Well, as you can see I’m having a “Double Challenge Month” for February!! There’s another “Low (no) Spend Challenge”, and a “Decluttering Challenge”! You can join in both challenges, or just the one you’re most interested in! 
As you can see I’ve reversed the Low/No as I think for most of us, not spending for a month just isn’t going to happen! Heck, I can’t even go a week without spending, not when I’ve got kids who tend to put a kink in all my best laid plans! 
lol!
I’ve decided to offer up a little “bounty” prize as well this month! It’s nothing grand or life changing, but it will be a pkg. full of few of my “favorite things“! I want it to be a surprise though, but if you know me… think coffee, chocolate, pretty handmade items, notepads, etc… Sound fun?! I think so!!
Here’s how the Low (no) Spend Challenge will work:
1. Choose a financial goal for the month!
- Would you like to build up your emergency fund, save up enough money for something special you’ve had your eye on but can’t afford, want to double up your debt payments, wipe out a credit card completely?! Whatever your goal is, I want to know!
2. How will you achieve your goal this month?
- You need a plan of action! Will you be cutting your budget back, cutting out eating out for the month, no “hobby” shopping, trying to earn extra money? Come up with a plan & make it work!
3. How will you allot your spending this month?
- Obviously I suggest a “cash” budget, as you can’t spend what you don’t have! There is no putting it on credit, throwing it on a tab, digging into $$ you shouldn’t be spending, etc… But if you deal with debit cards, credit cards, etc… Go with what keeps you on track! Will you budget daily, weekly, bi-weekly? Find what works best for you & stick to it!
4. Track your purchases!
- Keep track of your spending. Yes, even that pack of gum that was “only” $.79! It REALLY helps you to see where exactly your money is going!
5. Are there any “exemptions” for the month?
- Do you have any previous engagements, birthdays, events, etc.. that simply won’t fit into the month? Then choose your exemptions & plan from there how you can still reach your goal!
Here’s how the Decluttering challenge will work:
1. There will be 4 main challenges for the month. I pick the theme, you pick the challenge!
- Week One: Personal Space Challenge
- Week Two: Family Space Challenge
- Week Three: Productivity Challenge
- Week Four: The “Dreaded” Challenge
2. Bonus Challenges!
- I will be giving you 4 *bonus* mini challenges throughout the month! Fast & easy to accomplish!
3. Purging!!
- Toss, sell, or donate 29 items! One item for every day of the month in February… Easy as pie!
4. The Proof is in the pudding!
- If you have a blog, before & after photos of your decluttering projects would be awesome please!!
Ok, now for the nitty gritty rules!
1. Please leave a comment on this post letting me know that you’ll be joining in, and please state if you’re joining one, or both challenges!
2. Take (borrow, steal, etc..) my challenge photo from above & post it on your blog along with your goals for the month & please don’t forget to link me up!
3. Commit to updating about your challenge status at least once a week! So 4 updates at the minimum please! Simply post about your progress on your blog & let me know that you’ve updated in my comments section. My blog dashboard DOES NOT show me any incoming links, so I need “direct links” please! If the month goes along and there’s been no updates after the first week or so has been posted, I’ll assume that the challenge didn’t work for you. I’d like to keep the link list page updated & current so we can encourage & follow each other! I also need to track participants for my “bounty” prize at the end of the month!
That’s it! Simple & straightforward I think! I’ll be posting my “plan of attack” soon!
So… are you in?!
I’m in! Just for the ‘Low (no) Spend Challenge. I have a couple of birthdays and a haircut to pay for, but I’ll limit personal spending again.
This looks like fun! Love the photo!
count me in I think for both, I know I will do the decluttering one, and I will think about the low spend one. I will get back to you, as I need to print out the whole challenge and go through it point by point to work out what I am going to do if that’s alright, then I will post about it.
Gill
I’m in for both. Although I have to revise my January numbers for february. I need to save $$$ for my “Needed 2012 Home Goals” that I blogged about. AND decluttering was one of my goals, so this is a great push to get me going!!! Yay!
I’m going to do the low (no) spend challenge this month! I have to think about my goals but I’ll post about them this week. It’ll be interesting considering I’m due partway through the month.
Well, look at you! You have more energy that I could ever have!!
!
The declutter challenge has been ongoing for me, does that count? I post about it every Monday…(that should count, right?)
!
The Lo/No Spend challenge is a definite for me as I want to pay off our car loan within the next 10 mos, so I have to get my EF funded first. Not an easy task, for sure. If I have a couple of Lo/No spend months, I have a chance…
So, to answer your questions? YES, I’m in for both, I’ll just be doing my own decluttering thing…
Count me in for both. I have spending that will need to be done in Feb however I will have to be creative to purchase what I need with what little I will be working with. Decluttering, I could use a kick in the rump on that one as well.
Umm, I think I might have to join you for both, but I have to tally Themis and about that first. I kinda sprung the no spending thing on him, so I think he mig want some input. I will get back to you on this!
I will be joining in both will post on them later though.
