14 Day Spending Detox Starts Now!
By maezee
@maezee (41988)
United States
November 25, 2021 10:50am CST
Hi, I have decided that starting today...I am doing a 2 week spending cleanse or spending "freeze". My spending has been out of control the last few months and I really need to get some debt paid off and "reset" myself to get this spending back under control.
I should really start with ONE week, but I am foolish and like to jump in with both feet on these kinds of things.
I cannot fathom doing a 100% no-spend two weeks, as there will be a few things that I absolutely NEED to pay for, including:
*Gas, car wash 2X
*Groceries - but very basic - fruits & veggies, use ingredients in my pantry, no super-expensive recipes that I am known for doing, fewer snacks, sodas, etc. Drink more water!
*Any bills that will need to be paid
What I plan on doing - CUTTING OUT frivolous spending:
*Starbucks or coffee shop trips a few times per week
*Eating out and fast food
*Drinking out (cocktails)
*Gambling - casino trips & pull tabs at bars
*Online shopping: supplements, gifts, "deals" I find on bath/body/makeup products, thrift store clothes purchases, diet products, clothing, shoes, household items, etc.
*Expensive to make/intricate recipes, over-buying on produce or pantry items
*No more gift buying - I have everyone bought for that I need gifts for. No "add ons".
What I hope to do at the end of this is save a LOT of money and dump that right onto my credit card debt, also to do a spending detox and "reel myself back in" from my spending.
I am doing it over black Friday - YES - wish me luck! I will post here periodically letting you know how it goes. If I do end up spending a tiny amount of money, I will not go "off the rails" and give in, but I am going to try my best to not spend in the 14 days. I have never done this before....So, wish me luck!
There are tons of articles and information on the internet, but here are a couple of pages I was reading through for some tips and advice -
https://thefinancialdiet.com/4-rules-to-get-you-through-a-7-day-spending-detox/
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/03/27/5-reasons-to-try-a-two-week-spending-freeze
https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/03/27/5-reasons-to-try-a-two-week-spending-freeze
12 people like this
11 responses
@FourWalls (68014)
• United States
25 Nov 21
Best of luck to you on your endeavor!!! This is a tough time of year to try it, but it’s also the best time to learn to avoid the temptations.
3 people like this
@maezee (41988)
• United States
25 Nov 21
Thank you! I honestly feel like it will be a lot easier since I am allowing myself to buy groceries - I haven't really set up a budget for that but hopefully not too much money -
but is it bad, I'm already thinking of things I think I "need" for after this 14 day detox? LOL! I am a brain-washed consumer....
4 people like this
@FourWalls (68014)
• United States
25 Nov 21
@maezee — if it’d help, you can come over and watch me throw away things I thought I “needed” 20 years ago…..
4 people like this
@maezee (41988)
• United States
25 Nov 21
Yes it is! But I don't really NEED anything - I have all my basics and household goods covered, really will just need a few groceries, gas, and I am allowing myself 2 car washes (I park under a tree and birds have been pooping on it like crazy -LOL!) Wish me luck!
3 people like this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
25 Nov 21
The important thing here is you have realized that frivolous spending has given you a debt to pay. What happens if you don't get that debt paid?
Why did the debt accumulate?
Because you need to satisfy the credit card?
Credit cards make spendthrifts out of work force. It's like the work force are the lifeline of the credit cards.
Throw away the credit card. That's the best way to cleanse oneself of the debt.
2 people like this
@maezee (41988)
• United States
27 Nov 21
Oh, honestly I would never do that. My credit card debt is actually from medical debt that I had to pay - but I get your point completely. If I wasn't spending frivolous money from my bank account, it could be paying off this debt much quicker.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27560)
• Philippines
27 Nov 21
@maezee There are bank accounts that clients could avail and use without having to pay interest on a loan that is the nature of a credit card. The wisdom of the old which my old folks taught me is to never borrow a loan because you would later pay for something which you did not use. In a credit card, the client is coerced to purchase to satisfy the contract. That is how a banker explained the credit card to me.
