Toward 2013

I'll be the first to admit that I've ultimately failed at maintaining this blog. The worst part about that is how much blogworthyness has occurred! Perhaps I'll post-date everything in the future. For now, though, it's time to focus on the future.

Three things have led me to a very important decision: Credit card debt, lack of space (it's becoming low-grade hoarding) and being fed up with my hypocrisy. It's sad that it took all three to get me to this point. Starting January 1st, I'll be undertaking the "Buy Nothing New for a Year" challenge. Traditionally, the challenge allows you to purchase used items, but since a considerable amount of my shopping already comes from pre-owned Craigslist, Ebay, Etsy, or thrift store items, I'll be removing that option from my own challenge. Lets face it, I have everything I could possibly ever need, and I'm getting to a point where it is almost unmanageable. There is no reason to buy anything at all, except for my shopaholic tendencies which have reached a breaking point. Of course, this excludes food, gas, and essential items that break. I will also for my purposes allow non-tangible experiences, ex: plane tickets, concerts, and events.

As I gear up for this feat, I decided that in order to be efficient, I must set a few ground rules. For every $300 added to my savings account, I will allow myself the purchase of one item from a list I've created of things I will allow myself. Many of these have been on miscellaneous "wish lists" for some time-- most are non-essential, but at least to an extent useful. I've decided to undertake only buying things on this list until the start of the new year (without the $300 requisite) as I ease into the transition.

Secondly, I will no longer be making trips to non-grocery stores of any kind, including thrift stores. I will also not allow myself the option of visiting Craiglist, with the exception of selling items.

Third, with the exception of wedding gifts and baby showers, I will be making all gifts by hand. While this only affects two of my three-fold reasons, it should spur some creativity and also help me use up my crafting supplies. With the exception of a few gift ideas I have in mind, this will affect Christmas 2012 and any remaining 2012 birthdays as well.

So, in summary--
2013:
Eliminate accumulated "stuff"
Save money
Help the environment
Buy nothing for a year.

Wish me luck!