I started the decluttering one in january for my 365 Habitat for Learning Project on my homeschool blog but need to finish it so will join in to finally GET ER DONE!
Look forward to the challenges again!
I’ll be joining the declutter challenge!
I’m in for both! I’m going to think about the low (no) spend month and figure out what I can strive for there. The declutter definitely. I need a kick in the pants to get going with that, so this is great.
We are totally in for both!! I already have our *personal space* ready for decluttering. I will try and post later tonight!
I’d love to but I’ve sent you an email, so I will confirm soon.
I’d love to but I’ve sent you an email and then I will confirm soon.
I should be able to join in for the declutter challenge. My hubby would shoot me if I announced another low spend month!
I am thinking I will give both a “try out”, and see how it goes. Hopefully no sicknesses stand in my way the month of February & it will be a total go.
Yes to both!!
Awesome!!!
Thanks for joining in, ladies!! I’ll be starting up a new page soon and will add everyone’s blog/name onto it!!
I’ll give the decluttering a go.
I am in for both, How do you think I got that fridge paid for? I really need to de-clutter around here. But I cannot take pictures and I don’t know how to link up. I don’t get the term and I am not savvy to the blog thing. I don’t have hours and hours to learn and experiment, any suggestions?
Kim, I know where to find you,
I also subscribe to your feed… so you’re fine!! Thanks for joining in!!
Oh man, this sounds really great as I need to declutter. I will have to think about if I have time to partake in this challenge. I’m almost done with law school applications but I also know that Feb is a huge birthday month for my BF’s family as well as a short month, so it will fly by. I’ll keep you posted!
I’m in on both fronts!
I’m in for low/no spend challenge!
Looking forward to it.
Sft x
I’m in!
http://lizzieshomeworld.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-month-new-challenges.html
Lizzie
I will join both and post tonite since I just got home and did a HUGE post on my site, but promise that I won’t forget to link to you direct! Thanks for the email.
Did a mid day blog post with your info today, looking forward to getting started (I think)
Okay, I think I am in for the decluttering…this could be just the ticket to get me motivated. Not quite sure how it all works with the linking and all so bear with me. Will be tackling no spending by cutting back with frivilous buys and encouraging my hubbie to take lunches to work all month if he can. No money goal in mind, won’t make it an official, will just post on the decluttering. Baby steps. Better at focusing on one thing at a time…believe me, this decluttering will be a full time endeavor! lol
I’m totally in for both! I still need to think of all the details though. My parents are coming to town on the 2nd, and we have 3 b-days in February. So we’ll see how it goes! But I’m excited!
Count me in for both!
I wish I could!
We are in the middle of moving and we will be between homes in Feb, so decluttering is deffinately out. Actually, I decluttered all week, and donated a ton!
We may have some sort of low spending challenge.
I know we will be eating out a lot, so as to not make a mess in someone elses kitchen.
But we will seee.
I’ll do the Decluttering Challenge! I’ve posted about my plans on my blog.
I wish I had read this earlier! Well, at least I got a jump start on the decluttering challenge and cleaned out my pantry and some cupboards. Sad to see how much was wasted, but happy that it’s gone and more organized!
Forgot to mention that I am going to try to do both and here is my blog: http://scrapsbyerin.blogspot.com/
Even though I pretty much failed last month’s challenge, it helped me save more than I otherwise would.
I’m trying again! This time with a full proof plan!
Only doing the Low Spend Challenge since I moved to Korea with only the essentials. (No clutter!)
Good luck everyone
Hi Carla!!
I’m in for the de-cluttering challenge!
Count me in for both!!
Goals posted!
I’m not sure how I’ll do it, but I’m in. Need to beef up the EF again.
Sign me up for decluttering. I can do that for 29 days…. and it will definitely help!
I will be joining both challenges
Will write up my posts on the weekend…
Thanks again for doing this with us!
I’m in for both
Lauraleah
I’m in for both, will be working out the details.
WOW!! Awesome ladies! Glad to have the company!!
Will be adding everyone to a new page soon!
You know me, always up for a challenge…or two! Wasn’t sure at first as my income goes down by $300 in February due to CPP etc starting up all over again and my budget is zero balanced anyways but I think I can manage to do a bit extra if I really really try. Details to come…
Great idea Carla. I’ve thought about joining the declutter, but I’d be setting myself up for failure, as I’ll be away for a week. Good luck to everyone taking part!
I am so down for this! I have a room and a lot of stuff in the closet that needs to be pulled out and sorted!
http://moneyinmoneyout.blogspot.com/2012/01/are-you-clutterbug.html
Just posted!!
I am in! Sign me up for the Low Spend Challenge for February. And please follow my progress here: http://savingsmartly.blogspot.com/. Thank you.
I’m in for both! Excited for a challenging month!
I’ll have a go at both! I definitely need a low spending month and the house certainly needs decluttering. I’ll work out how I’m going to do it and post in the next couple of days.
I’m new to blogging & I’m in! My first challenge. Looking forward to February, a month I’m usually not to crazy about!
