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January is over, and with it have gone the challenges of Veganuary and Dry January. But are you still feeling the pinch from Christmas and New Year? You’re not alone. January was a long month for people eagerly awaiting pay-day, and lots of us are still out of pocket. So why don’t we start a new challenge this month? I’d like to propose Frugal February!
Frugal February
Do you think that you could survive a whole month without buying any non essential items?
If you read my post at the start of January, you may already know that I have marked 2019 as my Year to Clear. I have already made a start on this, selling my clutter on eBay and getting rid of some stress whilst doing it.
(See how my year of decluttering went here)
I will report that I have made a pretty good start! And whilst clearing my clutter I realised that I probably wouldn’t need to buy toiletries or perfume for ages. And that I have enough clothes even when I’d cleared out my wardrobe.
So I thought, how much money could I save by not buying things all month? It’s only a short month anyway. 28 days. 4 weeks. And so I challenged myself to only purchasing essentials this month. I need to save a little bit of money, as at the end of the month I am going on a spa retreat couple of days for a friend’s hen party.
But how do you survive a frugal February where you are only allowed the essentials? With no nights out and no little luxuries?
Birthdays
It is tough if you do have birthdays coming up this month. But maybe there is something you were given at Christmas that wasn’t quite to your taste and you could re-gift? Think of it as more thrifty than being tight. (And P.S. everyone does it! )
Maybe you could make something? Or, you could give an alternative gift? Maybe a gift of your time, where you offer to babysit, or do a job in someone’s house rather than give a material gift? These gifts are often remembered fondly and appreciated more than material things anyway.
Why not give A Rose Tinted Gift Voucher?
Valentine’s Day
And yes, I haven’t forgotten about February 14th. Again, a gift of time (or a voucher for something naughtier!) is always appreciated from a loved one. Maybe a back massage or a week of breakfasts in bed? Instead of a night out why not cook a romantic (and frugal) meal? And if you are crafty you could make a heart garland….
Movie Nights
Instead of a night out at the cinema (which let’s face it costs an arm and a leg these days) why not cosy on in under a blanket at home on the sofa? You can even get popcorn from the supermarket that tastes as good as the cinema these days, without the massive price tag. Make it a proper movie themed night in, with all the lights off and the surround sound on.
Days Out
Instead of paying to go somewhere, why not walk to a local attraction instead? We are very lucky here in Yorkshire to have so many lovely places on our doorstep. But even if you do have to take the car, why not find a free museum or park to visit, preferably with free parking to save even more?
and
Nights Out
Why have a night out when you could have a night in? Some of my favourite girls nights have been the nights when we go to each others houses and watch a movie or play a board game. You could even host a bit of a disco with a disco ball and Spotify.
Books
Now, I love a good book. And I have a massive stack to read under the bed. But if I read all those and still hunger for more there is always the local library. You can even reserve the books you want now online! Why would you need to buy a book again?
There are so many ways to save money around the home that I also covered in my Lagom series of posts last year. Best of all you can be helping to save the environment by being frugal.
And I will point out, that any money I make whilst decluttering may go on treats once the month is over. Which is a great incentive to declutter in the first place!
Do you think that you could do frugal February easily? How much money do you think you would save? I would love to know how you think you’d get on. Do comment, or find me on social media.
Enjoyed this? Why not read my Frugal Ways To Keep Warm In Your Home This Winter?
Or 3 Simple Ways You Can Save Money On Your Household Budget
I am regifting some gorgeous items I got for Christmas. They were beautiful, just not to my taste, and I know specific friends that they will be PERFECT for. I view this as being eco friendly more than cheating out, since the items would end up in the garbage – I hate the thought of creating more junk in a landfill. #ThatFridayLinky
Could not have put it better.
That’s a good idea, I could do with a frugal month. I do have a birthday coming up but I’ve already bought the present so I guess that doesn’t count. I’m definitely going to try and not buy anything that’s not essential, I can manage that I think. I could probably save a fortune by not buying take outs, we have at least one a week..time for a break I think. Thanks for the inspiration. x
#blogcrush
Certainly not buying takeaways would help me keep on the diet path a little better than I have done in January. Thank you for reading.
Frugal February is a great idea. My washing machine seems to be on it’s last legs so maybe I could save some to go towards a new one so it’s not such a big expense when it finally gives up! #thatfridaylinky
Yes, it’s amazing how quickly those little bits add up!
Great tips! I seriously need these – still recovering from taking a new job in January and my pay being all messed up!
#PoCoLo
Oh No! Hope it all works out in the end!? It will be nice when it all catches up again and they have to pay you more to make up for it though!
This is a fab idea I know we should be doing this unfortunately it’s the girls birthdays in Feb Thanks for linking to #Thatfridaylinky hope to see you next week
It is difficult when birthdays are in there I admit. Thank you for reading.
I’m trying to do a frugal new year – great tips. Pinned and shared. #MMBC
Thank you!
Great ideas here. I have mine and hubby’s birthday’s this month, it’s my 40th so we will be having dinner out for that. Apart from that I am spending as little as possible. We don’t do Valentine’s day so don’t have to worry about that one lol.
#MMBC
We will be cooking for each other on Valentines Day. We have set a very low budget, and I’d already bought mine…
I plan on having a pretty frugal February, I always look for ways that I can make extra money as well as make savings , I do love a challenge. Buying books is a passion of mine so to keep costs down I scour the charity shops and library sales, that way I still get to indulge but within a tight budget. #MMBC
I will admit, if I want a book or DVD these days I buy second hand from eBay out of money made by selling on there. It just makes sense.
Love this. I think you don’t have to spend money to have a good time. 🙂
Thanks for linking to #pocolo
Thank you!
I have been trying to do this as much as possible this year too. We have birthday season from 2nd march to 20th april and it is so expensive we try to save money in jan/feb to account for spending on presents/takeouts for birthdays! #blogcrush
Yes, the only thing that can really throw a spoke in being frugal is birthdays, I agree. Have a lovely time though!
My challenge was to use the library more. I buy so many books it’s ridiculous!! I’ve done so well too , have only bought one book in months. They have all the newest releases and like you say you can even reserve online now!! #blogcrush
I was just really tired of buying books, reading them once and then having to pass them on!
Thanks for the saving tips. Luckily no birthdays in Feb and we are not big on celebrating Valentines Day #blogcrush
A few years ago I aimed to get rid of 2017 things, I didn’t quite make it but it was quite liberating. I look forward to seeing how you get on, thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
It is going well so far. Amazing myself with how much I have kept.
Being self employed we both have our tax bills to pay at the end of January so frugal February sounds like a good idea to me! #MMBC
I feel your pain. February is certainly frugal.
I love the ideas in this post. I don’t know if we could do a non-essential no spending month. I’m pretty sure I could manage but my husband, not so much! When you think about how much spending happens on non-essential things it really is eye opening!
~Jess
#MMBC
We are doing great so far. Plus my decluttering is yielding some sales too on eBay. Thank you for reading.
Great tips! I love to read your posts as they help me so much. This Frugal February post was undoubtedly no different!
Thank you.
We have two family birthdays in February and do many of the things mentioned naturally #MMBC
Have a lovely February!