BeckyWell guys, I’m doing a new thing this year! Now that we’re back on track to pay off our SUV, I’ve decided to try out the Contentment Challenge!!!
I first heard about the Contentment Challenge while listening to one of Nancy Ray’s Work and Play podcast episodes. At the time, I couldn’t bring myself to give it a go. In fact, I haven’t been able to convince myself to try the challenge since I first heard about it back in 2019! Now, for whatever reason, I’ve felt a calling to do it this year!
The way the Contentment Challenge works is you give up spending money for 90 days. In doing this, you gain better control of your finances and break bad money habits. You’ll learn to be more disciplined, avoid impulse buying and gain better relationships with God and your family.
I think now is the perfect time for me do this as we’re heading into a new year with some major financial goals in our household. You should note that the Contentment Challenge does not mean you can’t spend ANY money at all. Obviously we have to put food on our tables and buy household items, like toilet paper and cleaning products. However, you won’t be able to make personal purchases on a whim.
For example, my husband and I each have allocated money (which we call “fun money”) every pay period that we can use on whatever our hearts’ desire. If I want to spend my money on a new purse or a pedicure, my husband has no say in it. If my husband wants to buy hunting decoys or use his money to see a movie in theaters with a friend, I can’t tell him that money can’t be used for that. You’re allowed to use your “fun money” on whatever you want. Butttt, I won’t be giving myself any “fun money” for the next 3 months.
So, the challenge runs from January 10th-April 10th. I know how much I love a last-minute run to Target just to clear my head or the ability to spend my money on a coffee or a new book I can quickly snag through Amazon Prime, but I’ll have to plan ahead for the next 3 months and just learn some good ol’ fashion self-discipline!
I will say, I’m very excited to find out what I learn from myself, from God and from my family during this challenge! I’ll report back at the end. Join me in the Contentment Challenge!
