Uber Frugal Month: Day 31 The Finish!

A bit of a misnomer in the title -- this isn't the finish, but the beginning!

Today’s mantra: When you reach a place of tenable, enjoyable, lifelong frugality, you won’t worry about an end date for your frugality. You’ll have arrived.

Today’s action: Reflect on what this month was like for you. What was difficult? What surprised you? Could you live like this for the long-term?

Today is a day of reflection instead of a challenge. For me, the month really was no different than any other, except we were more consciously aware of some of our spending (namely entertainment).In fact, cutting back on entertainment spending was the single most difficult thing to do.

What surprised me is that it can be done, but we have to remain very mindful. A few things going forward:

• Goodbye bus. Maybe when spring rolls around and I have a later class I will revisit the bus, but after one month enough is enough. I have to get down to the stop a full hour early because I can't depend on the bus to be on time, so I must get an earlier one. Then, I may be stuck at school for up to an hour waiting on a bus. The parking pass is worth it to get that lost time standing on a curb back.
• Goodbye alcohol. I can't be trusted after more than two drinks -- I'll order pizza, decide to go out for food, or do something equally dumb with money. One drink on occasion at home or at a dinner at a brewery is fine -- it doesn't trigger the eating/spending binge. 
• The major diet change I hinted at a couple of weeks ago is a keeper. More details in February, but this should bring down the grocery bill a bit.
• I can't give up fun outings, particularly with DS2. Almost-13 is a hard age, and we really connect when we have one-on-ones. A weekly treat -- inexpensive, but $ none the less -- is staying in the budget.
• I need to bring down some "fixed" bills. February is the month I tackle internet, the phone bill, and insurance. No more excuses -- I figure there is about $150 there we can save a month.
• I need to up my winter game and get outside no matter what (unless it is waiting at a bus stop).
• Saving more is great, but the simple fact is Mo will need to earn more. I'm at my limit with school, and I really should scale back work somewhat. This is something we are planning to work on over the coming months. 

We are definitely in this for the long haul -- perhaps forever! But something tells me it will get even easier once we have everything fine tuned even more. 

Uber Frugal Month: Day 30

The mid-winter blahs hit me every year in late January and February, and it appears that this year is no exception. The dark, the biting cold, the ice -- every year I come face to face with my own mortality and anxiety steps up the game. The horrible, frenzied anxiety, not the dull, plodding type that is often lurking below the surface. The only shining point is that it doesn't seem as severe as usual. I like to think that is because I am healthier AND I am taking control of life instead of letting circumstances control me.

My beloved Pacific is not perfect. It just is.

The UFM challenge is about perfection today.

Today’s mantra: Imperfection is not only frugal, it’s also liberating.

Today’s action: Acknowledge, and embrace, your imperfections. My favorite way of doing this is by making a list of all the things in my life that aren’t perfect, but that make me happy anyway.

This is fitting, giving my anxiety and the fact that trying to achieve perfection is one of the things I repeatedly do even though it triggers the anxiety! I'm trying to foster a "good enough" mindset, but the fear of failure runs deep. Combine that with the normal background of aging anxiety, and there is then severe anxiety that this failure will be my last chance. I know, a vicious circle. So, things that aren't perfect but that make me happy?

• My children and spouse, of course ;)
• My silly old puppy
• My fluff-butt cats
• Sometimes myself
• My schooling, in general
• My desk in particular, and office set up overall
• My Prius(nicknames "freedom car" for reasons best saved for a different post!)
• My outdoor gear - used, sometimes ugly, but always serves me well.
• My library
• My moleskine planner
• My beat up hydroflask

I know there is more, but on this cold January morning the above will have to suffice. So another thing that not perfect but makes me happy? This list!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 29

On the home stretch for January!

Today's UFM challenge:

Today’s mantra: The myth of consumerism is that buying lots of stuff means you’re exerting your free will, but in reality, you’re just turning your money over to someone else for purposes that they’ve designated.

Today’s action: Write down five words that define you and what’s most important to you. Are any of those words related to your material possessions?

Five words that define me:
1-Achiever
2-Outdoors
3-Love
4-Scientist
5-Thinker

Mrs. FW is right of course, we aren't defined by our stuff. Stuff is just tools to achieve the things that define, not the definition itself. Of course, my problem isn't stuff, really. No, my problem is spending on experiences that don't really add long lasting value to my life. Meals out and bar nights, that sort of thing. Judging from my list, those things also don't define me and they can't even me construed as tools for leading my best life.

