No Spend 19 - join us!

[NoSpend19]

Hi all

So yet another name change for the No Spend 19 thread some of us have been discussing (not a TAAT - juts a spin off)

The aim is to reduce the unnecessary spending on "stuff". We're almost at the end of the year and so 2019 is a good time to start.

It would be great if as many people as possible thought it was feasible for them so there are no hard and fast rules but to give you an idea my rules are as follows:

Food and drink purchases are permitted (although personally I will also be trying to grow as much as possible myself, reduce air miles and reduce single use plastics in the food we buy. In addition I will be avoiding being tempted to pay extra for brands. Meals out and takeaways are also on our no spend list)

Essential household products and toiletries are permitted. So it is ok to buy washing powder but personally I will be avoiding buying six different types of stain remover, fabric conditioner, ironing water and all the other stuff we are told we need to do to clean a load of washing . Likewise we will be buying soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo as essentials but will not be buying hair masks, face masks, make up, face cream, serums, body sprays, nail varnish, showergels, body scrubs etc. Perfectly acceptable to use up everything you have though.

essential clothing etc is permitted. DH and I won't be buying anything unless absolutely unavoidable but DC are growing and will need shoes, trousers etc. We will aim to keep this to a minimum though.

Fuel and other travel costs are permitted

Normal household bills are permitted of course

stuff is not permitted. So toys, books (library is fine), magazines, CDs, DVDs, random household items like cushions, candles, stationery etc are all on the aim not to buy list. This Christmas will be prior to the experiment starting but we are already asking for experience presents for the DC eg cinema tickets.

We are just feeling a bit like consumerism has gone mad and so we think we can probably do this. In our household it is me, DH DS1 (13) and DS2 (11, nearly 12). Anyone up for joining? We start at the beginning of 2019

Disclaimer: before we decided to do this we had already booked and paid for our holiday for next year. It is a bit of a cheat but I don't want to delay this just because we'd already done that.

I may need significant to get me through

I do... Currently being used for something "dirty". 😁

Scared to ask

It's not a scandi sex toy... it's for lugging around horsey equipment to and fro the lorry.

vintage, you rascal. I 100% thought massive sex toy. Was just thinking “why does she need such a big bag for it? What can it be???”

I'm definitely in. I've got a year until I make a permanent move overseas, so less stuff is not only a hope, it's a necessity. I've also been getting more and more disgusted and the sheer amount of plastics and wastefulness.

I actually saw a facebook video this morning that was how to make 'no peel mashed potatoes'. Apparently peeling potatoes is too time consuming, so you should buy a plastic wrapped packet of processed frozen fries, boil them, then mash them. All to save a minute or two of peeling! I think that really pushed my outrage over the edge.

My rules are:

Food and Drink - Cutting out soft drinks (sob), and trying to have two meat free dinners per week. Buying my meat directly from the person who raises it. Likewise, buying produce direct from the farmer. I've managed to halve my fortnightly grocery bill this year, so I want to continue to reduce it. Cooking from scratch, rather than prepared.

School lunches - Making them the night before, rather than getting up in the morning rush and ending up ordering from the canteen. Ditto for my lunches.

Toiletries - Just replacement items if absolutely needed.

Clothing - nothing new for me, and just the basics for DS as he grows. He will need new uniform as he's starting at a new school, but I'm keeping an eye on the second hand sites.

Car - I do need a new car, but I'm downsizing my big 4WD truck for a small compact now that I'm not needing the 4WD capabilities anymore, so will ultimately be a money saver.

Dogs - I have enough grooming equipment, crates, showing items, etc to well and truly last me a long time. Only going to replace grooming products as they get used up.

Work Items - This is going to be my hardest area. I'm a teacher, so usually end up buying a lot of supplies over the year. I'm going to stick to things that can be kept and used for multiple years, rather than items than get used once and thrown away.

House - No new furniture or decorative items. In fact, decluttering so there will eventually be less to move.

Place marking too

Hello.
Am pathetically wavering over make up. I use seven items, have no back up supply and am running low on everything but blusher. What to do?
Will not inflict unmade up face on general public.
May ask for a couple of bits of plastic free stuff for xmas or ingredients to try experimenting with homemade.
I knew I would start thinking about stocking up on things!

Thank you biscuits, I don't do voucher things but was inspired to get rid of reward cards ( more plastic ) as I don't need that mindset . Have kept Boots card, which has points, for medicine purchases if needed.

vintage I don't use a laundry basket as I've nowhere to put it. I just scoop it all up and dump it on a garden chair if hanging outside or go straight to clothes horse inside. Trail of socks everywhere, but I'm used to it.

faery I hear you about the juicer. I bought one. I don't use it, it sits in the kitchen cupboard next to the spiraliser ( don't even ask) which also never gets used. They are laughing at me.

gandolph I hope that works out well for you and your son.

midnite good luck with the move!

