As the holiday weekend comes to a close I can honestly say I have no regrets about taking on the Uber Frugal Month Challenge this month.  I really thought that it would be difficult not to spend money during the summer, but it’s actually much easier due to the free outdoor activities available.  I had specific worries about the long weekend offering up too many tempting patios to linger on and rack up large tabs, but it turned out my fears were largely unfounded.

Last time we tried the No Spend month we were still under the delusion that we didn’t have to change our lifestyle very much.  We were still trying to go out at least once per week and that was loose enough to slide into twice very easily.  While that was a big improvement on our previous behaviour, it was not enough to actually meet our goals.  If you’re not playing to win, sometimes it’s hard to stay in the game.

This time, we both have specific personal weight loss goals that coincide nicely with our money saving goals. What feels different is that we have a more realistic vision of what it will take to actually succeed on both fronts.  With a clear vision and more information I feel like we can make plans and decisions that support our goals without being miserable.

I love that reducing our eating and drinking out is making room for new and exciting things.  This weekend we went to the Columbia River Gorge and hiked Bridal Veil Falls!  That’s definitely not how we would have spent a weekend morning in the past.  When you’re not at brunch you can do all kinds of other things.  Who knew?  I have started using Duolingo to learn French and I have even taken up jogging.  All of these things have brought me more joy in the last month than wine has in the last few years.  Change feels great!

Do your thrifty best!

Lisa