Food for thought!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 28

The end of the month is near, and we survived another weekend!

Today's UFM challenge focuses on finding the sweet spot between quality of life and savings.

Today’s mantra: Frugality isn’t about deprivation or hardship, it’s about spending money only on what truly matters to you.

Today’s action: Examine areas in your life where frugality makes you feel deprived. Brainstorm ways to optimize or make substitutions for these things.

This has been my main challenge this month, as well. Cheap deli treats and beers at home are almost as good as (and sometimes better than) nights out, but sometimes I think we still want a night out.

Family movie nights at home are awesome and a definite long term keeper, but I think we will still venture into a theater once or twice a year.

For some things, like entertainment, I think a hard reset is best. Dial it back to almost nothing then slowly increase it until we find the sweet spot. For other things, we can just continue to tweak and cut corners until we find that sweet spot.

Never stop tweaking and looking for new savings, though!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 27

The weather is confused. Snow, sleet, rain, sunshine. It feels like the early days of spring, but it's too soon for that. Climate change or just a simple regional vagary? Likely a bit of both...

Ug. Today's challenge is actually the one issue I have with most "frugal" writers. I have been frugal for years out of necessity, and it's only in the last couple that we allowed lifestyle creep to rob of us our income once we clawed ourselves above the poverty line.

Today’s mantra: Life-–no matter how extravagantly you spend-–isn’t perfect, so you might as well spend a whole lot less and delight in the imperfection.

Today’s action: Identify areas in your life where you can save both time and money.

The truth is, 80% of the time frugality DOES take more time. Often, false dichotomies are made. Yes, a sandwich takes less time to make than eating at a restaurant, but that's comparing apples to oranges. More realistic -- cooking an actual meal from scratch takes more time than buying expensive premade meals and tossing them in the microwave. Even further, grocery shopping for scratch cooking and saving money takes more time then throwing premade goodies, regardless of cost, into the cart. Calling and negotiating lower bills or comparing insurance rates takes more time then just accepting price hikes.

A more realistic approach it the frugality and time concern is that we need to decide whether to save time now or later. Getting the fast meal now means I won't have as much time later because I will have to work longer to pay for it.

It's also about balance. Recognize that sometimes the cheapest option cost more in time. Sometimes, the most frugal option from both the money and time standpoint lies between the two extremes of most time-efficient and most frugal.

Uber Frugal Month: Day 26

We've kept up our Friday family movie night tradition through January, and it is saving us money! Netflix and the library are our friends, along with cheapie frozen pizza (disclaimer: I usually opt for healthier leftovers). This is one thing we will continue after the uber frugal month!

Today's UFM challenge is to realize the good life is free.

Today’s mantra: True happiness and fulfillment isn’t bought in a store (or on Amazon, despite how much I love that site… ).

Today’s action: Think through what your own good life is and how you can get there (or if you’re already there, meditate on gratitude).

I sorta agree, sorta don't. I agree that stuff beyond the necessities likely won't buy the good life, but experiences are the "stuff" that creates a good life. Many of these are free with strings. For example:

• Family makes life good, but it cost more to raise a family than be alone.
• Same goes for friends. Even cheapie friend experiences have some sort of overhead.
• Add pets to this, too. 
• The great outdoors usually has a slight entrance fee, whether it's park passes, gear, or traveling to the area. (Or in our cases, planning to move to a more expensive area for necessities but will give us endless nearly free outdoor experience options.)
• A million other examples -- museums, travel, art shows, aquariums, etc....

But it is true, although experiences can be bought, they aren't from a store nor are they simply "stuff." Using our goal, we want to "buy" into a location -- this will entail higher housing, gas, and food costs. In exchange, we will have miles of trails, mountains, lakes, and the ocean literally outside our door or within a couple mile walk/bike ride. We will be able to be outside year around without fighting the weather, we won't be car dependent if we don't want to be, and we will have time to further development along our creative and educational paths.

Uber Frugal Month: Day 25

I think we have broken the Thursday habit of going out! Yay! 

Today's UFM challenge is timely:

Today’s mantra: Fun doesn’t have to be expensive.

Today’s action: Plan a frugal gathering and invite your friends over!

We are in the process of planning a small get together in a week or so. Adult board game party :) Everyone will bring their favorite tabletop game. We'll supply the fixin's for some white Russians (homemade Kahlua, baby!) and something snacky. Knowing our friends, they'll BYOB and BYOF as well!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 24

Hedonic adaptation is the real topic of today's UFM challenge.

