As Mongoose and swick have both referenced, it's not really about deferring spending, or stocking up, but about making best sustainable choices over the long term.
Making/doing things for ourselves, like Road42 and LindseyC talked about.
Taking care of priorities (like maintaining our homes, or saving for retirement), as StarBright, Mezzie and lemonverbena are doing, rather than letting that money slip through our fingers.
Planning ahead, like leftcoastenvy said.
I know I didn't capture everyone who's posted in the thread so far, but I think I have captured the basic ideas that are going to get us all through Uber Frugal March.
Anything to add?
I think it sums it up.
I will have expenditures in March, if not this weekend, for our lawn. I have been wanting to contract out the work (would probably be 400-500) but today I learned where the trimmings go in my town (& visited it to drop off leaves) so I likely buy an electric saw thing-y for <100 that will set me up for years of trimming. After surveying the situation, a hack saw will just not do (not worth it with the work I need to do to keep these evergreens off my bricks). I will look for coupons and discounted gift cards since this will actully be a well planned purchase.
Also, where I drop off trimmings for spring yard cleaning, I learned today they have FREE mulch that any resident can take when the recycling center is open. So if I can insulate my hatchback and bring a shovel, I could have free mulch for a few beds (especially since I will already be there for spring yard cleaning). Cool, huh?
These challenges are getting easier and easier, I have to say.
We will continue eating in, walking everywhere, avoiding clothes dryer, heat now down to 64 (4 degrees less than Jan 1). I would say these are habits for us, no going back. Using the car is weird now for both DH and me.
I prepaid a lot of annual expenses in Jan and Feb., so I really hope to have cheaper month. My only bills will be cell, cable/internet, gas bill, water, groceries and husband's "fun money". We prepaid electric, waste, sewer, mortgage, and paid off tuition for preschool already. Plus, it's a 3 paycheck month AND a separate bonus too (4 paydays). And dividends!!!! And should get tax refund.
Other goals for month:
- send gym cancellation notice in writing (contract ends in May)
- sell $125 worth of crap I don't need to purchase new curtains and DIY curtain hardware for master bedroom (the one we bought with house are still up and falling off rod)
- I am going to withdraw ATM cash for my March grocery budget. I feel like I spend more using credit card and I really need to lower my 2017 annual grocery spend. Like, really this time. Really, really this time
I may edit this later as we get closer to month.