<h3>Starting October 1st we will be embarking on one month with NO SPENDING!!!</h3>
I first read about doing this in July when Rachel over at <a href="http://smallnotebook.org" target="_blank">Small Notebook</a> wrote about her new annual tradition of having a month with NO SPENDING!

She outlines how she does her No spending month <a href="http://smallnotebook.org/2009/07/01/the-no-spend-month-challenge/" target="_blank">here</a>
<h2>Why are we doing this:</h2>
This was completely my idea. I've been overspending a lot lately and after a conversation with my a good friend  I realized that I have lost a very important reality - the value of a dollar.

This really worried me. My husband goes to work daily for our family and I was spending without really thinking! This can't keep happening, I've got to take control of this situation.

I knew September would be a busy and expensive month with all of the birthdays so I thought October would be a great month to do this.
<h2>How it works:</h2>
We will pay all of our usual bills. After that we will have $250.00 to spend for the rest of the month. This includes groceries, gas, clothing, and entertainment. Today it sounds completely crazy to try to do this but we're determined!
<h2>Our Plan:</h2>
<ul>
	<li>We will have groceries to start off and both cars will have a tank of gas.</li>
	<li>We've set aside money for expenses that we can't avoid (like oil changes and a new microwave - ours caught on fire last month).</li>
	<li>I will stay home more! (no more random drives to Starbucks, Target or to the park.)</li>
	<li>We will find ways to entertain ourselves at home.</li>
	<li>We have Netflix so we'll have regular movie nights. During the days we'll be spending more time outside playing before the weather gets cold.</li>
	<li>I've planned out a month of meals trying to use mostly food we have in the freezer and pantry. We'll have weekly pizza nights, roast a  chicken and use the meat for several meals. There will be rice and beans a number of times. Our dining may not be fancy but we will eat!</li>
	<li>We'll be making coffee at home. I'm determined to break my Starbucks addiction (at least for the most part!).</li>
	<li>I hope to use this extra time at home to get things listed on Craigslist or priced for a yard sale in the spring.</li>
	<li>I also hope to keep busy making several gifts for Christmas. We're hoping to have a "handmade Christmas" this year.</li>
</ul>
<p class="alert">This is our first time doing anything like this. Have you tried one month with no spending? I'd love to hear how it went or what tips you have for us!</p>