No-Buy Month Spending Challenge Day 12: resolve
With the looming spectre of Valentine's Day on the weekend's horizon increasing the pressure to consume, Brent meets his social obligations despite his commitment to avoid spending. --- lfk.
Well, I'm nearing the halfway point of my No-Buy month, and I haven't quit yet. I rarely give up on something I start, but I'm even more pumped about sticking with this exercise.
Yesterday was unfortunately a good friend's last day working at The Sun, but I scored tasty food leftover from her goodbye brunch.
I also made a trip to the grocery store and spent about $45 on uncooked pork chops, chicken, some breakfast foods, lunch meat and the essential components necessary for my Valentine's Day treat.
We all have opinions on that manufactured day. If you have a special someone, it can become quite pricey depending on how serious you take it. If you're more like me, you roll your eyes, hold your nose and do what you have to do to keep your significant other happy.
So what cheap/free ways are there to mark the occasion?
Of course, there are museums and libraries. We're catching a break with the unseasonably warm weather, so a walk in the park would work.
My friend and an author of this blog, Liz, suggests offering coupons to your significant other for things like free massages, a week of cooking and doing the dishes, etc.
The best gifts, as everyone knows, are tailored specifically for the person to whom they're intended. So, think about what that special someone in your life really enjoys doing or talking about -- something that doesn't break the bank. And act.
Then, share with us here. Help those who are still struggling as the days looms.
Don't miss earlier installments of Brent's No-Buy Month Spending Challenge:
1. No-Buy Month, the 28-day spending challenge
(photo: Glenn Fawcett/Baltimore Sun)
Comments
So what cheap/free ways are there to mark the occasion?
Really? Nobody has a response for this question?
Bucky, I fear that some people are trying to avoid giving away their secrets ... or are spending way too much. --- lfk.
Posted by: Bucky | February 12, 2009 2:28 PM
Write a heartfelt note to your significant other stating exactly what it is that you love about them.
Notable, I'm mad that Brent, who writes for a living, didn't suggest this first. Thanks for calling him out! --- lfk.
Posted by: NotableM | February 13, 2009 7:59 AM
My boyfriend and I went to a movie (his treat), grabbed take out and watched the all-star events online. I gave him a card and a list of "25 Things I Love About You". It was funny, personal and best of all "Free" Got the idea from a talk show last week... Normally I make him cards using my scrapbooking materials, but the last one was so amazing (tooting my own horn) that I couldn't even try to compete with it this time.
Posted by: Cherish Samuels | February 17, 2009 4:31 PM
Okay....I'm enjoying your efforts here.
I think you got it right about the "manufactured" day. This might be a real "buzz-kill", as the kids say, since all those t.v. ads make us believe that buying things prove our love It's a lie. Now that I have found so much joy in simply treasuring the moments with people I love, material things have lost there importance. A few deaths in one's experience helps puts it all into perspective. This is my mantra: The only present I want is the gift of your presence. Nothing is more valuable than the time and attention we give each other and now that my family and friends are spread all over the continent, I am so grateful for every gift of their time with me. In fact, it is priceless and irreplaceable.
I do like your dinner feast gift. It was a gift of your time, made with your own hands, crafted with love, fed the body, and meant you had time alone together. What can be better than that?!!! (My girlfriends will all agree, there is nothing sexier than a man who cooks!) Bravo
Posted by: Grace | February 19, 2009 2:48 AM
To answer your question more directly, this is what "we" did on Valentines day. It was not all "free", but practical, since we all need to eat, and the flowers will be planted in the garden. "We" is my best friend visiting me from another state, my mom, and myself. (Two divorcees, one widowed) Tradition in my family includes acknowledging moms and kids, no matter how old! Hallmark started that, I believe...smart marketing strategy. Notice all the ads for diamonds and jewelry during Valentines and Christmas? (Poor guys, with all that pressure and guilt to spend money!) However, I don't begrudge the tradition of having special days to remind us to honor those we love by giving them our "focused" time and attention. Best friend and I pass on cards and gifts on all events, except the occasional spontaneous card or memento because it symbolizes our zany personas and life-long friendship. I spent $10 on a card and miniature rose plant with blooms for my mom. I ordered a pizza delivery for my single son in the service who is based over 6,000 miles away, for $25. (expensive remote location) Pizza is a treat on his meager pay, and one of his favorite foods (ugh!). Mom brings us each a box of chocolates, a predictable and welcomed tradition...yummy! Mom and best friend help me pack for a big move. Early evening we quit and download a "pay for view" chick flick, The Women, for $6, and eat leftovers I had cooked the night before with a glass of wine. Later in the movie, we mischievously broke into our boxes of chocolates, had lots of laughs as we waxed philosophical about being single and all of the "I resemble that" in the movie. Cost of "stuff" for my three most important people: $41 Value received: Priceless
Posted by: Grace | February 19, 2009 3:54 AM