bailittlemonkey

[bailittlemonkey]

no spend update

realized i have hella points on my fast food apps which means *drum roll pls* FREE BREAKFAST BEFORE WORK !!!!

not sure if this is like good more the whole no spend mindset BUT maybe it will be good for me who knows >.<

[bailittlemonkey]

no spend starting wonky

today marks the start of my no spend period. i had to get some of the pieces for the cosplay im doing at the comic con this weekend so i did end up spending $25 total but that’s all i spent. it’s kind of discouraging since i am trying to commit to no spend like completely but its totally like chill vibes since i thrifted most of it. i have to buy one more item for the one for the second day BUT its like okay bc i didnt buy anything extra at the thrift today. usually i buy extra things bc i think they are super cool but i did not! so small steps are still steps i think.

[bailittlemonkey]

scallion oil noodles 🍜

[bailittlemonkey]

no spend 2025 prep :]

i’ve started the prep for my no spend challenge that will start in a couple days. i have a few goals of things to get done.

i will be making a scarf!!! i’ve always been into crocheting and now that i wont be spending money, i feel it’s time to start working through the obscene amount of yarn u have collected in the last few years. i might also make some fingerless gloves.

i also plan to get into junk journaling. i got some glue stick and some cute craft paper from michaels today (on sale for $3!!!!).

i’m excited for my crafting endeavors and shall keep you updated, my loyal void following!!

[bailittlemonkey]

A Colorful Swedish Apartment Inspired by the 50s and 70s (click on the link for the full home tour)

[bailittlemonkey]

late christmas miso - she loves her tomato

[bailittlemonkey]

no spend for 2025

after loads and loads of presents for chistmas and the girlfriend's birthday, i have come to the conclusion to do a no spend challenge until *at least* july of 2025. while i will be officially starting on january 1, i'm starting to draw some guidelines for myself now.

for starters, i will only be spending money on my rent, utilities, subscriptions, and credit card payments. i have a heavy spending problem so i am hoping that this kicks me out of it and starts some new good habits for me in the upcoming year(s).

as for inspiration, i'm moving!!! well not now, but around may, i will be moving to chicago (maybe) with my girlfriend (yippee!). while i am super excited, it does not go wasted on me that this will be a very expensive move. i really want to make it as painless as possible and help my girlfriend build a home (2 bed shabby apartment) that she's been dreaming of the last few years. i am so excited for this move and really hope to make it a much better experience than moves have been for me in the past.

now for some tips and tricks i have seen around...

i have already calculated my average monthly income and how much i spend on my mandatory expenses (i.e. rent, bills, subscriptions). i plan to use that as a guide so i don't freak out when the money leaves my account (as i do about most things). i am also doing my first month (january) as a pantry challenge and trying not to go grocery shopping for the whole month. this shouldn't be too hard for me as i usually only go once or twice a month anyways. after the first month of my "no grocery store ban," i will be shopping stricly at lidl for most of my grocery needs. i will also go to kroger/target for other things (i.e. protein pancakes and protein powder). another thing i am looking into is prepping my breakfast. i work at a corperate coffee chain so thankfully, buying coffee every morning isn't necessarily a worry (THANK GOD THANK GOD THANK GOD). i have alo made a list of things i can do without spending money (i.e. reading, planning future weeks, journaling).

there are a few days that i know i will be spending money in the first two months and i have those laid out as well. i am going on a weekend trip with my girlfriend for her birthday, going to a comic con, and of course valentines day. while i don't have to worry about airbnbs or anything during these days, these are times i usually spend the most money so i do still need to keep and eye out and not binge on spending since i won't be spending any money prior or after. i do have some of my cash tips saved up for these events though, as of now i have about $150 and get about $20 every week so i think i will be spending that instead of the money that comes straight from my paycheck.

i'm mostly making this post to keep myself accountable and to comeback and look at when i am feeling discouraged. here's to healthy spending and not clawing my eyes out from boredom! 🥂