Could you do it?

Nancy V.

Owner of White Book (PR & Marketing); Project Manager/Diversity & Events Specialist

Hmm…about me, well, I am always and never the same, which makes for my own interesting world where I constantly recruit individuals to join my planet. Take myself very seriously, but prefer not to, so I dress in outfits that often do not match and say things that I shouldn’t under the guise of �...

Nancy Vaughn

Thursday, June, 12, 2008

About a year ago this time, me and a few friends became intrigued by The Compact. There have been several articles written about this group of individuals who decided not to buy anything new for one year – in an effort to resist mass consumerism, reduce clutter and help our planet.

Well, my girlfriends and I are open to new ideas/concepts, plus it was supposed to help you save some money, so we decided we’d make a few revisions to the official “compact” and try it out for three months. I located the document that was created for our compact – we named it S.O.S. (as in Save Our Stuff, Ship, S-H-I-...you get it; and conveniently pronounced “sauce” like Tabasco or hittin’ the sauce).

This document now serves as comic relief for me, as we never were able to follow through – there was way too much whining (and a lot of commentary inserted from yours truly). Take a look:
Goals

To save money
To budget wisely
To be financially responsible consumers
To recycle/reuse items

The Rules

1) SOS will be in effect from June thru August [insert 3 month period of time]

2) We will buy nothing new for the next three months during this time period. Everything will be bought second-hand (thrift shops, Craigslist, Freecycle, e-Bay and flea markets), bartered or borrowed. There is no spending limit on second-hand purchases...but don’t be stupid, since when do you need a hoola hoop? The goal is to save. Stealing is strictly prohibited.

3) Items for personal hygiene are excluded and may be bought new, e.g. toothbrushes, underwear, medications, health and safety items.

4) Food is also excluded and is encouraged to be purchased from the grocery store and not from someone else’s plate. There is a limited number of times that you may dine out, please see below for allowances/exceptions/suggestions. (Note: We decided to avoid the Freegan route, which definitely could be an option with S.O.S.)

5) If there is a question on whether an item is permissible for purchase as new, you must consult the S.O.S. members to find out if the item should be purchased as new or used.

6) Must consult the group for ideas to save before purchasing a necessary major item, so that the group may assist you in brainstorming a money-saving option. For instance, if your car breaks down or you get a flat tire – perhaps someone in the group knows a more cost effective place to obtain or person who may provide the needed service. Gift giving is another good option to seek consultation for pocket-saving ideas.

7) Borrowed items must be returned in the condition in which they were received, or better (in which case we know you destroyed the borrowed item and have had to pay for a replacement…tsk tsk). Borrowed movies/cds/video games must be returned in one week and books returned in two weeks, unless an extension is granted by person/couple lending borrowed item(s). Uh, let’s not borrow clothes from one another or things of great value like…television sets, cars, etc. (Note: I’ve bought used items before, but never shared clothing, so I was totally down with this one.)

Allowances/Exceptions/Suggestions

Couples are allowed $15/person a month to spend however they wish. It is permissible for spouses/fiancés/girlfriends/boyfriends to bribe their significant other out of their share for the month, as there are numerous ways to gain $30 a month per person if handled properly. Individuals are permitted $20/month.
You may dine out twice a month with a $50 spending limit per couple/per meal ($25 spending limit for individuals per meal). This includes lunches during the week while at work. Welcome to brown bagging it and microwave meals!
If you overspend your dine-out meal amount, it is deducted from your allowance. If you overspend your allowance, it is deducted from your meal allowance. If you cheat and buy something new, the amount is deducted from your allowance. If you are put in the hole, you have no allowance. Sorry!
You will be provided with a list of the closest libraries near your home so that you may obtain/renew your library card. Welcome to your local branch library – they are happy to have you!
Twice a week we will exchange recipes. At least one recipe per week must be one you have tried/prepared. We will coordinate certain days to swap leftovers…so you feel like you are eating out.
We will also periodically brainstorm ideas for free/cheap things to do in the evenings and weekends (e.g. trip to the beach, biking on the nature trail, kayaking down the Hillsborough River, etc.)
The entire S.O.S. program is run on the honor system. Only you (and possibly significant other?) will know if you are cheating in the S.O.S. program. If you agree to participate, and decide you are not able to make the commitment, you are able to drop out at any time. If you cheat or are caught cheating (for example, S.O.S. Member 1 sees S.O.S. Member 2 exiting the mall with numerous bags), you will only show S.O.S. members that you are financially irresponsible and lack self-control…we will tease you until you cry or threaten to quit the S.O.S. team. We will also ask you if we can borrow the new stuff you have purchased. (Note: I did however become open to borrowing someone else’s newly purchased garments...strange.)
Since it’s the summer time and couples/individuals may have previous “fun” engagements scheduled that may require the spending of some extra funds – i.e. vacation trips, fireworks for the 4^th of July, etc. – you are encouraged to attempt to maintain a similar budget during these specific occasions. For example, set yourself a spending limit for fireworks. During your vacation trip, do not spend extra money on things like snacks that you would normally not have if you weren’t on vacation … if you wanted sunflower seeds, why didn’t you buy them at Publix when you made your grocery store run? You knew you were going on vacation – you do not need to purchase them for two extra dollars at the gas station. And you do not need new toenail polish because you are going to Myrtle Beach for the weekend to visit your cousins.