Well, actually, Seb and I challenged each other, but imagining the challenge was issued by the Macho Man (R.I.P.) will definitely help with motivation.
Why would we do this, you ask? The convoluted answer has to do with seeking simplicity in our dizzying, consumer driven culture and striving for solidarity with the billions of people around the world living on less than $2 a day.
The simple answer is that Seb and I would, one day, like to be able to do this:
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"We're rich biatch!!!"
So how do we do it? Well, we have to start with setting some ground rules. The first is splitting our spending into "mandatory" and "discretionary" spending, much the way the United States Congress does in a straightforward and rational manor.
Our mandatory spending will include rent, utilities, student loan payments, work related transportation, health insurance and healthcare related costs, taxes, etc. We can't really find wiggle room on our mandatory spending, so we are going to block it off and not consider it.
Our discretionary expenses are what we hope to keep under $400 for the month. These will include things like food (food itself is mandatory but what food we consume is discretionary), alcohol, coffee, entertainment, non-work travel, clothing, grooming products, home appliances, ferrets, etc., etc., etc.
"Awww, come on!"
Practically speaking, Seb and I plan to discipline ourselves by heading to our respective banks on February 1st and withdrawing $400 in Sacagewea coins.
x 400
We'll then spend as creatively as possible over the following 28 days and use a Google doc to keep track of all expenses. Whatever is left over we will divide evenly and send to all our readers via Pony Express.
Think we can do it? Follow along to keep track of our creative consumption, impulse purchases, and to find out what happens to the ferrets!
