I've never done a specific gauntlet challenge, because I'm generally someone who believes more in lifestyle changes than "diets". But we're in a situation right now where we are SO VERY CLOSE to finally paying off our loans -- $8,300 remaining in debt, and roughly $10,500 of income in August due to it being a 3-paycheck month with some supplemental work, plus $1,000 in 'spendable' savings.
Unfortunately we also have several large expenses in the pipeline, totaling roughly $1500-2000, plus our usual spending of about 4K/month. My hard goal is to come out of August with the loan under 3K. The math works out, but just barely, and I would prefer for the loan to get closer to 2K.
So rather than set any hard spending goals I'm just going to watch every dollar that leaves my wallet and delay all purchases that can be delayed, and see how low we can go.
(Due to my credit card billing cycles, I will begin my Austerity August today and end it on August 23rd).
Is anyone in on a cutback month? Does anyone have tips for someone who is new to this?