Frugal Family Pledges to Live on Only $1,500 This Year
In these harsh economic times, almost everyone’s budgets err on the side of frugality, but one New Hampshire family is taking penny-pinching to a whole new level. Heather and Bourne Spooner want their family of four to live on $1,500 for one year! Yes, an entire year! Now that’s ambition.
The family set a goal to spend only $1,500 this year on all groceries and household and personal care items. They plan to achieve it by stocking up, shopping during sales and paying close attention to coupons. They’ve even sworn off dining out until their anniversary on Dec. 28.
And it seems they’re well on the way to their goal. The family, which includes two young boys, told MyFOXBoston.com that they’ve only spent $125 so far this year. Heather began her mission back in July 2008, feverishly clipping coupons and stocking up so the family would be prepared for their money-saving ‘09 adventure.
The family is documenting their efforts on their blog “Living on $1,500 for One Year.”
Their mission sounds like it requires a lot of discipline and even more time in the kitchen. I’m not so sure most would be up for the challenge — namely myself, and I’m only one person. That’s why this is one story I definitely plan on following. I’m very interested to see if the Spooners can pull it off.
Have you created a new 2009-specific budget for your family to cope in the current economy? Is it as severe as the Spooners’ 2009 fiscal plan? Has this family’s story inspired you to start one now?
Tags: family saving money, household budgeting
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Reader Comments
I dunno, $1500 a year for a family of 4?? I guess if you’re willing to eat Kraft macaroni and cheese and spaghetti 5 days out of the week, but otherwise, this is really unrealistic.
I think they’re doing it for the publicity.
February 24, 2009 10:04 ami agree. but i also think a lot has to do with where you live. It’s probably a lot easier to live on less in NH than say NYC.
and she did do a lot of pre-shopping. so technically they aren’t living on only $1500. It’s $1500 in 2009, plus the cost of all those pre-bought supplies
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May 11, 2010 11:21 pmI don’t think they are actually living on $1500 for the year. Since they have stocked up ahead of time, those stocked up items should have been counted. People can stock up enough food and staples to last a year just by buying 2x to 3x as much for 4-6 months. Of course a freezer and storage space would be needed.
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