Being the good Catholic boy I am, every Lent I give up something for the season through Easter. Without getting into a religious conversation, whatever I give up should be a sacrifice. In the past I have given up desserts, various forms of adult beverages and using choice adult words. However this year I thought long about what I could sacrifice that would surely make me a better individual.
I am giving up non-essential spending. For both myself and my business, I will not spend money on anything that is not required. A non-essential business expense is one not directly related to revenue generation, and one for personal is one not vital to my very survival.
To ensure I am keeping my word, I am keeping track of any purchase I don’t make, and its dollar value. The accompanying picture to this post lists the first 2 items I did not buy. Amazon had the Nokia E71 for almost US$150.00 off this past weekend, but I declined. I recently bought some adapter tips for my iGo portable charger, only to realize once I got them I need another cable, which I decided not to buy as I had no essential travel planned through Easter. I have a couple of personal items as well, but nothing stellar to mention. The list is more to track my decisions rather than to be a shopping list after Lent is over, though some items I still may buy.Some people think my Lenten sacrifice is a sound decision, especially those who know me and my continuous quest for electronics. Others think my decision is lame, and instead I should be supporting the economy or I probably shouldn’t be spending these days anyway. In any case, I feel good I have gone week only buying essentials.
What do you think, and if you celebrate Easter as well, what did you give up for Lent?
Did you enjoy reading this? You are welcome to subscribe to The Hot Iron by RSS feed or by email.
I was pretty typical this year, trying to target my sweet tooth. No buying candy and cookies during the work day. It had become too regular a habit.
Interesting idea with giving up the non-essential spending. There will probably be many items that when you look back were not necessary. And the ones, post-Easter that still look good are probably worth buying.
But Mike! If you really wanted to sacrifice, you’d give up that non-essential gallon of coffee! P
Mike - now what are you doing with money that you save? I think it’s a great idea and one I might consider for next year.
Hey Mary Sara… trying to save all I can these days, however much or little!
mp/m
Me too. I think it’s a great idea.
Note: Comment moderation is active, and your comment will be viewable once it is reviewed.
The Hot Iron strives to present unique content and point-of-view on business, technology and other topics by Mike Maddaloni, a technology strategist based in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Photo credit: Logan Connor/Oomphotography
Follow Mike on Mastodon.
If you like what you are reading on The Hot Iron, buy me a coffee!
In posts here at The Hot Iron there are often links and banner ads for products and services. For some of these links and banner ads, I receive compensation if you click and/or eventually buy said products or services. Where most links are marked as such, it is safe to assume any link or banner ad is a compensated one.
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by 
Comment by