7 day Spending Freeze - OMGoodness!

What was I thinking? I told myself this was needed (I must have been sleep when this vision came about). Oh well the commitment has been made and I am determined to show fashionistas, shoe lovers and even frugalistas like myself how to benefit from cracking down on spending. I am calling it from Stilettos to Slippers mentality. Going from a fantastic night out with the girls or the babe this weekend in my Vince Camuto vintage patent stilettos to popcorn and DVDs in my Tote slippers. Should be fun!

The objective of this fashionable freeze is to save money and gauge how much unnecessary spending you can do in a week; in preparation for long-term change.


First things first, pray that you don't lose your mind.

Obvi-ously my Want

Next, make a list of your needs and wants. Be realistic, the new leather Alice + Olivia leggings are really not a need, right: Right. Food (eating out not included), shelter, toiletries, transportation and undergarments are a need. (Mom always said not to wear holey under garbs - you never know when you may be in an emergency.) Got it girls. Wants can wait and you can budget to spend on them at a later date. Hopefully this freeze will curb your enthusiasm to be impulsive.

Third, take yourself out to eat and do something reasonably nice for yourself (buy flowers, get dessert, go to a movie) 24 hours before the freeze. Again, please don't go on a shopping spree. The Macy's One Day Sale can wait. I promise there will be another next month.

Fourth, figure out your estimated expenses for the week and take out the cash. Your task this week is not to use your credit cards or debit cards (emergency only - I trust you can figure this one out ladies). Cash only.

Fashionistas, most importantly, track your expenses either manually (which was so 2006); a computer software investment (like Quicken); a free online service; or mobile money management system. I am a Droid girl (for now) and  love Mint. Mint keeps track of your budget and actual cash flow (that means after expenses, what could I really afford to spend on that Cut n' Paste handbag...hmm.).

Ahh, the joys. Okay, starts Saturday, October 22nd - so who's in with me?