Today’s mantra: The more we buy, the more we perceive we need. The inverse is also true: the less we buy, the less we think we need. We are content with whatever we teach ourselves we need.

Today’s action: Ponder this: When are you most content? Can you be content with fewer material possessions? With spending less money?

Over the year's we have adapted to all sorts of things, then had to break those adaptations. Once upon a time I could only get myself to work between 8am-12pm. It had to be at Starbucks and it required two venti ice chai teas. I was spending $50 a week. Then, my client list dried up and going somewhere to work was no longer an option. I switched to chai at home at first, then eventually just plain coffee.

Another example is our recent entertainment extravaganzas every weekend. We had adapted to it as normal, and felt deprived if we weren't spending $100+ every Saturday. Now less than $10 for a quiet evening feels extravagant and satisfies just as much, if not more.

The take-away from today's challenge for me is to continue to reverse the hedonic adaptation of our ridiculously wealthy first world lives!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 23

Today is our wedding anniversary :) We already celebrated on our mini-trip, ,so it really is just a normal day, though.

Today’s mantra: Once we get past the debilitating position of trying to define ourselves by our things, we can express gratitude for what we have instead of anguish over what we don’t have.

Today’s action: Look around you and list everything you’re thankful for.

The things I am grateful for:

• A supportive and loving spouse that is also my best friend.
• Two amazing sons that are growing into amazing men.
• Having a dependable car.
• Having a house that is a veritable mansion by global standards.
• My ability to go back to school and follow my dreams.
• My little office corner at home -- it's a happy spot.
• COFFEE!!!
• Smart phones - what a time to be alive!
• That mountains and oceans exist, and sometimes they are side by side.
• Kitties and puppies, oh my!
• The plethora of tasty vegetables in my fridge right now.
• Tahini -- it's amazing!
• Space heaters.
• Sunshine on winter days.
• Rain in summer.
• Snow that melts quickly.
• Hiking trails.
• Microscopes and their ability to take us to new worlds.
• Telescopes for the same reason.
• Modern medicine and the ability to access it.
• Public transportation.
• Libraries.
• Books and the people who write them.

Really, I could go on forever. So much to be grateful for!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 22

A cold is the culprit behind my fatigue the last few days. Thus far it is mild, so I'm hoping it passes quickly...

The UFM challenge today is all about DIY and insourcing tasks around the home, and splitting these responsibilities with a partner.

Today’s mantra: Paying for services cements your reliance on money and distances you from your most valuable teammate: your partner. Instead of using chores as an opportunity to grow closer, you’re using money to make the daily realities of your life less real.

Today’s action: Sit down with your partner and discuss what you could insource, both to save money and also to deepen your relationship.

This is timely for us. In one year's time we will be facing the decision whether to sell or rent our home. Regardless of that final decision, the house must be brought to a better condition. We already started the process by going through and making a spreadsheet of everything that needs done. Certain tasks fall on certain people due to our current skills. Mo is definitely more of cleaner, while I am more of a yard cleanup person. We will be using the spreadsheet to guide our weekly and monthly projects over the next year, while trying to oursource as much as possible!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 21

I need to find my motivation. Sitting around like a potato is going to make me fail my classes and miss this month's earnings goal. Where is my motivation?

The UFM today is important, but I don't think it has a major impact on my spending:

Today’s mantra: In the end, the only person who truly cares how you lived your life is you.

Today’s action: Take note of anything you’re doing to impress other people, but that you don’t derive enjoyment from. Then consider what would happen if you stopped doing those things.

Things that come to mind is we were shopping at the uber fancy grocery for everything. It's fun to go and "be seen" there, possibly in part because it is one of the few liberal enclaves in this cursed, cesspool of hillbillies and racists (this is unfortunately not hyperbole). With UFM, we switched to getting only a couple of items that are priced good there, plus made it a treat place since they have an amazing and cheap deli. There really isn't that much more for me, although I know my wife is more concerned with how other react to her. 

Uber Frugal Month: Day 20

Early nights seem to be the rule when one has an early lab class in the middle of winter... We had a quiet date night at home, sipping coffee and playing a word game. I feel old!

Today’s mantra: Frugality isn’t a tactic, it’s a mindset and a joyful lifestyle. It’s about being your own person, not the person society says you’re supposed to be.

