I decided to kick off the year with a no-spend month for one simple reason: I have never tried one. We finally paid off all of our debts last year, so I wanted an idea of how much we had when we weren’t paying off credit cards and my husband’s student loans. I was also curious if I could do it.
The truth is, we don’t budget. When I starting really thinking about that, it made me feel wasteful and unaware of my expenses. I figured a no spend month was a great place to start. My goal was to cut out all unnecessary expenses. No going out to eat or grabbing takeout. No buying lunch or coffee. No online shopping. No events that cost money.
We had a few blips along the way. We got pizza one night when our kitchen backsplash was being installed since we couldn’t use the oven or microwave. Also, my husband had a charity event for his work that we weren’t planning on. To attend, we had to get a babysitter. Other than that, we did really well.
What I learned:
This was a serious wake-up call for me. I spend way too much money on items I don’t really need. I went food shopping at Target and it was a struggle for me not to buy a ton of stuff. The dollar spot has a TON of cute notepads and Valentine’s crafts right now and I couldn’t buy ANY of it. I also spotted a few tops that I normally would have just thrown in my cart.
I also realized online shopping is the devil and a major temptation for me. I didn’t realize how many things I bought after reading about them on other blogs, until I couldn’t buy anything. (so if any of you noticed a dip in your affiliate income this month, my spending freeze may be to blame! ha!) I started a page in my bullet journal titled: Stuff I Want. Now, when I see something online or at a store, I have been writing it down. This has been a great way for me to determine if I really need that item.
My husband and I learned that we go out to eat more than we thought. We go out for lunch with the kids a lot during the weekends, and we saved a bunch by cutting that out.
Moving Forward
This short experiment really changed how I will spend my money. My husband and I both agreed that we would try to go out to eat less from now on. Also, I am really going to work on my impulse spending. I think I am going to continue writing down items that I want, and then give myself some time to think about if I really need it.
Have you ever tried a no-spend month? Did it change your spending habits at all?
Impressive! I don’t know if I could do it…. Maybe that’s a sign I should try!
Yes! That means you should! ha! Take it from me, it will make you change your spending habits right away! 🙂
I just did a day without spending a dime. It was difficult and funny to see how many times I am like, oh I’ll just get this one little thing. They really add up!
It is crazy how you don;t realize it until you force yourself not to spend!
I’m impressed! I don’t know if i have the willpower to do this!
It was really hard, not gonna lie, but I learned so much!
Omg I need to try this haha. I have done a day or so but can’t believe you managed to go a month! Props to you! xo sharon
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It was tough but eye-opening for sure! I think twice now before mindless purchases!
I should probably attempt to do this! I can go a week or so, maybe two. I’ve never attempted a month! Great job!
I am glad I did it since now I pay more attention to what I spend and if I *really* need it!
Ooooh I love the idea of writing things down! Woth some time to think I may not decide to buy after all!
I am going to continue doing that, since I like taking the time to think if I really need it or not.
My husband would probably love it if could commit to something like this! Not sure that I could, but it sounds like a great idea.
You should try, since it is eye-opening for sure… even if you dont stick with it I’m sure it will make you more aware of your spending habits 🙂
Congrats on becoming debt-free! That’s my goal but I have a long way to go. I already know that I spend way too much on things I don’t need. It’s so tough to break a bad habit, though.
I know, it was so hard for me, since I am a mindless spender. I wish I would have attempted this years ago because it made me realize how much I waste on crap!
I did a no spend month last year, and it was totally eye opening! My feelings were about the same as yours. I avoided Target at all costs though. Congrats to you for making it in and out of there with only the things you needed!!
I was so shocked by how much I would have just spent there without even thinking twice. It really changed my spending habits too! 🙂
We need to do this BIG time! I would love to take down our date this year. Thanks for the inspiration
Then you should give it a try, it is tough but you will learn a lot about your spending habits!
What a great wake call. Don’t think most of us how much money we actually throw away
What a great thing to do! I used to be terrible about impulse buys but when I stayed home after kids it forced me to be so much more mindful about my spending.
This would be so hard for me. I’m not sure I WANT to know how much mindless spending I do. I like the idea of writing it down, though!
I’m doing a no spend month right now and it’s so difficult, I realized that I spend my money on useless crap too. This is going to save my house and my money!
I think we all spend way too much. Well done on this accomplishment!
I know what you mean about impulse spending. To be honest, we’re going through a rough patch financially. And I try to cut down on spending by preparing food we’ve already bought at home. Not sure why I don’t do that more often though.
Good job on surviving an entire no-spend month!
Just wanted to share that in my mental health recovery, I’ve learnt that we can be prone to using people, places and things to avoid feeling our feelings. Maybe knowing this may help in some way? Spending may be an outlet for you, subconsciously.
All the best with your newfound mindfulness!
I know what you mean about impulse spending. To be honest, we’re going through a rough patch financially. And I try to cut down on spending by preparing food we’ve already bought at home. Not sure why I don’t do that more often though.
Good job on surviving an entire no-spend month!
Just wanted to share that in my mental health recovery, I’ve learnt that we can be prone to using people, places and things to avoid feeling our feelings. Maybe knowing this may help in some way? Spending may be an outlet for you, subconsciously?
All the best with your newfound mindfulness! 🙂
We have done this before -hard but SO good! I think you have inspired me to do it again!
Ugh, this is the hardest thing to do for me! Congrats to you and your self control. You’ve inspired me to try this at least once. It’s so hard though, especially at Target!! 🙂
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This is a great reminder to me to try, try, try! I’m with you in that I buy many things that I could definitely do without, AND we don’t budget either. I may have to give this experiment a try 🙂
Wow, such food for thought! Have never tried a no-spend month, would be good for me, I think.