Happy April 1st. I haven't toted everything up but I'd estimate that our spending was about 40% more than January and February. We were prepping for a trip (that were on now). I'm looking for a Buy Nothing April to help recuperate! Thanks OP!

"OP of the original buy nothing thread" here;

Holidays are always hard for me. I overspend on groceries, mostly, and then as always stuff my kids want.

Looking forward to a very frugal April, March was kind of a bust but I plan to get back on track with groceries and other expenses in April.

How did the last week go for everyone?

I floundered a little more than usual this week, forgetting to make (aka buying) coffee on Monday and then lunch on Tuesday. Today I bought 2 gifts from Target without buying additional things. That felt like an accomplishment. Overall, I think it went alright, although I need to work on remembering to bring food/drinks to the office....

NP. I was trying to follow along, but fell off the wagon and spent $44 on clothes for the kids. They were on sale and it's been so long since I've splurged that I think my willpower was sapped. They do need clothes, but these are for next season so not a necessary purchase.

Hoping this guilty feeling is enough to keep me on the straight and narrow until back-to-school shopping.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I tend to kill plants in containers... so I don't expect my success rate to be high with seeds, but who knows? Maybe this year I'll do a better job and it'll be a net gain. Good idea about gifting seedings! That'd be super cute.

Seedlings are very forgiving. Heck even kindergarteners can grow seedings right?

You can start them in egg cartons. My sister would just put out an aluminum pan with some potting soil and start her seedlings that way. You can definitely use all sorts of recycled materials!

https://www.gardenbetty.com/the-no-brainer-guide-to-starting-seeds-indoors/

Good luck!

Thank you for sharing the blog! My kindergartener and I planted seeds in yogurt cups, so we'll see what happens!

Anonymous wrote:Easy to Buy Nothing today -- (just stay off of internet shopping!!)

Today is a day to declutter closets and the basement and find stuff I already have, instead of buying stuff I don't need.

I am looking specifically for tupperware type food storage containers, sports stuff my kids have asked for that I am SURE we have somewhere, and office supplies like staplers and pens.

Good idea, pp! I found sponges for dishwashing today, which were hiding on top of my fridge. So I feel like I saved money today. I did buy a coffee at work yesterday after forgetting to make some in the morning.... On to organizing my closet!

Easy to Buy Nothing today -- (just stay off of internet shopping!!)

Today is a day to declutter closets and the basement and find stuff I already have, instead of buying stuff I don't need.

I am looking specifically for tupperware type food storage containers, sports stuff my kids have asked for that I am SURE we have somewhere, and office supplies like staplers and pens.

I'm not counting food either for Buy Nothing Ides of March. But if you cut back on takeout as well, you will save a LOT of money.

Also, don't buy lottery tickets. You lost $5. If you remember to turn in your tickets you will have only lost $2 but still. You are basically throwing dollar bills down into the garbage.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am really appreciating this thread! I spent $5.35 today. I should have spent nothing - they were completely unnecessary purchases. I certainly can't say I was good for all of march but I have been much more mindful of my spending. Jan and feb were pretty good too.

What did you buy?? Can you return it?

If it weren't for my kids I'd spend almost nothing. How do you handle requests from your kids?

I spent $5 on scratch off tickets (won $3) the other day that I have not redeemed, so I guess technically I only spent $2 and .35 on a pack of gum. I feel pathetic just typing this! Today I spent $6 on lunch and $42 on take out for dinner. I don't count food, because we have to eat and I am bad with keeping groceries in the house.

Anonymous wrote:I am really appreciating this thread! I spent $5.35 today. I should have spent nothing - they were completely unnecessary purchases. I certainly can't say I was good for all of march but I have been much more mindful of my spending. Jan and feb were pretty good too.

What did you buy?? Can you return it?

If it weren't for my kids I'd spend almost nothing. How do you handle requests from your kids?

I am really appreciating this thread! I spent $5.35 today. I should have spent nothing - they were completely unnecessary purchases. I certainly can't say I was good for all of march but I have been much more mindful of my spending. Jan and feb were pretty good too.

Anonymous wrote:
I tend to kill plants in containers... so I don't expect my success rate to be high with seeds, but who knows? Maybe this year I'll do a better job and it'll be a net gain. Good idea about gifting seedings! That'd be super cute.

Seedlings are very forgiving. Heck even kindergarteners can grow seedings right?

You can start them in egg cartons. My sister would just put out an aluminum pan with some potting soil and start her seedlings that way. You can definitely use all sorts of recycled materials!

https://www.gardenbetty.com/the-no-brainer-guide-to-starting-seeds-indoors/

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:You all buy nothing I'll be buying taking advantage of prices that are lower because you all aren't buying.

I don't think it works like that LOL but hey go nuts!! What are you buying??