Can you be frugal thoughout February?

Last year, a bunch of bloggers and internet folk I know took part in ‘Frugal February’. What started as conversation turned into quite a thing, and I have to say, I wish I’d taken part. They saved so much money! They didn’t spend anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.

It was an idea launched by Gemma Cartwright of Big Girls Browse and she said in her post last year ‘This means buying no clothes, shoes, accessories, make-up, cosmetics, books, DVDs, music, magazines, gadgets etc for a month.’

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Gemma was pretty flexible about the rules – going out and travel expenses didn’t break them, but thinking about how much you spent on your night out was part of the fun. It was more about looking at the stupid things we buy all the time. We don’t think about picking up a magazine and chocolate bar. They’re just little things. We just don’t see it as really money. I’ve said it before – that’s where most of money goes. You can spend a worrying amount of money on a lot of nothing.

I’m going to be frugal throughout February, and keep a diary here talking about how I’m finding it. I know I’m going to find it difficult. It means breaking my worst money habits. But I think it’s important to look at just how much we spend on pointless things and those little pick me ups that we treat ourselves to all the time. I’m not sure I need a treat just because I had to wait for a bus for ten minutes. I’m more emotionally stable than that.

Can you be frugal this February?

There’s no need for me to always buy the fancy wine, or the most pricey cocktail. I don’t need another dress that’s just like three I have already. I’ve got pasta in the cupboard and I don’t need takeaway.

I don’t need to waste my money.

I’m totally ready for Frugal February. Bring it on.

Want to take part? Follow @gemmacartwright on Twitter and use the #frugalfed hashtag.