When I launched my 92-Day Money Challenge, I knew I needed more than just good intentions — I needed structure, discipline, and action. I’ve been in deep debt for a while now, and for months, I found myself constantly negotiating with creditors, juggling payments, and feeling the weight of it all. It hit me hard. The stress and shame pulled me into a dark place, and I knew I couldn’t keep living in survival mode.
This challenge became my way of taking back control — of proving to myself that I could rebuild. It’s my version of taking extreme measures for real results, like a 75 Hard-style challenge for my finances. Ninety-two days of consistency, focus, and hustle to create new money habits that stick.
I want this challenge to not only hold me accountable but also motivate anyone reading to start their own version — whatever that looks like for your life.
💼 Hustle & Income Wins
One of the biggest wins since starting the challenge: I brought in an extra $306.52 this week. That came from a mix of reselling and consulting commissions, and while it might not sound huge, it’s a powerful reminder that extra income is possible when I stay consistent.
Every dollar is going straight toward catching up on debt payments and building momentum again. For a long time, I never missed a payment — until recently. The moment I started falling behind, it really shook me. But instead of letting it defeat me, I decided to fight back one payment, one side hustle, and one small win at a time.
“It reminded me that my journey is far from over — and I won’t reach the finish line unless I keep putting in the effort. Progress takes grind, and I’m here for it.”
This challenge isn’t just about saving money. It’s about shifting from helplessness to action. The more I hustle, the more I remember that I have the power to change my financial story.
🥗 Minimal Spending Wins
This week, I set out to spend as little as possible — and I’m proud to say I kept my grocery bill to $28 total. No impulse buys, no fast food, and no unnecessary spending. I’ve already been making coffee at home and limiting eating out to pre-planned events only. Avoiding those $15 takeout runs adds up fast, and it’s empowering to see the difference even one week makes.
Here’s how I stretched that $28:
- Chipotle-style bowls (4 meals): Rice from home, ground beef ($4.81 on sale), onions ($0.46), canned corn ($0.33), shredded lettuce ($1.74).
- Omelets for breakfast (4 meals): Eggs from home, bell pepper ($0.86), mushrooms ($1.52), spinach ($2.10).
- Snacks and add-ons: Blueberries, baby tomatoes, turkey lunch meat, Swiss cheese, and strawberries — paired with bread I already had.
- Coupon savings: $12 saved, bringing the total down to $28.
That’s eight full meals, snacks included, for less than what I’d spend on two takeout lunches.
💰 Real Savings Breakdown: Homemade vs. Restaurant Costs
One of the biggest shifts this week has been realizing how much money I save by making meals at home instead of eating out. My $28 grocery trip went a long way — here’s exactly how it breaks down and how it compares to eating out.
🥗 Chipotle-Style Beef Bowls
Homemade (4 bowls):
- Ground beef $4.81
- Rice $0 (had at home)
- Onion $0.46
- Canned corn $0.33
- Lettuce $1.74
- Cheese $0.50
- Seasoning $0
Total: ≈ $7.84 for 4 bowls → $1.96 each
Restaurant: Chipotle beef bowl ≈ $10.50–$12.50
Savings: $8–$10 per meal (≈ $32–$40 total)
Homemade wins — healthier, control over ingredients, and meal-prep for the week.
🍳 Breakfast Veggie Omelets
Homemade (4 omelets):
- Eggs $0 (had at home)
- Bell pepper $0.86
- Mushrooms $1.52
- Spinach $2.10
- Cheese $0.50
Total: ≈ $5 for 4 omelets → $1.25 each
Restaurant: Veggie omelet ≈ $12–$15
Savings: $11–$13 per meal (≈ $44–$52 total)
That’s over $75 in savings this week from just two simple meal preps — proof that mindful spending doesn’t mean boring food.
It’s not always easy — cutting back can be hard, especially when you’re used to convenience or treating yourself as a “reward.” But this week, I felt empowered and inspired. Planning ahead and sticking to a grocery plan reminded me that frugality isn’t about deprivation — it’s about being intentional.
“Once you see how far your money can stretch when you plan ahead, it changes how you view every dollar.”
✨ Next week, I’ll share more about how I’m tracking habits, staying motivated, and continuing to build financial momentum. My focus is clear: less spending, more earning, and steady progress toward freedom.
