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?
