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!