We Are So Ready

A conversation yesterday about our irresponsible spending led Doug and I to a radical New Year's resolution. Our idea is not a new one, we stole it from a group called The Compact. This year we pledge not to buy anything new. With a few notable exceptions (food, health and safety items, and underwear) if we buy anything this year it will be used. The original Compact agreement was for the purpose of being more environmentally friendly. We find this to be a pleasant side-effect of our efforts. However our main goal is to cut our spending and think before we buy. Other customized additions to our family compact are that we will not eat out at all this year and that our monthly food budget will not exceed $225 (half of the USDA suggested food cost for our family). This blog will track our progress and hopefully help us when our motivation is lacking (it'll also provide you many opportunities to laugh at us, no doubt).That's our story and we're sticking to it.