How We’re Preparing for Frugal February 2018


Finn and I are gearing up for a very exciting February. Nope, not the Superbowl. Not Valentine’s Day. Not even the arrival of Baby Mac (okay, yes, of course, we are both enthusiastic over that last one!).

But what we are really preparing for is… Frugal February!Saving cash and change so you can fatten your wallet during Frugal February

Every February, Finn & I partake in what we lovingly refer to as โ€œFrugal February.โ€ After the craziness of the holidays and the overspending that usually takes place on gifts, we like a month in the new year to reset and save money for the year ahead. For the past few years, weโ€™ve participated in our own Frugal February and the goal is to try to save as much money as possible during the shortest month of the year.

What is Frugal February?How to save your coins during frugal february for big savings

For us it means no dinners out, no bar tabs, no morning coffee runs, no clothing shopping, no cab or Uber rides, etc. It’s all about being aware, mindful, and intentional with our spending and every year we end up saving a lot of money. Iโ€™m talking big bucks people (a few years ago our Frugal February savings paid for our honeymoon!).Making meals at home to save money during Frugal February

While not spending money on any of the aforementioned items may sound like a big bore to you, itโ€™s actually kinda fun. We get REALLY creative and try our best to spend as little as possible. We do buy groceries during February and any necessities. But we do try to be smart about it, so no impulse buys.

Frugal February is only a few days away and most years it really does sneak up on us both! This year, we decided to do everything we can to prepare for the month so we’re prepared and ready to save.

Tips to Prepare for Frugal February

How to save money during frugal February. 28 days of no spending so you can have financial freedom

Set Your GuidelinesSetting the rules for Frugal February

Whether you’re doing Frugal February with a spouse, significant other, or by yourself, you’ll first want to set your guidelines. Everyone’s “rules” for the month are different. For us, we try to only spend money on groceries and other necessities. But for you, that may look a bit different. Set the guidelines for your Frugal February so you know what is off limits, and what you can spend money on.Casey and Mike Finn

This is also soooo important if you’re doing it with a spouse. Finn and I need to review the parameters for the month so no one is “cheating.” Just take 15 minutes before Thursday to get on the same page and you’ll start February off on the right foot!

Check your CalendarCheck your calendar for social obligations during the month of Frugal February

I’m not gonna lie, we have become hermits in Februarys of year’s past because we don’t want to go out to dinner or a bar and spend money. This year, we haven’t scheduled much for the month of February in hopes of avoiding too many “spendy situations.” However, you can still see your friends during Frugal February! You just need to be more creative.Grab a workout buddy and head to the gym, instead of going out to happy hour

Instead of doing a happy hour with your girlfriend, head to a workout class together at the gym you’re already paying for! Or instead of going out to dinner with your family, have them over for dinner and everyone do it up potluck style! Review your social obligations for the month and see what you can do to save money for each of them.

Get out Those Gift Cards

I don’t know about you, but we seem to get tons of gift cards for the holidays! I guess it really is the perfect gift for someone because they can use it on whatever and whenever they want. Frugal February is the time to use all of those coupons and gift cards! Have a gift card to a local restaurant, make a reservation for February! Need to buy a birthday gift for someone this month? Use a gift card you might have! Take those gift cards out of your wallet and drawers and put them to use.

Take Inventory of your Pantry and FreezerEat what's in your fridge, freezer, and pantry to save money

I can’t tell you how many nights Finn and I look at our full freezer and overstuffed pantry and decide to order food instead.ย  I know…it’s bad! But sometimes the thought of spending an hour cooking dinner seems awful, compared to waiting an hour for takeout to arrive. Ha!A delicious and simple vegetable frittata recipe

Frugal February is the perfect time to eat your way through all of the food you already have in your house! Make a list of the items you have on hand and research some delicious recipes to use up those ingredients (like my family’s frittata or my new favorite veggie soup!). We do spend money at the grocery store during the month, but we try to be very selective on what we’re buying and only buy extra items that we can use with food we already have.A nutritious vegetable soup with lentils to eat on a busy day

Take stock now, find some yummy recipes, and you’ll be ready to go with delicious meals come February 1st.

Brainstorm EntertainmentGallery wall surrounding a television in the bedroom

It’s possible to have fun and spend zero money. But I get it. Sometimes on a Friday night, it’s easier to just head to dinner and a movie instead of just hanging on the couch. However, there are tons of free things you can do to have fun during Frugal February.Styled built-in bookshelves showcasing home decor accessories and books

Think of the things in your life that you’re already paying for (or have paid for). I’m talking about your cable package, the games you own, the books on your shelves, your old case of DVDs (does anyone even have those anymore?!). That is free entertainment right at your fingertips!The Chicago Skyline during the summertime

Be sure to set your DVR to record all of your favorite shows and movies that are on this month, since you won’t be going out to the movies. Get those board games out of your closets and keep them at reach when you’re looking for something fun to do. Research free events in your city and jot them down on your calendar. There’s no reason you need to be bored during Frugal February. In fact, we often find that some of our most fun nights happen this month because we’re forced to be creative and get outside of our routine!

Collect your ChangeTake your coins and change in to save money during Frugal February

Another small & easy task you can do before the month is to take in all of the change you have around your house and bring it to the bank for cash. We have a few different spots throughout the house where we accumulate all of our coins, and it’s rare that we remember to bring them into the bank. Now is the time to do that!

In year’s past, we’ve even taken the money we get from our coin haul and use it for our first grocery run of February…trying our hardest to stick to that exact dollar amount. Who knew being so frugal could be so thrilling?!

Set an IntentionBeach bag for a trip to Mexico

Finally, before you start the month it’s important to think about the reason you’re partaking in Frugal February. Do you want to buy a place of your own? Or perhaps you’re saving up for a great vacation? Or maybe you just want to push yourself to stick to a budget so you can have more financial freedom? Whatever it is, set your intention now. Then whenever you’re feeling like you want to spend money during Frugal February, think about the reason why you’re doing this. Hopefully, that will keep you on track!

Join Us For Frugal February!Join Frugal February and save money with this 28 day challenge

Okay, what do you say? Are you guys joining the Finn household in our attempt to have a no-spend February? Let me know in the comments so I can know that we are not alone. And please offer up your tips too so we can all learn together. Here are a couple other posts we’ve shared before that might help as you gear up for the month!

Make coffee at home to save moneyOh, and if you see me at Starbucks in the morning during February, I give you full permission to give me the side eye if I buy a $6 latte…

Casey


The Year of Casey

Hey there!

Iโ€™m Casey Finn, the voice behind The DIY Playbook. I’m a Chicago gal teaching you how to design, DIY, and maintain your home…by yourself! Learn more about me right here.