Today’s action: Identify a secondary benefit--beyond saving money--that you've experienced through your frugality.

The UFM prompt today is interesting. I can think of quite a few benefits. Although we are just buckling down about our money, we have always spent sparingly since we never had a lot of cash. This has resulted in two kids that are easily satisfied and rarely have material wants. We also don't have the usual overload of kids' crap, simply because the kids never really wanted anything. Lack of cable means they aren't introduced to the constant influx of advertising, either.

Uber Frugal Month: Day 19

I've been afflicted with a touch of fatigue. Nothing to be concerned about, it's just the annual "so sick of the freaking cold" fatigue combined with the quarterly "I am so overwhelmed by all my classes" fatigue.

The UFM today is about not falling prey to little purchases.

Today’s mantra: By incorporating frugal habits into the things we do automatically and everyday, we don’t have to expend energy calculating a budget or debating expenses--we are simply frugal by nature.

Today’s action: Write down everything you’re tempted to buy today because it’s only $...... and add it all up.

This is very timely, seeing as I fell prey to a little purchase today! Both DS2 and I were at loose ends. I didn't want to do homework, and the weather made outdoor pursuits an unsavory option. So, I gave in and took him out for frozen yogurt. Hey, it's only $5.....

It's odd, during the summer I'm really good at avoiding these little purchases most of the time, but in winter cabin fever takes over. I've thought long and hard on this conundrum, and I just can't think of a way to get out of the house in winter without spending at least a few dollars at a cafe or similar. We aren't big shopper, so window shopping isn't an option. The library is great for getting books, but the programs are aimed at smaller kids or elderly people.

Being happy staying home is an option, but it does get wearing when it goes on for days and days. I know some of this is a short term problem. Once we move, winter outdoor options will open up because our new home won't have as many freezing days or ice storms! For now, I think simply being aware of our need to treat in winter may be a good idea.

Instead treating indiscriminately so that the $5's become a daily expense (eep!), I need to make a strict treat budget. Actually, I think subtracting the treats from our new, lower entertainment budget, combined with constantly brainstorming free or low cost options, is the key. Also, much like our entertainment expense, it may be time to practice delayed treat gratification. Instead of going right out for ice cream when I think of it, instead plan an ice cream outing in the next few days. That way we have something to look forward to!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 18

I've nearly perfected my new menu plan. This should save me time and money, while also proving more healthy and satisfying for all. I'm quite excited and will unveil it soon :)

Today's UFM challenge is about treating yourself.

Today’s mantra: “Treat yourself” culture stymies our financial goals with continual hits of consumerism that prevent us from achieving lasting joy in our lives.

Today’s action: Squelch the treat yourself urge by reminding yourself of what you really want out of life (hint: it’s probably not a latte).

 I know I am guilty of this one. It's one of the main things I'm working on from both a financial and a health standpoint. So far I have found it helpful to have regularly planned treats to look forward to. This makes it easier to put off the treat yo'self urge since I know a treat is coming soon. Some of these cheap treats are:

• Our less than $10 Saturday deli dates followed by darts and a drink at home.
• Friday movie and frozen pizza nights with the family, thanks to library or Netflix vids.
• A very small coffee budget ($15), which allows us about 3-4 coffee dates a month.
• Planned hikes or similar "adventures."
• Treat date individually with each kid monthly. Something under $5, like a frappe, froyo, or pastry. 
• Setting aside time for specific hobby activities, which are free after initial outlay. Examples: monthly astronomy events with the club, or developing my new microscopy hobby.
• Evening game "dates." This is a silly thing we found we enjoyed doing when we were on our minitrip. It's simply laying in bed in the evening playing word puzzle games together via one of the many free apps I can get on my tablet :)

These aren't 100% free. But making coffee a special treat that only happens once in awhile is better than treating ourselves every day after a hard day of work or school. Taking the kids out once a month for a treat provides important one-on-one bonding time for a low cost, and can provide just as much treat satisfaction as a fancy expensive meal or outing. The $50/month we are planning to put towards these treats going forward is much better than the $300+/month we were spending on treats up until recently!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 17

I spent this evening reworking the menu plan. My spreadsheets for grocery and meal planning work exceptionally well. The only problem is the foods my family loves are the ones that cause me to pack on pounds. It's my fault -- my love for pasta, rich sauces, bread, and cheese runs deep. I can go months without even craving these items, but one bite leads me to binge and eat way to much.

