It’s my favorite and least favorite challenge, and the rules are simple. Join us below!
With Chanukah behind us, it’s the perfect time to launch a ‘No Spend Challenge’ to get our spending back on track after an always-more-expensive-than-we-think week.
What is a no-spend challenge? It means cutting back on everything but absolute necessities, for a set amount of time. If you’re out of milk or eggs, or have to replenish groceries for Shabbos, just make sure it’s in the ‘need’ category. We chose a week: it’s long enough to make an impact on our bank account but short enough that we know we can do it!
This week, suppers are coming from what we already have in the freezer and pantry (get creative!), coffees are being made at home, and we’re passing on that great Amazon deal. And although you may miss your weekly manicure (unless that’s an absolute necessity, we won’t judge), there’s something so freeing about making do with what we have instead of pulling out our credit cards.
Since it’s a challenge, here’s how we’re making it fun!
- Getting the whole family involved: It’s lonely to do this on your own. Make it a family thing, and they’ll be that much happier with homemade pizza in the Betty Crocker and game night.
- Free Sunday activities: I’m bundling the brood up and heading for a freezing park day. I’m planning to head off the complaints with thermoses full of hot chocolate and cookies. Bonus points if you’re really brave: the beach in the winter is glorious. Get the beauty all to yourself.
- Dragging a friend along too! It’s so much more rewarding when I have a friend to compare notes with and encourage each other along. And, of course, celebrate with that store-bought coffee when we’re done!
Let us know if you’re in and your no-spend ideas in the comments!
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