After a busy December, with both my boys birthday’s, my fiancé’s birthday AND Christmas I am taking part in the No Spend January Challenge. I wanted to do it in November before their birthdays but for one reason or another it didn’t happen. So January it was. Although I feel it’s such a great way to start the year feeling grateful for the things we already have and spending quality time as a family.
What are the rules for the No Spend January Challenge?
There aren’t any rules in particular. It’s completely up to you and I’ll be making it up as I go along but I’m cutting any non essential spending. We will keep paying bills as we do (although I will try and find ways to make these cheaper). We will do any essential food shopping but will try and use up everything in the fridge/cupboards first. I will still pay for the occasional toddler group but will make the most of the free groups available.
Why should I do a no spend month?
I feel I’m guilty of taking things for-granted. We’ are so lucky to have a roof over our heads, a car, toys and heating to keep us warm but often life is so fast paced we really don’t get a chance to appreciate these things fully. After a busy Christmas bouncing from house to house and being go go go it will be nice to spend more time at home and some quality time as a family of four.
What free things can I do this No Spend January?
I’ll be writing some other posts during/after the month but some of the easy ones are – use up all the food you have in the fridge/cupboards as much as possible, walk anywhere you can, or make use of public transport if it’s cheaper and make the most of free activities/just getting outdoors. Parents – make use of your local library and children’s centres for free activities with your children. I will write more about these next week when they start up again for the year.
How much can I save with No Spend January?
This will totally depend on how much you’re used to spending but you could be very surprised. One main expense can be eating out/takeaways which we’re going to be stopping completely. This is such a guilty pleasure of ours but can set us back up to £100 or more a month. I’d love to save this for some Summer days out. Using up the food you already have can almost cut one weekly shop from the month. You’ll be amazed what meals/snacks you can make with “nothing”. And by stopping the unnecessary spending on little things throughout the month you’ll be amazed how it all adds up.
I’d be happy to answer any more questions/expand on anything further. I am doing daily videos on my social media channels showing what we have been up to, meals, and free activity ideas. Feel free to DM me or comment if that’s easier than commenting here. I would love your support and would love to hear from anyone else doing No Spend January.
