Let's say that at first I was a bit puzzled when I heard from Natalie McNeal of Frugalista Files that she made February her No Buy Month challenge.
I wondered does she mean not buying anything, could not be.
What she will do in February 2009 is not get pampered (hair salon, pedicure and the like) or go out to restaurants and clubs or theaters, movies and concerts or even go to the car wash which might be difficult to do in the Northeast (she lives in Florida) with our repeated show days. Forget about trips to the mall of course.
Her spending will be limited to basic needs, necessities (food, household goods, etc..)
Entertainment will have to take place at home or at friends places or be free.
For those afraid to take the plunge, she offers soothing advice in Frugalista's No-Buy Month: No Fear Edition (February 2nd).
Picking February as your No Buy Month makes it easier writes Liz Pulliam Weston (on MSN Money) as it is the shortest month.
There might be something empowering about saying no to things we do not want to do or do not need.
We might even appreciate special occasions and treats better after cutting instant gratification down to size.
Getting back on board the Consumed to Thrifty train as February kicks off.