I have been in financial turmoil since purchasing my first flat not too long ago. All the fees and expenses that come with it have pushed me to the edge of my financial comfort zone. I am used to going out for drinks and food with friends and my partner often, getting takeaways and buying myself treats after pay day. I have spent the last 2 months not doing this; being extremely frugal and creative to keep myself entertained. So I thought I would share my ideas to make this a little easier on you.
There are many reasons why you might do a no spend challenge for a month. Perhaps you are saving for something, have spent a lot over the Christmas Holidays or like me you are just plain old broke. I am here to share my experience, because despite not being able to spend money, I haven’t hated it. In fact, I’ve quite enjoyed spending time at home, being creative with activities to keep myself and my partner entertained and coming up with new ways to save and make money.
Here is the 30 Day Plan:
Day 1) I don’t think there would be a better way to start this challenge; to stop yourself from going out spending money on food you don’t need, go through what you already have, and I mean everything! Make a meal plan with your pantry, use up those canned and dry good. Do some baking and get creative. You might surprise yourself with new and exciting meals. It also gives you the chance to free up some space and have a nice fresh pantry by the end of the month.
Day 2) After yesterday’s big challenge, now is the time to rest. Read a book, if you’re not reading anything grab something you’ve been meaning to read for a long time.
Day 3) Bake something from items in your pantry.
Day 4) Go for a walk, as short or long as you like.
Day 5) Invite a friend/friends over for dinner, get creative with items from your pantry. Ask them to bring dessert or a bottle.
Day 6) Make new Spotify playlist, find new music, make a nostalgic one, one for cleaning your house or to work out to.
Day 7) Paint or draw something. I’m not so good at painting but I enjoy making abstract art to frame and put up in my home. You could also make birthday cards for your friends and family.
Day 8) Create a monthly budget, look through your expenses (bills, food, fuel, health, pets) and calculate what you spend, how much you can save and how much you have spare for leisure – if you use Notion, you can use my free Budget Planner template found here.
Day 9) Play a board game or video game with someone or by yourself
Day 10) Take a long shower or bath. Pamper yourself, use up some products you have been saving for a special occasion before they expire. Get some candles and a glass of a wine or icy water.
Day 11) Find those items around your house you have been meaning to sell online. Take photos and list them on Depop, eBay or Facebook Market.
Day 12) Cook your favourite meal
Day 13) Have a night in with friends or family
Day 14) Shop your closet, combine different items together and create a new outfit
Day 15) Make a Pinterest board. Start making a board for a new project around your house, meal ideas, fashion or anything inspirational.
Day 16) Try out a new workout routine on YouTube – My favourites are Cassey Ho, Lilly Sabri and Natacha Oceane
Day 17) Find a new podcast to listen to
Day 18) Make a cocktail or mocktail from items in your pantry
Day 19) Have an at home movie night, bring out the popcorn.
Day 20) Give yourself a manicure
Day 21) Have a serious think about things you have been meaning to buy, make a list and keep it safe.
Day 22) Phone a friend and have a long catch up
Day 23) Make a photo album or wall or organise your digital photos.
Day 24) Take some time to take care of your plants. Give them plant food, water them, cut off any dead leaves and give them a good spray of water.
Day 25) Create a vision board. You could do this with magazines, photos or print outs or just make one on Pinterest.
Day 26) Visit a free museum in your area
Day 27) Read a book
Day 28) Declutter a space in your home
Day 29) Take a nap
Day 30) Re-evaluate the list you made of things you want to buy, do you really need all of those things. Can you prioritise some of them and start saving for them?