Being a woman of contradictions, though, means I also have a very deep love from veggies and all the wholesome goodies. I've been vegetarian for awhile. I've decided to make the leap to 95% vegan, primarily for my health but also for the environmental benefits. The 5% non-vegan will be some dairy on Saturday date night, as well as I may opt for vegetarian as opposed to vegan options when eating out depending on my choices. We eat out rarely beyond our deli date, so not a huge issue.

I'll go into more detail about the revised menu plan in the next few days!

The UFM challenge today is about planning ahead.

Today’s mantra: Establish frugal habits and execute on them every day.

Today’s action: Think through a typical week and identify every opportunity where you can plan ahead and save money.

This is something I am working toward and I enjoyed reading today's challenge. Below is my typical week exercise:

Monday/Wednesday: I have an 8 am class and I do not get home until noon-ish. The afternoon and evening is typically filled with homework and little tasks that need to get done that were forgotten over the weekend. I need to make sure dinner items are thawed and ready. Always take a snack to school. Wake up early enough not to miss the bus, since this would mean I have to pay for parking.
 Tuesday/Thursday: Class is a little later so there isn't the rush. The main issue, particularly with Thursday, is boredom and burnout. This leads to the temptation to go out and eat or get a coffee. A snack and solid dinner plans are a must. I also need to have evening activity plans to overcome temptation. Taking a shower and getting into PJs early can help overcome the temptation in cold weather. Planning for evening walks can help in mild weather. Keeping a few items on hand to make a beverage treat is also a good idea.
Friday: No class, so this is typically a major homework day. I sometime nip out in the early afternoon to run any necessary errands. Evenings are with family -- it's frozen pizza and movie night.
Take a coffee with me to do errands so there is no temptation to get a frou-frou drink! Good day to check my library account, too. Since I'm out anyway, I can return books before I get a fine. Also, plan a movie a day or two in advance so I can get it at the library if it isn't on Netflix or free prime. This way no redbox or prime rental fee!
Saturday: The first half of the day is anything goes. I might go on a hike, do homework, have club meetings, lounge about. Rarely any temptation to spend, though. Evenings are the toughy -- date night. I've written extensively on how we are fighting date night temptations. To take it a step further, perhaps we should only take the cash we need for groceries and the deli stop. No money or cards means no way to spend ridiculous amounts at a pub.
Sunday: A boring day. Chores, usually visit my mom, spend the rest of the day doing weekend-y things like hiking, lounging, DIY stuff, or gardening. Honestly, very little temptation and I can't think of anything to plan for.

     

Uber Frugal Month: Day 16

Back to the daily grind. The roads were icy, so I was more than happy to let the bus drive! Saving money has side benefits. Example: Take the bus to save on gas, car wear and tear, and parking fee. Side benefits are better for the environment, no need to drive on icy roads, and down time before/after class.

Today's UFM challenge is yet another food one. Sigh.

Today’s mantra: There’s no excuse for take-out!

Today’s action: Plot out what you want to buy or make for your emergency frozen meal stash and write it on your grocery list.

I did recently add frozen pizza to our grocery plan, simply because the fam seems to think it's a treat and it gets me out of Friday cooking. I always have frozen veggie burgers in the freezer for emergencies. I'm actually going to go one step further than the challenge.

Another tactic we use to avoid eating out emergencies is to have the ingredients on hand for quickie dinners. Spaghetti with home canned or store bought sauce. Breakfast for dinner. Fried rice. I even have a list on the fridge for power outage meal ideas. (Unfortunately, we have had some very long outages even though we live in a city.)

I'm starting to think I am better at frugal than I thought, since many of these challenges seem like basic knowledge to me. Perhaps I just needed a reminder to flex the frugal muscles again instead of going soft!

Uber Frugal Month: Day 15

Halfway through January and our big spending temptation is now behind us. I woke up this morning glad to be in my own bed and reunited with the kids, but sad that I couldn't walk out the front door and down to the ocean or into the woods.

I did take a few minutes to update screen savers and phone lock screens with some photos from the trip. These will in turn help keep our goals firmly in the center of my consciousness, I hope! As for the rest of this Monday, my goal is to earn some money, catch up on homework, and work on some items that serve our goal of moving west.

Today’s mantra: Frugality mutes the noise of unnecessary desire and consumption and instead focuses us on our priorities.

Today’s action: Write down all the reasons why you to spend money and reflect on whether they’re valid or not.

