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This is not a political post, but the basis is a political action. Friday, Feb. 28, was the so-called Nationwide Economic Blackout. My wife and I decided to participate. For us, this wasn’t about specific retailers. We simply made no discretionary (or mandatory) purchases that day. It was not a difficult commitment.
Thinking about this over the weekend, I realized that the result of that day wasn’t anything special for us. There are many days that we spend absolutely nothing. By my count, we spent nothing on approximately half of the days in February, but that was only because we traveled in February. The percentage was much higher in January.
All our bills are set to automatic payment, so we don’t even think about a portion of those days that we do make payments. Our vehicles and house are paid for. Insurance and tax bills are paid in full when due.
We just don’t do a lot of shopping. If I’m in a clothing store, it’s only after a lot of kicking and screaming. I’m a jeans and tee shirt guy – and I’m not hard on clothes, so they tend to last forever. If I’m in a store willingly, it’s likely to be a hardware store, woodworker supply, or maybe an auto parts store. I make a lot of family grocery store runs. My biggest personal spending weaknesses? Meeting friends for lunch a few times per month, and I still meet friends to play pool once a week. I still purchase music CDs and still listen to them. Oh, and the occasional bottle of bourbon.
Most days my wife and I pursue our retirement activities, which are largely cost-free. I’ve written about them enough, so I won’t repeat them here. My point is that we are not living lives of consumption, and for the most part we have all we need. I suspect that most Humble Dollar readers are similar. An individual who is a constant or continuous spender probably hasn’t ever searched for a site like humbledollar.com
So, my question is this: If you don’t consider yourself daily spenders, what do you spend your money on, and where do you spend it?
I spend my money on running events. 5Ks to marathons.
Brian – Thanks for commenting. I understand, as I wrote about my running and other physical activities here.
In contrast to my colleague Mr. Bond, who seems to dread stepping into a clothing store, I absolutely love visiting mine. It’s a fancy French clothier with the brand name Kirkland.
Last week, I took my grandkids to the Children’s Museum. Without hesitation, I opted for a grandparent membership instead of buying four single admissions. There was a time when I was so frugal that I wouldn’t even spend two quarters on a daily convenience locker. Now, I don’t think twice about choices I wouldn’t have considered in the past.
To answer your question, I’ve started spending money on small things that make my life easier and more enjoyable. For instance, I love sitting on my deck to read on my Kindle. Recently, I bought a wonderful book, *Yet in the Dark Streets Shining* by Bishara Awad, for about $10. I also picked up a pair of sunglasses with integrated reading glasses for around $15.
I’m also giving a bit more to nonprofits I feel personally connected to. I sent a small donation to Bethlehem Bible College—yes, the same Bethlehem from the Bible, not one in the USA.
William – I thought the fancy french clothier was TarJay. 🙂 I also spend freely on grandkids whenever we’re together. Spending on making life easier makes sense – – – I’m looking for a new and lighter bike for my daily rides.