My No Spend Month - Part 4 - The end
This past month has been a great test of willpower and determination. It hasn’t been the easiest challenge in the world but I’ve given it a real go. I’m so happy with the results that I’m now considering an even bigger challenge. Read on to find out more……
This week I went away to a spa for some much needed down time and rest from work. I didn’t over indulge food-wise and had planned treatments including facial & a blow dry. There was no impulse spending in sight! The bonus is that it was a heavily discounted trip (more on that next time!). I took some books & my Powersheets with me then set off for a journey of discovery and relaxation….
Coming back to reality wasn’t a lot harder than I imagined because of having already spent the last few weeks not spending on impulse. Coming to the end of my no spend challenge I want to share the things that worked as well as challenges…..
No Spend tip 1: Make strict rules
It can get confusing with a no spend month if you’re not sure what counts as spending or not spending. Clearly define the things you spend too much on and make a commitment to not buy them. For me this is books, pens, stickers and nail polish. I love planning but there is only so many stickers a girls needs!
Next look at things that are a must like paying bills, buying groceries and household items such as kitchen tissue. If it helps schedule in shopping trips for household items.
Then set aside time every few days to review if your rules are flexibles and working. Be sure to change things that need to be tweaked and be patient. Not spending takes time and will not be an instant change!
No Spend tip 2: Declutter projects
Looking at what you have really helps you to not buy new things. By declutter I don’t mean remove every last piece of clutter. I mean looking at a small section of a room & re-organising things. I used this idea for my wardrobe by taking all the clothes out & putting them on the bed. I then put back clothes on hangers and folded up workout clothes to go on a shelf. I then put any remaining (work-out) clothes in to black bags and binned these. I’ve also used this idea for my stationery drawer and pen box to streamline what stationery I have. In the process I managed to find a beautiful set of colouring pencils pictured below.
No Spend tip 3: Know your WHY
Sometimes I’d have moments where I thought to myself “Why am I doing a no spend month?!? I earn enough money & I deserve to buy nice things to treat myself once in a while!” When I had these thoughts I would then look at my my goals & go back to my why. My why for doing this challenge is wanting to live a more intentional life. I’m not banning spending but simply using my money well and being clever about it. Doing this means I can spend money on more things in the future especially things that will really make me happy. I also know that one treat is never just one treat. Before I know it one book becomes 5 & I convince myself it’s OK because it’s for education!
Freedom from money
Money isn’t the controlling factor in everyday life when it comes to happiness. Time & energy are! Yes you need enough money to pay bills, feed yourself & take care of yourself BUT after this everything else is an extra. A choice and a decision. What you spend money on now can impact your future in SO MANY ways. When you think it about it like that - is it not important to be spending money on the right things? The things that give you a constant return? Like a gym membership or an planner for the year? Rewards once in a while are great but it’s key to not depend on them. Temporary happiness is just that - TEMPORARY. Whilst it can be bought, the things that last a lifetime can’t be bought so easily. Take for example a gym membership. Yes you pay monthly for it but getting in good shape involves taking the time to do cardio and classes to really change your physique.
No spending forever? hmmm
As I come to the end of my no spend month I’ve decided I want to explore potentially doing a no spend year in 2020 & integrating it into an everyday part of my life. I want to make sure that every purchase is intentional and that I spend for the right reasons. Having tested out one month I’m not going to suddenly start with 12 months. I am going to venture into trying 90 days and see how that goes. If that goes well then I will look at gradually working up to a life of intentional spending and saving.
Comment below on your thoughts and what you feel about a No Spend month. Will you try one?
Follow me on Instagram to see my no spend adventures and for further tips and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog to get reminders and updates. See you soon!