Today's UFM challenge from the Frugalwoods is a doozy! I definitely need to do this, although I never realized it until I read the email. So, here are the reasons I spend money:

• To pay for the necessary bills: Housing, utilities, food.
• To pay for the "necessary" luxuries: internet for work and entertainment. A car for the feeling of freedom as well as the ease of errands.
• To escape from stress, boredom, whatever. A trip to a restaurant or bar, for example, is easier than making our own entertainment.
• Attempts to overcome feelings of inadequacy. It seems everyone is better at being an adult than I am -- better clothes, better physical conditioning, better homes, better vacations. Where do I fit in?
• Fear of mortality. Weird, I know. But when I really think about it sometimes the only reason I go out and spend money is to "be seen," thus not dying alone and forgotten in a cave somewhere. This may be an introvert issue, since I have been taught to feel guilt over not always wanting to be part of a crowd.
• Trying to regain things I lost in childhood thanks to a combination of my own decisions and also being brought up by a paranoid, neurotic, control freak. 
• Attempts to buy the happiness, love, joy of those I love -- kids and spouse primarily. Or, to try and buy the respect I will never fully get -- mother, primarily.

There are more. I know there are more but I can't bring them to the surface just yet. I will be revisiting this post, I know. In fact, I am making a note of it right now, as this exercise needs much further work.

Uber Frugal Month: Day 14

Today we are home! We spent the morning hiking at the Sehome Arboretum and taking a last walk/coffee break along the bay. We then made a slow trip back to SeaTac, going the back way along the Chuckanut highway. An inexpensive way to squeeze the utmost from our short trip!

Today's UFM challenge is a good one, but I'm not sure that it is immediately applicable.

Today’s mantra: I have the power to decrease my dependence on others and do things on my own.

Today’s action: Do something yourself that in the past you’ve paid someone to do

We are relatively from scratch/DIYers around here. For many years by necessity, and now because we have such lofty goals!

The first examples that pop into my head:

• We cut our own hair.
• We do our own yard maintenance.
• We clean our own home.
• We make our own coffee.
• We even started making some of our own booze!
• We cook from scratch.
• We clean our own home and car.

Now, it about a year we will be selling or renting our home. It is not ready for either market. So, I'm going to take this challenge as inspiration! This week I'm going to walk through the entire house with pen and paper. I will write down everything thing that needs to be done in the next 12 months. Then, we will go through the list and do as many of those things as possible ourselves.

Uber Frugal Month: Day 13

Saturday was misty but not really raining, which was great! The cloud cover stayed low, though, robbing us of vista views. We spent the day exploring some of the urban areas of Bellingham, researching possible locations in the city for our move, and walking miles and miles along the urban trails that track along the seaside.

Today's UFM post doesn't compute for me at all, although I am sure it does for many others.

Today’s mantra: I refuse to waste my money on the notion that there’s something wrong with how I naturally look.

Today’s action: Go for a day without wearing makeup (or wearing less makeup). Note the time and money you’d save if you did this everyday. More importantly, how do you feel knowing you’re owning your own natural, awesome beauty?

Not counting a shower, it takes me less than 10 minutes to leave the house. I only wear tinted SPF 25 moisturizer and mascara. My hair is down or in a ponytail -- no fancy hair products and I cut it myself. I am definitely a jeans and tshirt chick, and most of those come from the thrift store.

Uber Frugal Month: Day 12

Day 12 was Friday, our first full day in Bellingham. It was also the day we spent mainly on campus until dinner time. It was also the rainiest day :) Not spending on campus was easy! We did go a bit overboard that evening, though, as we hit up several craft breweries. Fortunately, we managed to to stick to a budget!

In retrospect, the UFM for the day is fitting:

Today’s mantra: I will absolutely make time for the things that matter most.

Today’s action: Examine the underlying reason for any knee-jerk excuses you’re experiencing as part of this challenge.

It was easy to make excuses on our trip, and on Friday we made quite a few. Fortunately, the next day dawned anew and we hadn't gone so far overboard all was lost. We opted to reign things in for Saturday, thus managing to stay at budget by the skin of our teeth. The only failing is that there is no more "fun money" available for January.

As for examining the underlying reasons. This is so easy yet complicated. We haven't had a lot of excess during our relationship. We went 11 years without spending as much as an evening out without the kids. When we do get time alone together, which we now make a point of at least once a week, there still seems to be this urge to "make the most of it." There is also this feeling of feast or famine. This undermines everything, though, since over the top feasting only goes to ensure famine later.