My month of not buying non-essentials was pretty successful: I did buy a manicure last month but that was from my list so I’m not being too hard on myself for it. I also went to Starbucks a few times.

But overall, it wasn’t so bad to get back in the non-spending habit–much easier than when I first went on a budget four years ago and had to approach not spending the way an alcoholic approaches not drinking (one day at a time). I’m glad I proved to myself I can still do it, because once I get a house I think not spending is going to become the new normal (again).