No spend month

[realhousewivewannabe]

So I started this technically on payday which was 26th but then I remembered I bought petrol (essential and in budget) and a pack of ice lollies and crisps (not essential ffs ) but today 0.00

UNSUBBED. CYA NEXT MONTH

What shop is this well done

 

[disneys]

I need to do this .. my spending is out of control considering I don’t have an income right now

I still need to buy food , things for my son .. but anything else I’m banning myself from buying until May

Hoping this thread can help me be accountable

 

[under the ivy]

I’ve got birthdays in April and May I’m not going to buy myself anything (apart from my hairdressers appointment, I deserve that after 3 months!). I think June will be better for me not to spend as there’s no birthdays

 

[realhousewivewannabe]

Yes to June but... the world and nightclubs re-open in June I plan on going crazy haha

 

[Secretadmirer]

I did this last January and then again last April as went into lockdown and everything was closed so it was really, really easy in April to do it. It was fairly easy to do in January last year as well as it’s normally a boring month for me anyway, I hate shopping in Jan as it’s all sales and I don’t need a new wardrobe that time of year anyway. I literally just bought weekly food shop and petrol when needed (and any bills) no take aways, no clothes, no Amazon, no buying coffees or treats!

I might try it again at some point but I don’t think I could do it throughout the summer months or between Nov-Dec as that’s when I probably spend most the time going out, socialising, I like to treat myself in the summer and then obviously nearer to Christmas there’s normally lots going on and my birthday is the end of the year as well.

 

[OnlyHereForTheLolz]

Wish I'd seen this thread sooner! I will try this from 12 April - 12 May. Is there any sort of rules you need to stick to because I'll need to refuel at least 2 times in that month

 

[Falafel_Falafel]

Wish I'd seen this thread sooner! I will try this from 12 April - 12 May. Is there any sort of rules you need to stick to because I'll need to refuel at least 2 times in that month

Rules are you own I suppose. I don't count things like fuel, shopping etc as they are essential. Knocking my prime addiction on the other hand .. I focused mainly on no takeaways and that made a big difference! Good luck and hopefully you'll reap the rewards by the middle of May

 

[Magee]

Would be interesting to hear what people’s rules are. Mine are;

- Planning meals for the week, checking the freezer and cupboard first to use up what I have. As I’ll be cooking more I plan new meals/naughty meals so I don’t feel like I’m missing out.
- Doing ONE food shop rather than nipping to CO-OP, M&S and adding things I don’t need in to my basket all month long.
- No takeaways, coffees etc. Some months I’ve planned in a takeaway. It’s nice to look forward to it, enjoy it and savour it rather than order out of sheer laziness when I’ve got food in.
- If there’s birthdays then sticking to a budget that I feel is reasonable and not going OTT
- No clothes, skin care, make up etc. I am allowed essential items if I run out but only after I’ve checked my stash to see what else I have to use up!
- I avoid dangerous shops like Wilkos, B&M, it’s too tempting to mindlessly buy crap.

I think it’s important that when things open up, of course I’ll be social and enjoy life, but do I need a new outfit, bag, lipstick for the occasion? You can spend without splurging and that’s more of a sustainable habit long term

 

[Sp20191]

We do it most months at the moment! I’m not getting paid (self employed hairdresser) I’m pretty tight with money anyway, my downfall is kids clothes, they seem to constantly need new clothes!

 

[realhousewivewannabe]

How’s everyone getting on?

 

[disneys]

How’s everyone getting on?

I’m doing well , I’m on day 11 of not buying anything for myself .. I nearly got suckered in by the Monsoon sale and a lovely dress for £20 but I restrained and feel much better for it

did a weekly shop in aldi yesterday and planned every meal until next Saturday and only spent £50 for a family of 3 .. usually I spend £80+ a week because I don’t make a plan or a list and just go to the supermarket aimlessly !

my son has grown out of a lot of his vests so need to buy some new ones in the next size up today but have always said bits for him don’t count

Otherwise , getting on very well and pleased with my progress !

 

[Cereal Killer]

I’m not doing very well. My son has started a new nursery and needs spares to be kept there so blown my budget on that. HOWEVER I haven’t spent any unnecessary money on Amazon or extras on the food shop so I’ll take that as a win.
I think I’m going to start a true no spend from my next pay day (end of april). It will really test my resolve with everything opening tomorrow.

 

[Falafel_Falafel]

How’s everyone getting on?

Good. Not bought any unnecessary stuff from Amazon! No takeaways and refusing to go food shopping until we actually have no food Don't know about anyone else but we say we NEED to go shopping when we actually have stuff in to make meals!

I have bought some bits for my son's birthday - but that is necessary. I have, however, decided to start buying things I see cheap/on offer/reduced ready for Christmas but they have to be real bargains!

Good luck everyone.

 

[Dot_Cotton]

I am definitely going to try this from this pay day. I am forever spending money on crap from B&M and the Range. I am going to plan every meal and only go shopping once a week and only get the stuff I need.

 

[Misssj80]

I'm definitely going to do this from the end of this month. I'm forever popping in the shop to buy a couple of bits and end up spending 20/30 pounds. Also going to stop the unnecessary purchases from Amazon etc. I really want to get my savings up!!

 

[disneys]

I am definitely going to try this from this pay day. I am forever spending money on crap from B&M and the Range. I am going to plan every meal and only go shopping once a week and only get the stuff I need.

I think 50% of my husbands pay check goes on B&M crap at the moment , think it’s because it’s the only place open it’s just somewhere to go on a Saturday afternoon

The shops opening will be a real test for me tomorrow .. I’m meeting some other mums to go to Bluewater on Wednesday and I’m not sure how I will resist Primark ...

 

[Dot_Cotton]

I’m the same. You nip in for one thing them I’m like “ooo look at that pink mop”. Primark is a tough one. You go in there and then you need bobbles, socks, pjs. Because it’s cheap I end up with a load of stuff that has cost me more because I don’t actually want it.

 

[Keet]

I’ve been good so far this month, managing to use up what’s on the cupboards and the freezer and have been bringing in lunch to work. Not seeing the drastic improvement in my bank balance I hoped for but here’s hoping if I keep it up

 

[Falafel_Falafel]

I think 50% of my husbands pay check goes on B&M crap at the moment , think it’s because it’s the only place open it’s just somewhere to go on a Saturday afternoon

The shops opening will be a real test for me tomorrow .. I’m meeting some other mums to go to Bluewater on Wednesday and I’m not sure how I will resist Primark ...

The queue may help you resist

I’ve been good so far this month, managing to use up what’s on the cupboards and the freezer and have been bringing in lunch to work. Not seeing the drastic improvement in my bank balance I hoped for but here’s hoping if I keep it up

I thought that but when I added it all up from the previous month and compared the difference was massive. But even if you saved £100 a month that's over a grand for the year!!

 

[Keet]

Does anyone know of any good sites to sell on books? This thread has inspired me to declutter and make a bit of money where I can. I’ve tried zapper but their return isn’t great