So Day 1 was hard, Day 2 was easier and Day 3 was perfectly stress-free. I have a theory – the hardest days are those where I’ve spent the day before, hence, my spending Thursday and Friday made Saturday difficult etc. It just affirms to me the effect consumerism has on our psyche and helps me remember not to be sucked in!
A couple of readers have asked me how I define a no spending day. While I’m sure people do it very differently, for me, this is what it means.
- I don’t spend on groceries, eating out, hobbies, snacks, stamps, gifts – anything at all
- I have to plan when I make purchases i.e. I plan to only buy food once a week because otherwise those quick runs to the shop cost money.
What I’ve found by having no spending days
- I spend a lot less because I plan what I buy
- I can count for every penny I spend
- A lot of the things I want to buy I don’t because I’ve had time to think about it
- I stick to my allocated budget for food, eating out etc
- I don’t say yes to things on a whim, my spending days for the week are planned
- I am more organized – taking lunches & water etc
- I have to wait – I may want to nip into the post office & buy stamps to post a card, but if it is a no spending day then it doesn’t happen!
I really really really find that No Spending Days work for me!
As if I needed to say it
No Spending 3/20
Having read your posts I’m going to try and have a few planned no-spend days myself. Love reading your blog by the way!
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Blimey, what an inspiration you are!
Ditto “My Life Makeover”. I’m going to have to try this myself (think I said that already, didn’t I?). How do you pick how many days you don’t spend? Did you start at, say, 5 and go from there depending on how well you did or to up the challenge?
Nonetheless, way to go!!
…I’ve really got to get rid of my cable…
My Life Makeover – they will transform your life!
Thanks for the compliment!
Sharon you are too kind!
Annie, I’m aiming for 5 no spending days a week! I usually allow myself to spend 1 day @ the weekend (unless I do my groceries early i.e. on the way home from work Thurs or Fri!) and 1 day during the week! But it depends. If I have plans with friends then that will be 1 day etc.
Honestly, they are brilliant! Good Luck!
you are right, they do get easier. Its about changing habits, going to the shops was the habit, now not going to the shops is the habit
-you are doing so well
Will be trying this also at some point in the future.. great blog!
Like you FT I usually have only one spending day a week. Not hard really as I only get one day off a week. Keeping to the budget can be a problem – planning ahead helps but sometimes the best laid plans don’t work out.
Great blog!
no spend days feel soooooo good! I tried going 5 days last week straight, didn’t quite make it as I had to get gas on day 3. It’s all about the planning and when the paycheck comes in!
Move 2 Portugal thanks!
apieceofwood – you’ll find it really does work! Good Luck!
Lisa – well done you and thank you!
Denise – well done you for trying 5 days straight!!!