Sounds like an unattainable feat so maybe we’ll call it Low-Spend January. I am currently reading “Not Buying It” by Judith Levine and am so motivated by her cost-cutting efforts in an attempt to tackle American consumerism. This, coupled with a disaster-relief-size pantry of food that needs used before the sell-by dates expire and a pricey trip to States we took last month, has pushed me over the edge with some necessary cost-cutting measures.

So it begins – this month I will be charting our expenditures and saying “no” when unnecessary consumption taps me on the shoulder. Here is how I’m going to tackle my lofty goal this month:

1) Follow along with Money Saving Mom’s Eat From The Pantry Challenge and creatively use up food that’s been collecting dust in my pantry and deep freezer. This will also include sticking to a shopping list when I go to the store not more than 4 times this month. My goal is to also not spend more than $150 in groceries this month (we usually spend upwards of $400/month for our family of 2 adults and a baby).

2) Suggest creative ways for my friends and I to spend time together that doesn’t require spending much, if any money.

3) Refrain from overnight trips this month, as tempting as they are. We may head out on a few day-trips but no costly hotel-rooms or overpriced continental breakfasts for us this month.

Today – Jan. 1st, 2010 $0 Spent

Late brunch at home

Dinner: Fried Onion Crusted Pork Chops, Corn, Cheddar Broccoli Noodles