I Cannot Afford It

"I Cannot Afford It." No truer words were ever said.  According to some famed budgeteers, these are the most freeing words in the English language when it comes to managing your finances.  Indeed with the recession a few years ago, budgeting became trendy and even fun. And, for the sake of entertainment, it spawned a few crazy television shows such as "Extreme Cheapskates" and "Extreme Couponing."

I have just finished a year of University, returning after 14 years post-graduation to get my Bachelor of Education. I used up every last dollar on my line of credit (I think there may be 86 cents left!).  So now I am home, and my husband and I have decided to spend as little money as possible, instead being creative in an effort to spend less dough and enjoy life more.  I thought the blog would be a fun way to document our journey.  I have read stories about people who didn't spend money for an entire year, which I think is pretty cool.  We are going to take this one day at a time and see what happens.

There are a few deal-breakers, however.  Being 37, I have now acquired eyebags, but am still blessed with acne.  I use quite pricey facial care products, as it has taken me a loooong time to find something that works on my sensitive skin. I am open to anything, but I hate being 37 and running around looking like a connect-the-dots.

I also may need some new running shoes.  I have weird feet, and my new orthotics make my toes touch the front of my shoes. I do have old running shoes, so if they fit better, I am hoping that they will do the job for the amount of running I do now.  I used to be a big runner, but now it's not my thing. Unfortunately, I don't have a thing.  I need a thing. A cheap thing.  I used to do triathlons and duathlons, but after a diagnosis from the chiropractor, I have had to tone things down a LOT.  Ah well, saves money. Actually, I probably spent all the money at the chiropractor that I would have spent on these sporting events!

We have already begun our money-saving venture.  My husband Tyson has traded his spiky gelled locks for a shorter, low-maintenance version that will save in monthly trips to the stylist and visits to Shopper's Drug Mart for more Axe hair gel. I told him that he was going to have to learn to cut my long curly hair-- we will see about that (as my hairdresser reads this and shudders!)

I am looking forward to sharing our adventure this summer.  I am a bit wacky, and Tyson is happy to let me indulge in my wackiness and even has a few suggestions of his own.  This should be fun!

I hope you enjoy my blog.  Please post your own comments of money-saving tips that others will benefit from!

Happy Saving!

Dawn