Debit cards can also be used for goods and services. The client need not borrow a loan and need not pay interest.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (30392)
• United Kingdom
2 Dec 21
@eileenleyva I totally agree with you. I hate credit cards because you buy something and you feel like you have already paid for it, but then a month later you get the bill and feel as though you have to pay a second time. And if you don't pay it off in full then with the accumulated interest you will end up paying for that thing two or even three times over, and by the time you have paid it off the item you bought is already old!
1 person likes this
@Fleura (30392)
• United Kingdom
25 Nov 21
Well done for at least making a start! Perhaps each time you decide not to spend on something (like a take-away coffee) you could try and make a note of how much you saved, I'm sure it will add up quickly and help you to stay motivated.
I used to promise myself a little treat as a reward. Obviously not a huge expensive treat or that would cancel out the gains... but I would set myself a goal of saving £100 per month and if I hit that I could buy something costing around £5. I found it was important not to cut right down to absolute basics otherwise I would be miserable and it would be hard to carry on and resist the urge to splurge, so I would allow myself to buy one or two 'luxuries' like shampoo I liked. Spending an extra pound or two on that kept me on the right path!
I confess I was a little shocked at one item on your list. I can understand the urge to try fancy recipes or grab what seems like a good online deal or treat yourself to a fancy coffee or even a cocktail - but gambling?? Seriously I would try to cut that out forever if you can!
2 people like this
@maezee (41988)
• United States
25 Nov 21
Hi there! YES! I enjoy gambling. We have some casinos near by and me and a couple friends get together and play pull tabs or slot machines as something fun to do - I've been doing this for years. I definitely DO need to cut it out - I only go maybe once every other month - but THAT expense is literally wasted money with no return except the entertainment. But, I have a blast when I'm there. I definitely need to find something FUN and exciting to do that replaces gambling and saves me the money. Just haven't figured out what that is yet.
I like your ideas, it sounds like you are super disciplined! Right now I have the attitude of - I want it? Ok, buy it! with no reward system in place. In my mind, I'm always justifying a purchase by thinking: "well, I worked hard for this money, I deserve it" - that mentality I need to work on changing as well!
I have a long road ahead - I am simply not good with my money and LOVE to spend it. Saving feels impossible and like torture to me. Haha. Any advice you care to share is appreciated (including what you already have). 
3 people like this
@Fleura (30392)
• United Kingdom
25 Nov 21
@maezee Oh thank you, I'm glad you didn't feel like I was preaching.
I guess the first thing is, what is your goal? It's much easier to save up for something in particular rather than just trying to save in general. You say you have a long road ahead - where is it leading?
2 people like this
@Courtlynn (67085)
• United States
26 Nov 21
Yikes! That'd be tough for most these days. Myself included. Goodluck
2 people like this
@maezee (41988)
• United States
25 Nov 21
I KNOW right. It's so hard to scale down on recipes especially when they are more intricate and challenging - but those are usually the recipes that are interesting and delicious! I cook for myself and make large batches - and usually also for my 2 roommates. But sometimes ingredients for a meal will cost upwards of $70. Sure, I eat leftovers, but still - it adds up super fast, plus thinking about grocery shopping for lunches, other staples, etc.
I am trying to keep a stocked pantry when items are on sale and then incorporating them into a recipe. Not nearly as fun, but like right now I have beans, diced tomatoes and vegetable broth - so I think next week I'll buy a few produce items and throw together a soup or something. Super exciting stuff 
2 people like this
@popciclecold (38721)
• United States
25 Nov 21
@maezee You too. Have a great day.
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
27 Nov 21
A good idea I think. I know it's helped me in the past to not buy little things. Oh, a soda when I go to get gas, or small snack.... it all counts up. I bring from home when I can.
Maybe it will be a fun challenge to find some inexpensive recipes to try?
1 person likes this
