Financial Diets

There are a number of financial diets/fasts that you can participate. The trick is to find one that is challenging yet doable. There are time specific diets, spending diet, savings diet, and many more...the list goes one.

The one in particular that I am doing is the 21 day Financial Fast. I have done this fast before so I know it is doable but still a challenge for someone like me. I don't make a lot of expensive purchases but I do like to buy what I want when I want it (who doesn't?). The 21 Day Financial fast has the following guidelines:

"During this fast, you will not shop or use your credit cards. For three weeks you must refrain from buying anything that is not a necessity. And by necessity, I mean the bare essentials, such as food and medicine.
You will refrain from going to the mall or retail stores. Even window shopping is off-limits.
No restaurant meals — fast food or otherwise. This includes buying breakfast or lunch at work. You can’t stop for coffee. Make it at home instead." [1]

For the things that I need to buy this month (gas, groceries, toiletries, etc) I will make cost conscious decisions before purchasing.

Resources I Use

• Groupon - although the deals are rarely things I need I have made some purchases that I can use this month for entertain that will not require me to spend additional money
• Southern Savers - I selected my store, my coupons, and save. It's that simple
• Gas Buddy - Instead of driving out of my way for the cheapest gos, I stop at the station that is on my route. Driving out of your way will burn more gas and defeat the purpose of saving

If some of the money saving services listed above are not available in your area, do a quick Google search to find out what is available. Your wallet will thank you.

To those of you participating in this fast with me...

GOOD LUCK!!

Sources:

1. 21 Days │ Time MoneyLand

2. Is a Financial Fast Right For You?