I have been in decluttering, organization and cleaning mode for a couple of weeks now. There’s something about the approaching change of seasons that inspired this, but mostly it’s preparation for the baby’s arrival! As part of my simplifying, I decided after analyzing my February expenses that I also want to implement a mini pre-baby spending ban in March (and possibly April, too!). The main idea is that I don’t want to spend money outside of baby items, groceries and replacing necessities.
Pre-baby spending ban categories:
Gifts: I don’t have any occasions I need to buy gifts for in March, so this should be easy. I do have a wedding gift to purchase in April.
Makeup/hair products/skin care: I already replaced my mascara after I ran out, so I should not need anything else. It’s possible I will run out of foundation in March and I’ll replace that if needed, but I won’t buy more makeup. I’ll admit it’s hard for me to not want to try new cruelty-free products after watching YouTube videos or reading blog posts, though.
Nail polish: I will use the polish shades I have.
Audible books: I have three books to finish, which might be enough reading material until after maternity leave. I put my membership on hold, so I am not buying more monthly credits.
Clothing: I won’t be buying any clothing until after the baby is born. I am instead selling and donating items I don’t wear. (I’m not counting nursing bras/tops because those are considered items for the baby.)
Planner stickers: I stretched out a mini kit for two months and I still have $3 sticker set from Target that I use. I used a birthday gift card to order another mini kit, but other than that I don’t plan to buy any stickers until after our baby is born. If I run out I can always decorate with markers.
Home decor items: We don’t have a need for it, nor do we have space! I just replaced an old rug under my desk chair, but I plan to not buy anything else unless it’s something we need for the baby.
Plants: We typically buy plants/seedlings in the spring or summer, but I’m not sure if we will this year. It’s probably not a great idea to add to our plant collection or start our summer garden before moving, which we want to do this year. (Note: We want a bigger place; we’re not leaving Chicago. Another note: I can’t control the actions of my husband, who loves to buy plants. haha)
Starbucks: I am not completely cutting it out, though I have already cut back. I want to keep it to once a week. (I haven’t been drinking much coffee but I do enjoy a refreshing drink or a breakfast while I’m on the go.)
Dining out/takeout/food delivery: I want to limit this to once per week in March. This will be the hardest category to even cut back on for us and I am the least optimistic about how we’ll do. Just being honest! But we are going to try. I am going to allow myself a couple of friend dates that will involve going out to eat.
Not included in the ban: Blog expenses, transportation, groceries and other essentials.
I’ll be posting an update at the end of March listing any times I break the spending ban. I hope it’s not too long! Have you ever done a spending ban? What are expenses that are worth it to you? Let me know in the comments!
Related posts:
Decluttering and Items I Wish I Didn’t Buy
End-of-Summer Cleaning and Decluttering List
Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.
I’ve totally been on a spending ban as well as I find there is little I need for myself, just all for baby!
Exactly! Hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly!
This! I am not pregnant but I totally need to go on a spending ban — Starbucks is getting a lot of my money recently.
Same, girl!
I love this because it’s so great to be aware of where all of our money flies off to. Haha. I write down every single thing we spend money on throughout the month and then I adjust/ban things for the following month! Cutting out Starbucks in February has saved us over $100!! My biggest issue is gifts. So many showers and celebrations! I need to learn that I don’t have to spend $75+ on every gift. I know that’ll help me out so much. Simplifying everything for baby must be so exciting!
Omg, when I added up what I spent on Starbucks in January and February I was shocked! I’ve also been buying gifts as thank yous when a note will do in most cases. I am excited to focus on things we need to get for baby instead! 🙂 Cutting out $100 is awesome!! I hope to do the same. haha
What a great way to take stock of what you’re spending money on and prioritize what you want to spend money on! Haha I feel like plants and coffee are always good things to spend money on though 😉 But it makes sense to hold off on plants if you’re trying to move. It would be tough for me to do a spending ban on audiobooks or regular books though: I have been rolling through some audiobooks this month! Usually I’ve got more credits than I can spend but for some reason I have just been on a roll in terms of audiobooks this year so far. Good luck with your ban!
I usually finish a book a month but a few months back I started a super long book that is taking forever to finish! haha That put me so behind! Yes, I agree plants are so worth it! Thanks for the well wishes!