No Spend January is such a great idea to kickstart a budget reset, Nana! I’ve done something similar before, and while it can be challenging, it’s so rewarding to see those savings stack up. My advice? Be realistic and plan ahead. Make a list of essentials, like groceries, and try to use up what you already have in the pantry or freezer. Meal planning really helps keep food costs down.

For entertainment, get creative with free activities—library visits, picnics, or movie nights at home. If you’re tempted by online shopping, try unsubscribing from store emails for the month to avoid temptation. And don’t beat yourself up if you slip; it’s about progress, not perfection. You’ve got this!

I think this is a great idea; even if you don’t fully succeed, it’ll help you to be more thoughtful about what you spend money on.

Thank you so much to all you lovely people who supported me and gave me such great advice. Overall, I didn’t completely succeed in the no spend month challenge. Things came up that I hadn’t anticipated with the result that I spent money than I had wanted to . I found it really hard to do this challenge, but the benefit was that I questioned myself each time I parted with money and cut down considerably on what I did buy. I am now trying a fortnight challenge as that might be more doable. I am not going to buy any food until I completely clear the fridge and pantry. All the best to those out there trying the no spend month challenge. I wish u every success.

I haven’t heard of this before. It’s a good way to get used to restricting spending.

I havent heard about this – was it hard?

I think it would be a hard challenge to do – but good on you for wanting to give it a go! I think as long as you reduce some of your spending habits then it is sure to be a good thing for you and your budget. Beats all those expensive unnecessary outings and luxury items.

Ive never heard of this, but it is a good idea to stop buying things you don’t actually need. Im going to try it. thanks for the idea!

Basically don’t buy any luxury items that includes, holidays , beauty items , clothes, Just the essentials. One month should be fine and will go fast . Hope you did well.

When I am trying to save at the supermarket I have a list, if it isn’t on the list it doesn’t come home. I also record every price and a running tally of the total cost, with the prices rounded up to the nearest dollar, when you can see the total going up it makes it easy to put things back on the shelf

I think you just have to grit your teeth and dig into no spending. It will be hard but definitely can be done.

It looks like a great achievement. Success with the second half of the month. 🙂

I am half way through the no spend month. It hasn’t been all plain sailing as I spent a bit more on food than I wanted to and had to buy a couple of birthday presents that I hadn’t factored in. I have learnt quite a bit through the process and have taken on board all the great advice on this post. I think it has taught me to be much more intentional about my purchases and to try very hard to stick to a budget.

I would make a list of all essentials,what I’ll actually need, and a list of what I can do without. It’s easier to make do if you have the essentials in hand

Even if you don’t ake your goal, you’ll likely be a lot more thoughtful about wht you DO buy. That’s an achievement too.

If it’s just you, probably $50 is enough. And do you have enough meat in the home? I understand that we often overindulge with food, in particular during the festivities. But we need fuel for our body, so I would try to be careful with that. Not spending money and then getting sick isn’t good at all.
But I love your attitude.
Some people avoid to use to pay by cards if they want to save money. You make a budget, and then you make different envelopes with cash inside. One for food, one for fuel, one for utilities and so on… And you have to live that way. When the money is finished, that’s it. Paying in cash makes you more aware of your spending habits.

What I find is happening is that I am getting quite anxious if I have to spend any money. I am going to have to be careful that my goals don’t affect my mental health. U are right. I need to buy some fresh fruit and vegetables without feeling bad about spending the money. I need to budget a certain amount of money for food. I am thinking fifty dollars a week. I only have to buy for myself. Do u think fifty dollars sounds reasonable? Thank u for your help.

Use up what we have in the pantry and freezer is a very good idea. Often we forget what we have in there. Maybe you will need to buy something anyway, like fruit and vegetables, unless you grow your own.
Saving money is really important, but your health is too. So if you see that you are getting hungry, maybe you would have to reevaluate the all thing a little bit. Success!!

Thanks so much to all the wonderful women who have given their support in my quest for a no spend month. I am trying to use up what food I have at home and haven’t been to the supermarket since 26th December. The larder and fridge are getting quite empty, but I am trying to stay away from the supermarket for as long as possible. However, I am finding myself getting hungry during the day.

I am not finding it easy, but all your advice and support helps me a lot to stay the course. My children are all grown up, so it is a lot easier for me to do a no spend challenge than mums with kids at home. Last year I was spending more than my pension and this is not sustainable. I am a chronic migraine sufferer and don’t go on many outings. My downfall is shopping online, especially things for the grandkids.

Will keep u posted. Its just so lovely of the people who have answered to care. Thanks so much.

I find the month of January quite tricky to start, like another mum said. I guess that if you decide to start, you just need to keep to your plan. No exceptions, otherwise it’s easy to slip into old habits. You can find a lot of free activities to do indeed.
By “no spend” do you mean just extras or also food?
Success with it. And keep us posted indeed.

Good on you. Research all your free local stuff if you are busy it’s hard to spend. I love the library you could borrow some books, check out some nice walking trails, do a photo challenge, swims at the creek, river, beach and spend some time preparing your meals in advance so you are not tempted to just grab something out. Good luck.