Day 1, ZERO spend challenge.

Here it is, October 1st!  Two days ago, my youngest daughter tells me they need conditioner.  I am like, seriously??  She said they would not make it to the end of October with what was in the bottle.  So it gave me an excuse to go,  once again to the grocery.   (I was contemplating it anyway)  I bought some more chicken and veggies and I feel more ready.   I guess it doesn't really matter because we are here.  It is the moment of truth.  Do we have what it takes to make it through this month spending zero dollars?

Some things we already do that will seriously help out with this challenge.  We don't buy or drink soda.  I mean, if we go to a restaurant, we may have one, but we don't have it in the house.  Its a big budget buster.  A 2-liter can cost 1.99$  and if you drink one a day, thats 726$ per year!  We don't smoke.  Did you know that a pack of cigarettes in NewYork can cost 14$!  A carton of Basic cigarettes is 52.99$  if you buy one a month thats 624$ a year!!  Thankfully, non of us smoke and we don't consume a lot of alcohol either.  We all pack our lunches everyday, so that is a habit that will help with this challenge.

I am including a couple of pictures of my pantry and fridge, they're stocked!  I will take another at the completion of the challenge.  (Might be a good time to clean the fridge). I am sure I will find things in there that I haven't used and it may come down to me trying something new.  I do have a turkey in the freezer.  I am going to cook it at the beginning of the month because I know I can use it for a lot of things like turkey pot pie and turkey tetrazzini.  I can also make sandwiches and salads with the meat.   I will probably also invite my dad for dinner, because he likes turkey and I'm positive everyone will get sick of it.

Some other things I did before the end of September.  I got my oil changed and had them check and top off fluids as well as the air pressure in my tires.  I am hoping this helps my car run more efficiently.   I can get my tires rotated for free, so that won't be a problem.  I did my grocery shopping at Kroger's so the fuel points are saved for later in the month when I need to get gas.  I mean, I have to get to work.  Or,  do you think they'd buy the excuse that I'm taking a challenge??  Nope, me either.  I am on vacation during the month, so that will decrease the amount of miles I put on my car.

We are off to a pretty good start.  We are prepared and we are excited.  Scratch that!  I am excited to give this a good effort.  I will continue to keep you all posted and would love to hear any advice or ideas you have.