Thriftober - and out
The plan was for readers to spend all of October thinking about what they spent and where they spent it, and not spending at all if they could help it.
It sprang from a column by Sunday Money's Melissa Browne. Melissa's solution to her habit of almost unconscious spending is the same as for her other weakness, chocolate. She goes cold turkey. "About once a year," she wrote, "I simply decide to go for a month without buying anything new."
The idea of thrift and spending wisely or not at all has struck a chord with readers. Over the month we've been hit with thrifty tips from the clever (shop as if it were the 1970s and only buy products available then) to the bizarre (soak razorblades in olive oil to prolong their life).
And now, with one day left until the end of the month, it's time to think about how good spending habits can translate to the rest of the year, something which, week in, week out, Money will be helping you with.
Be thrifty!
Richard Hughes
Money editor
Was Thriftober for you? Have you stayed the course? Go to
theage.com.au/money and tell me
your stories.
Thriftober - and out
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Thriftober is a month-long challenge where participants focus on mindful spending and try to avoid unnecessary purchases. It originated from a column by Melissa Browne, who advocates for going 'cold turkey' on spending, similar to her approach with chocolate.
Thriftober encourages you to be more conscious of your spending by tracking where your money goes and avoiding unnecessary purchases. This can help you develop better financial habits that last beyond the month of October.
Participants shared various tips, such as shopping like it's the 1970s by only buying products available then, and soaking razorblades in olive oil to extend their life. These tips aim to promote frugality and resourcefulness.
Yes, the principles of mindful and thrifty spending can be applied throughout the year. By consistently evaluating your spending habits, you can maintain financial discipline and save more money over time.
Melissa Browne is a columnist for Sunday Money who advocates for going 'cold turkey' on spending. She suggests taking a month off from buying anything new to break the habit of unconscious spending.
To participate in Thriftober, commit to a month of mindful spending by tracking your expenses and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Share your experiences and tips with others to stay motivated and learn new strategies.
Thriftober has resonated with many participants, encouraging them to rethink their spending habits and adopt more frugal practices. It has sparked a community of individuals sharing tips and supporting each other in their financial journeys.
You can share your Thriftober experience and stories on theage.com.au/money. Engaging with the community can provide support and inspiration as you continue to refine your spending habits.
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