For 21 days (May 1-21) we’re only spending on essentials. Why? First, because you can’t out earn a bad spending habit. Secondly, it’s time to start working towards achieving our goals. Only you know what your goals are, so be sure to write them down and keep them in front of you to keep you motivated. Thirdly, it takes about 21 days to create a habit and about 90 days to see some changes in your finances. With a little patience, consistency, and discipline you’ll start to see your financial situation transform right before your eyes.
Who is this challenge for? If you’re tired of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, then this challenge is for you. If you’re an impulse shopper, then this challenge is for you. If you’ve created a budget, and you know that you make enough to cover your essentials, but somehow you always end up short at the end of the month, then this challenge is for you. If you find yourself always having to use your credit card or take out a loan for emergencies due to a lack of savings, then this challenge is for you. If you just want to challenge yourself to try something new and see where it takes you, then this challenge is for you.
How will I know if this will work? You won’t know unless you try. Really commit to this challenge if you want to see some real change. I did this challenge from January – March of this year, and let’s just say that I saw my savings account go up…which means more money for my emergency fund, my goals, and investing.
I feel like things are just opening back up. Does this mean I can’t go out and enjoy myself over the next 21 days? You absolutely can go out and enjoy yourself! With some things you will just have to get a little bit more creative, so that you spend as little or no money as possible. For instance we all know we have to eat daily and this is not a challenge to make you eat at home and cook over the next 21 days. I would be lying to you if I said, I was going to be doing that. Sometimes it’s just easier and more convenient to just pick up something. What I’m saying is when you do decide to pick up something to eat, do you need to go to Ruth Chris or another expensive restaurant or will Outback Steakhouse work just fine? These are the questions that you will need to ask yourself as you go through the next 21 days.
Ok! I’ve heard enough...I’m in! Where do I start? Now that you’ve made your mind up and want to see your finances transform, today I want you to create a budget. There is no fancy way of doing this…just list out all of your income and expenses. If you need a budget template, leave a comment below or email me at lavishandthriftyllc@gmail.com.
If your budget tells you that your income is more than your expenses…awesome! Now
list out all of your essential items. I can’t tell you what’s essential in your life; only you would know that. Let’s focus on only spending on the essentials for the month.
If your budget tells you that your expenses are greater than your income, take a look at some of your expenses and list out only the essential items. Hopefully, you will see a difference. If you still do not see a difference and you’re only paying for essentials each month, that may be an income problem. For the next 21 days consider doing a side hustle for extra income. Start with the things that are in your house. You’ll be surprised about the things you have and don’t use that someone else would love to buy. I sell items that I already have in my house every month on Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark.
I hope this challenge helps you in some capacity. Like I said before I did this challenge for three months straight and I surpassed my own goals. If you feel like you can’t do this challenge alone feel free to join the Lavish and Thrifty Facebook group, so that we can all hold each other accountable.
Leave me a comment below and tell me what’s the one thing that you always spend money on that is not essential. Also, leave a comment when the challenge is over and let me know how much you saved!
Remember to always ~spend wisely, live lavish~
