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!!