I started day zero of this challenge rip roarin’ to go. Down-right inspirational. A month of no money, lots of goals, ending with a triumphant bank balance. Yes! But, this is supposed to be hard. It’s gotta be uncomfortable. Otherwise how much of a challenge is it really? I’ve been questioning that, along with my $400 for two people admittedly ridiculous to most grocery budget. Then I doubt. I doubt my capabilities and at the same time as I doubt my willingness to really put it all on the line, truly not spend, for the greater good.

All that swirling in my head. Discomfort. Doubt. Challenges. Budgets too high or too low. And I totally rocked it. If I do say so myself. Prepare for a litte horn tooting.

Groceries: $84. Wait. Wait. Once more.
Groceries: $84. For all those Sunday Spendings where I sucked wind, I feel ever-so slightly redeemed. Maybe $400 isn’t low to some the vast majority of the population, for us it is unheard of. And I am right on track. If I can attain this new low water mark, there’s a little sky’s the limit elation in order. Brave new worlds in which grocery budgets are perhaps not equal to mortgage payments. There will be no stock up trip this month. We don’t even begin to need one. We are freezer and pantry eating, with a little variety thrown in for good measure.

Pets: $14. Totally within budget, and I scored a free bag of kibble from cashing in on a frequent buyer loyalty program. There will still be some big expenses on the this front, with pending raw food purchases, but for now a win.

Personal Care: $0. Only worth mentioning, because I spent nothing yet got much needed shampoo and conditioner. Thank you, Barter. $20 worth of Beer Hair Care, directly from the source, one step removed, in exchange for 1/2 a dozen eggs and english muffins, a quart of yogurt and a 1/2 pint of blackberry jam. I’m giving myself Farmer’s Market prices here, but I think that stash leaves us square.

The month is long. And my bag of tricks limited. We’ve only just begun. I’m not quite sounding the victory sirens yet. But a good start given you momentum. It pushes aside a little of that doubt. It gives me faith in the bag of tricks.

Week One: Conquered.

How’d you do? And what would you say is in your bag of tricks?