Ask:
I have totally destroyed my November challenge! I was invited to a friends daughter's baby shower- I was planning on only spending $15 ( an outfit, laundry saop and diapers), I ended up spending over $60. My friends daughter ended up having her baby early (baby is great- home already, was due on 2nd week of December), before her baby shower. Needless to say my friend is supporting her daughter right now (due to some circumstances) and the only person working in her family of 5 (she is working pt- she does taxes and she is teaching tax class right now, during tax season she will be back to ft) and had only enough money to get a car seat, bassinet, a few bottles, a bottle brush,1 pkg of diapers and 1 can of formula (her daughter is on WIC but her next appt. is not until mid- Dec. and they won't be able to get in until a least Mon. when they call to say the baby was early). I called yesterday to see what was needed and they are in dire straights! I felt so bad because, unlike her hubby, my hubby works all the time and he is doing some side jobs and we have a bit of extra cash right now (put aside for any last minute gifts, car inspection) and I had to help. I do have to say I made my dollar stretch very far though!
I got some diapers, a big can of powdered formula (hoping it may last until they get into WIC), wipes, and etc (basically everything they need to last them a couple weeks- I hope!). I feel glad that I was able to help them and they needed it, but now I feel bad because I totally feel like I shot my chance for proving I can save a ton of money this month- I am doing good at use it up- but spending is really bad for me right now, I just hope that I can try to make it through the rest of the month not splurging like that! Sorry for my long story!
Answer:
I don't think I would consider this blowing the challenge. Yes you may have spent more than you planned for the baby shower gift- but being charitable and giving them diapers and wipes and formula when they are in dire straits is really generous. I guess I would only consider blowing the challenge if you went out and splurged on yourself or something that wasn't needed- and that doesn't sound like the case here. Yes you could have saved a bit more- but I am sure this family appreciated all you could do and that will pay you back more than your savings will anyday!
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You definetly didn't blow the challenge, this just shows what a big heart you have and how much you care about your friend and her daughter
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I totally don't think you blew the challenge. That was such a genorous, kindhearted thing to do, and I'm sure it was greatly appreciated. Don't worry, next month may be better in the savings department.
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Some things are more important than a challenge. God bless you for helping someone else in need.
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I think that's awesome that you could help her out!
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Encourage her to breastfeed! If she hasn't started yet, it might not be too late. Some women can still BF after they changed their mind. I know I saved hundreds of dollars by not buying formula, and a lot of money on never having a sick child.
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This was such a wonderful gesture. Don't feel bad at all!
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Kudos for being such a great friend! Maybe you'll get a great discount on your taxes and that will make up for lost savings!!
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You shouldn't feel bad about that. It was a good deed and sounds like the family is really deserving of it.