I am in for both. Want to move soon and so de-cluttering big time – I shifted 1000 items in 2 weeks (all on my blog), but am happy to carry on (I need to) and I want to join the low spend challenge too and will have a think about how I can do this most effectively.
I like the February challenges and I am in!!
Geez. We just finished a rather tough challenge and you’re at it again. Fine. I’m game for both. But for the decluttering one… I’ll need to change the ‘family’ space since I don’t have one. Also, I don’t ‘own’ that much stuff, so I may have to cut the amount of decluttering items in half.
I may have to email you the photos of my before/after goals. They will be boring anyway, since I am living out of a single tiny room and the trunk of my car!
Question about the #3 rule: I don’t quite follow what the incoming link/direct link, and where are we supposed to keep track of the challenge via comments. Do we comment to this post, or to your future posts?
How weird, my comment from yesterday didnt register. I’m in on both! But I’ll have to modify the decluttering one a bit and probably email you the photos instead of posting them. Thanks for the challenge(s)!
Hi there, just came over from That British Woman (thanks Gill for the heads up). Myself and another friend had been talking about a no spend Feb so this is just the ticket. I too am not sure about how to do direct links? will see if I can do it. thanks for the challenges, I am in for both.
ok I think I worked out the blog linking. I put the picture then I linked your blog post with the picture … is that right? cheers
Once again I’m in and I’ll be posting them on the 3rd or 4th of Feb.
I’ll be adding a ceramic goal which is part of income.
But I’ll have an earlier link from this weekend photo hunt 1/28.
Coffee is on.
I’m in for both! These challenges are great for a support system and to keep me on track!
I’m in for both!! Thanks for the motivation (once again
)
I am joining the declutter challenge!
http://diggingoutfromourmess.blogspot.com/2012/01/look-out-house-here-i-come.html
Count me in for the low spend challenge. I love reading debt blogs so much that I’ve started one myself and I’d love to be added to your list. I’ll add a post about this challenge on my blog and link it back to you – please let me know if I’m leaving anything out. Thanks for the encouragment and accountability. Good luck to us all!
I’ll try both. I was hoping for some sort of motivation. This is just the ticket. Thanks.
Hi Carla. I’d like to join the decluttering challenge. I’ll tackle our different papers and folders. Thanks for coming up with these brilliant challenges!
Hi Carla. I’d like to join the decluttering challenge. I’ll organize our papers and folders. Thanks for coming up with these brilliant challenges!
Thanks for joining in, ladies!! I’ve added you all to my list!
Hey Carla, I am definitely in for both. My goal for the month of February is to start budgeting!! I keep saying I will; and haven’t yet. I will try out the decluttering although I did a lot of that over the holidays, there is still some work to do though….
I’m going to join in the Low/No Spending month. It’s taken me a while to figure out what my goal will be, but I’ve decided to save the money for my 3 girls’ March swimming lessons/squad training/race meets ~ $330. Eeek! I’ll be spending February trying to make extra income to cover this, probably selling on ebay and etsy. I can probably save about $50 of it from our grocery budget, but that budget is pretty tight anyway so not much wiggle room there.
Heidi, if you run out of stuff to Decluttering feel free to head over here…
Mel, thanks for joining!! Great goal, good luck!
I’m up for the de-cluttering challenge. Started doing some in January, but I’ve been getting distracted. Sounds like your challenge is the motivation I need!
I’m late to the party here but throw me in for both challenges. I’ve posted about them on my blog and left a link back here(and to your home page as well), so sign me up.
I’ll be kicking up the decluttering challenge(at least the getting rid of stuff part)since I am in purge mode here!lol
I’m in for both of them. I love a good challenge.
Hey stranger!
I am in it for both.
We have been sticking to a budget all of January, which has been working out really well, so I will continue that.
My baby is starting school this week…and all I have been thinking about is de-cluttering…so I will definitely be attacking the clutter in Feb!
Count me in for the Low Spend Challenge. I did reasonably well in January, but I want to do even better in February!!
I’m in, I’m in! I’m actually in for both challenges, I’m just super behind in blogging. Will be sure to blog about this sometimes this week!
heres my 29 items checklist you may want to use!
http://angalmond.blogspot.com/2012/01/abcde.html
blessings
I found your site through reading Midlife Mom Musings and Out My Window, and I am going to try for both February challenges. (I tried to post this comment last night, but the page kept timing out on me.) I will plan to get a post up with my goals and a link to you either today or tomorrow!
I’m in for both challenges…actually 4 of them, as I’ve added two more for myself!!
Have a look see – http://aprilfire.blogspot.com/2012/02/free-ing-february.html
I’m in for both challenges.
Updated my ‘before’ photos. I hope to have my ‘after’ photos tomorrow. So much work!
Started on my big declutter project for the month – my sewing room. Today was my first true no spend day, yay.
Challenge one…complete.
http://diggingoutfromourmess.blogspot.com/2012/02/decluttering-challenge-week-1-complete.html
Week two, I’m a little behind, but I’m getting there!
http://hopejoyandfaithfarm.blogspot.com/2012/02/decluttering-week-two.html