going out to eat–basically whatever we want to do each week, we can do, as long as we have cash in our pocket.
We’ll see how long we can do it. I think we should be able to have cash left over every week, he thinks it won’t be enough. Last winter we tried to do it on $180 a week, but always fell short and had to get more money before the end of the week. So, I’ll be posting every monday from now until the end of April, to say how we did each week. What do you think? Do you think we’ll be able to live and have some fun on $300 per week?
Lori says
That would depend, if you include rent/morgage and utility bills, then no. If was above and beyond that, then definately. I live pretty cheap in some regards, I would prefer a good dvd and popcorn night than a night out at the movies, I like the challange of finding free things to do, I love thrift stores over ‘big chain’ stores. I like farmers markets and buy things in season. The biggest expense is probably gas, although I love to walk and will happily leave the car behind to go places when I can. Odd as it sounds, I budget better with less money than when I have extra. Good luck with your $300 week challange, I look forward to seeing how you do!
Annie Jones says
groceries, gas, cigarettes for him (yeah, I know, grrrrrr!!!), beer, going out to eat
If those are the only things coming out of it, then yes, I think you should be able to do it for two people. For three people in our family we spend about $200 for those things, minus the cigarettes.
Good luck and keep us posted. 🙂
Karen says
Nope, it does not include rent and electricity–that comes out of the checking account separately. This only includes day to day expenses and things we want to do like sightseeing, going out to eat, movies, and other fun stuff. I tried to give us a big enough budget to not get bored, while keeping it within a reasonable limit to not go broke, too.
witchypoo says
I know I could do it for two on that amount.
PG says
good luck. we are forever going over budget. but it’s effin hard to budget with 4 kids (and spendthrifty me). my wife’s up against it.
Cathy says
Sounds like a fair amount for two. I would be interested in hearing how it goes though. We have talked about going to a cash only method also. We have been trying it here and there and it does help us to think more before spending.
tiffer says
I think you will make it. I also think that is a great idea and I might try to do the same, my boyfriend and I really need to start to save up some money and being on a budget is a great way to do that.
Dee says
I think thats great! Keep me informed on how that goes. I want to do something like that. Me and hubby are coming up with figures.
Jeanne says
I think for two people you could make it on $300 per week.
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to sell everything and travel the country. Now I can through your eyes. 🙂 (found you through NaBloPoMo.)
kaylee says
you can do it 🙂
Brandon says
I’m really excited to see how this turns out!
lupingirl says
I think you are creative enough about what you do that you can easily do this.
What happens to extra at the end of the week if you have it left over?
Does it go into savings or does it get sent to some lovely daughter you may have in Colorado?
Christine says
Stopping by to say hello from the old blogger group at NaBloPoMo
Regarding post: Good question. I am not sure. I am thinking probably. I am very interested to see how this works out.
teeni says
I think you can do it and I think that it is going to be a great learning experience! I’m looking forward to any tips you can share with us! 🙂 Maybe with the money saved, you can send Fab Grandpa to the hypnotist to stop smoking! 😉
Karen says
Lupingirl: No, it does NOT go to a certain daughter in Colorado! What I was thinking is that if we don’t spend the entire $300 this week, we will only take out enough next week to make $300, as in if we have $50 left over, we only take out $250 next week. That way, we still have our $300 in our pocket, but we only took out $250. I think that is a good game plan.
Linda's Place says
sounds like a plan to me. Alan & I don't spend near that much a week. Of course, we work all the time and live 3 miles from work so I can run on a tank of gas for 2 12weeks and most of the time we eat lunch at home. No time really for having fun. Oh well, in my next life.
Jacki says
We get $100/week to have fun on…eat out, shopping, etc. We have $150/week for groceries. So yeah, I think you two could definitly do it!