Hello, can I join please?

My plan of action up to now is:

1: to walk on my days off instead of driving. This means buying more local, instead of going to the big shopping centre 4 miles away.
2: to have 2 days a week internet free.
3: to carry on cooking from scratch, to try new recipes, not just the tried and tested. It’s something I enjoy doing.
4: to resume growing veg next year. This year was a disaster (apart from the herbs).

I dare say that after RTFT, I’ll find more inspiration...

My dh has just started a new job at a well known DIY store, BUT our bathroom furniture/tiles are over 20 years old, AND he gets a discount, so a new bathroom is on the cards with no guilt attached...
Great thread op.

...ooh yes, essential clothing.

Dug out blouses I haven’t worn for months.

I’ve bought some walking boots from Amazon, with a £10 voicher discount. These will come into play for the walk to the local shops. The shops are a tidy walk, so these come in handy for the exercise element.

falseeconomy that sounds like you keep on top of things! I'm more a do six washes at a time when the mood takes...

For make-up I don't think you'll be shot for buying a new mascara... But when you try and slip 3 urban decay palettes past the "no spend panel" you'll get a slapped wrist and asked to explain yourself.

ABITcomplex I want a digital-free day too. I'm sure it'll be tremendously beneficial.

@VintageFur, I think it’ll be hard being away from the Internet (Mumsnet) at first, but if I feel the urge to log on, then I’ll go for a walk.
Get the most out of my new walking boots...definitely beneficial.

I'm going to find it really hard. I was an "early adopter" (mid-90s... Well first time 89!).

I'm so used to checking the news, checking my bank balance blah blah and I work online. But there's an awful lot of faffing I do too. I could use that time on a lovely long walk with the dog or on a good book instead.

I hear you about the juicer. I bought one. I don't use it, it sits in the kitchen cupboard next to the spiraliser ( don't even ask) which also never gets used. They are laughing at me.

@falseeconomy I’ve an image conjured up of opening the kitchen cupboards and appliances pointing and laughing with tears rolling down their, er, faces..

The lovely long walk or a book sound good @VintageFur.

I also plan on driving to the coast (only just over an hour away) for a long walk along the sea front, and breathe in the sea air. Kill a few hours.

At least I’ll sleep well when I get back, so another good way to keep away from the ‘net.

F

I’m in. Have to think about rules.

Just what I need!

I need to-
Stop buying lunch out.
Stop internet spending (because it doesn’t seem like real spending).
Cancel national trust membership- we’ve used it twice this year.
Stop ‘popping to the shop’.
I only buy second hand clothing but I need to limit it.

I’m sure I will think of more! For me I need to be more organised and have a set budget.

Came on here to suggest (mainly for myself) cutting down "spending" time wasting hours away on the internet with nothing to show for it. My anxiety has been sky high recently and constantly scrolling through the news, refreshing facebook to see what people who have long forgotten about me are doing with their exciting lives.

We are on a big push for house saving this year so have been making a conscious effort to buy only what is needed, use up what I have before buying more (we've finally made it through the shower gel from all the giftsets my partner's mum buys us for xmas). I wouldn't think badly of myself for replacing what makeup I've used though as a poster upthread asked. For me it's more about not buying unnecessarily (buying a new foundation when you have 3 half used ones already).

Has anyone done the 365 penny challenge? DP and I have been doing it this year (but we have tweaked it so it's a random pick each day of a number) and it's been really exciting! We are now up to £580 each and haven't noticed it coming out at all. It's money that would've been spend on various fripperies otherwise.

I’m absolutely in, for saving ££, doing my bit for the planet and as a🖕to the increasingly consumer driven society.

Will post my rules soon.

This will be a fab thread for motivation!

Placemarking! Great thread OP

Great thread, I’d love to join. Have to think about my rules. I’m Disbled so going out for hour a day to coffee shop is my gym/social life. But could spend less On snacks just for he sake of it.

I’m really bad at browsing in shops and buying stuff when I already have loads of cleaning materials for example- in fact I could prob get away with buying no cleaning for the year.

@Faery - white vinegar is also a great alternative to bleach for loos (use all the same as your list and have stopped buying any chemical cleaners). My home feels much cleaner somehow!

I only drink water (well and an odd gin!) and can’t remember the last time I cooked meat at home!

Great idea for a thread - and realise must try harder!

Oh thanks dora.

Does vinegar do anything for scaly shower doors by any chance?

Oh yes - make a paste with bicarbonate of soda. I actually use half (a mostly) squeezed lemon to rub on, leave for a bit, shower off and then final wipe with a ‘vinegar’ cloth. I’ve decided white vinegar is magic and (together with bicarb) is my solution to all cleaning!