1 month (5 weeks, exactly).
Reflections on the month:
Hard moments:
Ok. So I bought some frivolous food items. I broke my promise. Not only did that mean Empty calories and empty sugar, things I'm desperately trying to cut out, but it was also empty money. I met a friend for lunch and straight away that was my monthly budget gone. I travel back and forth to Dublin a lot and I broke the promise to myself that I'd stop getting Coffee at the airport. I also went to Insomnia one Sunday morning and had a lil treat. But you know what? I thoroughly enjoyed all of these experiences and think I should ease up on myself.
Going forward:
I am going to be continuing to not purchase any Clothes (maybe that linen shirt, but probably not). I have been good at bringing my own lunch to my office and (mostly) making my own coffee. The Occasional Treat is the occasional treat, and while I will try to cut back a little bit, I do think the occasional coffee while out is ok.
We have a Holiday coming up this month, so that will be expensive. After that we've both agreed to cut back big time on the holidays. Therefore, I envisage my Expenses will be reduced a fair amount. I'm going to try longer stints in one country to cut down on travel expenses, and continue to try to make healthy choices regarding my food and exercise. Next year my only money will be my stipend (no side jobs so I can finish my PhD on time), so the budget will be tight. I want to increase my emergency fund, so this will require a lot of self control.
A photo:
Ok, two!
On top: almond oil and various citrus essential oils to make a delicious facial oil.
On bottom: Finnish coffee from a friend.
