No Spend January

oh yes, it has been very successful for me, I cannot quantify the amount but have not needed to transfer much from savings to pay the big bills. I also started three regular savings accounts and current account money is going into those. A very big thumbs up for starting this Mell and I know I am going to continue for february and probably march

My council tax is paid in 10 instalments and I don`t have that payment in february and march, which will be a nice boost

I have not been too saintly, continuing to get my organic veg etc and some hobby stuff.

Wow, well done!

The end of January is busy with birthdays for us so that was a spending time. Otherwise we have been economical.
Frugal February has just one birthday so no excuse (unless the expected new GC puts in an early appearance!)

Hello,

Yes no spend January is over.

Feeling pleased with myself as apart from petrol, gas, electric etc. I didn’t spend anything.

In fact I’ve saved £500

I’m going to carry on through February

That's a challenge. January is over. Have you been successful at this?

karmalady

I wonder how the no-spenders are doing. Personally, my bank balance is healthier and I am enjoying the challenge of using what I already own. I think I will carry on through february, I still have big bills to pay

We typically tend towards 'no unnecessary spend January' because the weather keeps us inside, the bigger yearly bills are to arrive.

We're doing well. No 'sale shopping', no buying other than needs. Using part to the foods stored in larder and freezer.

Generally easy, I dislike shopping and wear for many seasons.

I wonder how the no-spenders are doing. Personally, my bank balance is healthier and I am enjoying the challenge of using what I already own. I think I will carry on through february, I still have big bills to pay

Rainnsnow I agree. Well said. We always spend January eating leftovers, stuff from the bottom of the freezer, and store cupboard tins that are hovering on their best before dates. For me its partly about the money and also about staying home in the warm. Op I hope you're eating well and getting on with your challenge. 2 more weeks to go.

Many of us get big bills during january and february so minimal spending in january is a good idea. I failed somewhat, I bought items for bag-making but my hobbies are important to me and occupy me well during the cold months. Those buys were impulsive if I am truly honest but impusiveness is my downfall hence I am avoiding shops

First bill came yesterday, car insurance and up by 50%. At this rate no `impulsive` spend will be spreading into a few more months

Op it is a good idea, even if it just makes spending more of a mindful act. I shall continue to use my stores, while also continuing to buy my essential organic veg, fruit and dairy

I agree with Gannett. I love spending in January in the charity shops. I love candles but alot of people don't and donate them. I bought two yesterday including a White Company one for £2.00. Saves me a fortune.
I also love spending my gift vouchers.

GANNET you’ve got a good point there, but I did enjoy the challenge in the OP.

I wouldn’t do it personally because life is too short. It’s annoying paying so much for energy but I like to help the local economy by spending rather than saving. The local shops are struggling enough.

Yes, I am definitely trying to be very frugal in January so am eating out of the freezer and only buying essentials like milk. The DH and I finished the last of the Christmas cake on Monday and then had leftover Christmas pud for afternoon tea on Tuesday and finished that too.

I made double cream toffee to use up cream, nuts and dried fruit. I did spend a couple of pounds on Seville oranges and then used up freezer Sevilles and sugar from the store cupboard to make twenty jars of delicious bitter marmalade.

We always say we live like kings when we live on leftovers. It's great fun.

I only go to the shops if I want to buy something specific, usually have a list and rarely stray from it.

No particular virtue, I do not go round resisting temptation. quite the opposite. I find seeing vast quantities of anything all piled up and having to make a choice quite off-putting

I actually find that seeing all the food stacked up on the shelves, makes me feel unhungry and faintly queasy and can find it quite an antidote to hunger. I also do not have a sweet tooth, so biscuits and sweets do not attract me at all.

I think this uncommon reaction has got to do with me being neurally diverse.

M0nica

*fancythat*, but that is not what is being discussed here. What is being discussed is someones attempt to have a no spend January. I can understand no drink,go vegan, no clothes and all the other specific things you do or do not do in January 9or any other month).

But to go completely no spend, asI said seems pointless, because it is done by either spending in december in preparation for the month or delaying paying until February expenditure inccurred in January.

I don’t think it’s only that though. If you don’t go to any shops because you have everything in the house already, you completely avoid temptation to spend - whether it be on luxury foods, bargains, a coffee - or whatever. Only the very strong minded avoid all temptation when they are out at the shops.

It sounds like a spring cleaning of the mind and home . It uses stuff up and clears the way for fresh stuff. It tests your mind and gets people out of a January rut. Plenty of people go on diets this is a personal test . Lots of people in this country are having to live very frugal lives . Choosing to do it will aid food waste and give an idea of how little you need to survive on .

But to go completely no spend, asI said seems pointless, because it is done by either spending in december in preparation for the month or delaying paying until February expenditure inccurred in January

Exactly!
I’m spending very little on my weekly food shop at the moment as I’m still using up frozen/tinned food that was bought before Christmas.

The money has already been spent.

fancythat, but that is not what is being discussed here. What is being discussed is someones attempt to have a no spend January. I can understand no drink,go vegan, no clothes and all the other specific things you do or do not do in January 9or any other month).

But to go completely no spend, asI said seems pointless, because it is done by either spending in december in preparation for the month or delaying paying until February expenditure inccurred in January.

In 2019 I had a ‘neutral spend year’ on personal luxury type items. At the start of the year I sold a few things and made £550 which I then spent during the year . A variation on the ‘one in one out’ system.

I’m just about to do it again this year, slightly retrospectively as I couldn’t resist the ROKA Lucky Dip last week which worked out brilliantly.

If you havent got it, or not enough, not much choice.

The point is often cashflow M0nica.

I’ve reduced my spending greatly this month except to buy the usual essentials. I have had to break out and spend on a new travel bag , I’m off on holiday next month and need this to carry small items on board Jet2 I’m getting ready to party🥂🥂🎉🎉

But all you would be doing. Zoe65 is spending in December the money you would have spent in January, so that you do not spend it in January, which annuls the whole process.

I am sorry the whole idea strikes me as pointless.

You could just buy longlife milk before jan and use frozen veg ,canned fruit too if you really wanted to avoid shopping in jan.

I try to use up all my freezer and store cupboard goods but still need to buy fresh - milk bread etc . It definitely helps reduce my spend in January and sometimes I can stretch it to February

I’ve had no spend thrust upon me…..I have such a rotten cold I don’t feel like going anywhere!