I’ve been thinking about doing a “no spend month” for a while now, and this coming month, I’ve decided to accept the challenge! This is NOT going to be easy, and in reality it won’t be a true spending freeze. I’ll still have rent and utility payments as well as other regularly scheduled expenses, but the point here is to eliminate the unnecessary (and often frivolous!) purchases. Having just moved into a new apartment, I don’t quite have a pantry stock built up yet that I can live off for a whole month, so I will still have a grocery budget. I’ve allotted myself a weekly amount for fresh fruits and veggies and other grocery essentials. I will have to shop smart and avoid the abundant temptations, e.g., the gourmet olives aisle at Whole Foods for sure! Going without Starbucks for a whole month? Especially during the height of PSL season? It’s just part of the challenge. There will be no purchasing new clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. – only the absolute essentials.
The goal is to end the challenge feeling accomplished and to truly force myself to value each dollar. Even though I’m sure at times I will want to quit, especially if when this starts to affect my social life, I think part of the fun will be finding new things to do and places to explore that don’t revolve around spending money at bars, restaurants, and other events! Hopefully after the month of October is over, I will continue to carry my frugal practices into the following months.
Cheers to a very long and challenging month ahead!
