The $0 Spending Experiment

I recently attempted an experiment in order to see if it was possible to cook dinner for two adults for an entire work week on a budget of only $10.  You can read about the results of that experiment here.

For my next experiment I am going to eliminate any unnecessary spending for 30 days.  I will continue to pay all my obligations such as rent and car payments, though I will be reducing spending as much as possible  in other areas such as groceries and gasoline.  All areas of spending which are optional will be eliminated completely.

There will be no dining out, no going to the movies or even renting movies.  We will have to find alternative sources of entertainment.  It is going to be challenging to change my lifestyle and spending habits.  I am aware that I have spending leaks which will be hard to stop.  I think this experiment will highlight exactly how much money slips through my fingers simply by habit.

What I am not willing to sacrifice in this time will be any pre-planned expenses such as car maintenance, opportunity expenses, hygiene products (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, etc), and any extra amount of money which can be applied towards debt repayment.

The experiment will begin today and last until April 8, 2009.  I will be making regular posts updating on the progress of this experiment.

Read the results of Week One, Week Two, Week Three and A Month in Review.