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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think we can do a 'no spend September'?

47 replies

CredulousThickos · 02/09/2017 20:10

We've massively hammered our budget in the last few weeks, days out in the holidays, school uniforms, both boys' birthdays, DD's bed broke, DS1 suddenly shot up two inches so needed all new trousers, it's just gone on and on.

We'd really like to do a no spend month, or as little spend as possible. Any tips? We have plenty of food in the cupboards and freezer so I reckon with some planning we can do minimal shopping. No one needs clothes or makeup or haircuts or anything. Our petrol costs are only about £75 a month. We usually have a drink on a Friday night but can give that up for a month . The kids have had an action packed holidays so I don't feel bad about saying no extras this month. We have plenty of parks etc nearby.

If you've done a no spend period of time, how was it? What did you forgo? Was everybody miserable?

Any advice or words of encouragement welcome.

OP posts:
BlackberryLassi · 02/09/2017 20:15

I've GOT to do this. I think it'll be ok. There's not much to spend in September and lots of nice autumny walks. Lot so if tv and simple mince stews.

Whatsername17 · 02/09/2017 20:32

I'm doing this too. Its my first month back after maternity leave. I need to save for Christmas. I'm buying food, petrol and I've given myself a contingency of £25 per week. Hoping not to spend It!

MaggieSimpson44 · 02/09/2017 20:39

I'm trying to do this too... Ds has his birthday BUT I have presents, party bags etc sorted. I have loads of food in and my car's cheap to run. Things always hit you out of the blue don't they?

Original poster
CredulousThickos · 02/09/2017 20:45

Ooh good, lots of us.

Yes, it seemed to be spend after spend in August. Birthdays are both this month but I've bought presents and paid for parties so other than cakes it's all done.

I'm planning lots of hearty lentil based dishes and several non meat days per week to DH's disgust.

OP posts:
Purplemac · 02/09/2017 20:46

I did a no spend August so our bank statement looks amazing for our adoption panel which is coming up. It was enlightening and brilliant, also difficult because of the summer holidays!

Not really got an tips because it's just a simple "don't spend money". Look around for free things to do near you. Take packed lunches to work and coffee in a travelcup.

Original poster
CredulousThickos · 02/09/2017 20:50

I'm hoping it might lead to a permanent change, I'm a terrible fritterer.

Dh already takes sarnies to work, I might try and convince the teenagers to take lunch to school actually.

If the weather holds we will have loads to do, if not then we'll just have to think of fun stuff in the house. I don't want them to just end up glued to screens if we're not going out, so that'll take some creativity.

My downfall is books and odds and sods from Amazon. I just need to Not. Spend. Anything.

OP posts:
SisyphusHadItEasy · 02/09/2017 20:51

I would desperately like to do a no spend September - but this is an expensive month. Sports fees, return to school, and DD has medical appointments in London that we have to travel and stay over for.

Perhaps I will buy her birthday present early (hers is in October) and try our best to rope it in for the couple of months before Christmas. Fortunately, Christmas is already planned this year - with reduced outgoings.

SisyphusHadItEasy · 02/09/2017 20:59

I just did a quick count... I have been doing the "pound a week" savings thing since the beginning of the year.

I have over £600 now - starting with 1 in the first week of the year, and 2 the second... This week is week 35, so I put £35 away, but all together it is £330 now.

I think this will be my annual savings method for gifts etc.

Combine that with a no spend month (or several) and I might have a chance to really improve my financial foothold.

SisyphusHadItEasy · 02/09/2017 21:00

Correction... £630 now.

McSleepy · 02/09/2017 21:18

I love that savings method Sivyus! I'm going to try that.

McSleepy · 02/09/2017 21:19

Sorry - Sisyphus!

BadLad · 03/09/2017 05:11

My downfall is books and odds and sods from Amazon. I just need to Not. Spend. Anything.

I would work on this if I were you. Rather than having less fun, the key is to find the same level of fun in life for less money if you want to get into a lifelong saving habit.

Perhaps you could get your reading books from the library or charity shops, or even Poundland / The Works or similar shops.

If you give up all your culinary pleasure, and let's face it, a weekly drink, presumably at home, is hardly very much, the danger is that after a month without enjoyment you might be tempted to splash out next month.

So my advice is to try to make less drastic changes but maintain them for longer.

user1499333856 · 03/09/2017 07:11

Same here. September is going to be frugal. It can be done!

Rinkydinkypink · 03/09/2017 07:36

Yep I'm on a no spend few months ahead. It can be done you've just got to be organised and inventive.

I've bought popcorn kernels. Will still do food shop but will cook double and freeze. It's a great time to do a clutter clear as well. The two things go well together as you find things you've forgotten about and can sell unwanted bits. Remember a water bottle each day, always carry a snack/apple. Good luck

akaWisey · 03/09/2017 07:57

I did a no spend 4 months which I broke in August when I was on leave.

I have two bank accounts with the same bank, one for Bills (all bills and I include a food and petrol budget in that) and the other for spending.

Then I transfer a savings sum from my spending into an external savings account. I don't touch the savings.

I also, for the 4 months barely touched the money in my spending account unless I could justify, and I mean really justify, the thing I wanted to spend the money on; which wasn't often. I was surprised that I could save so much by just pausing to ask if I really wanted something or was just looking for something to buy.

I'm back on it now. My circumstances are different to those who have dependent DC's though so there aren't the pressures on me in that way but I am solely responsible for my living costs etc so it's a bit swings and roundabouts.
I started as 'just for a month' and just carried on, so I think it's definitely do-able.

bellaboo101 · 03/09/2017 08:05

I need to do this! I went crazy over the last few months finishing my Christmas shopping in the sales and although I'm happy it's all done, I've spent a fortune even with the discounts.

There's 15 brothers and sisters between me and my DH so mounds of nieces and nephews. Plus my DD Then there's always meals out and activities people want us to join in, it costs so much money!

Autumn walks sounds good and an autumn picnic type thing but I don't know what else to do. Daughter is only 9 months.

Going to start no spend today! .... or try to at least!

Member984815 · 03/09/2017 08:28

I'd love to do this . September is so expensive we have 4 family birthdays and the back to school bills . I try not to spend too much but the schools constantly seem to have their hands out looking for money .Angry

SmileEachDay · 03/09/2017 08:36

My downfall is books and odds and sods from Amazon. I just need to Not. Spend. Anything.

Remove that sodding once click stored card nightmare temptation. Seriously- if you have to actually go get your card, put it in etc it gives you time to think about whether you need the thing*.

*NB you don't need the thing.

orlantina · 03/09/2017 08:39

This is reality for lots of people for every month.

Easily done.

ememem84 · 03/09/2017 08:45

I'm going to try. We have spends to make but they're budgeted for and baby is due end of this month. We need to buy a cot for example (but have the money ready to do it just have to get it...)

I had my hair done yesterday but again budgeted for.

I go on mat leave in 2 weeks so we're going to have to be a bit more careful with money.

NewUserNameForMe · 03/09/2017 09:35

I used to buy bits and pieces from Amazon etc...what cured me was doing the marie kondo de clutter your life. Once you only have things around you that 'bring you joy' - her phrase), and you dispose of mountains of 'unjoyful' things, you stop buying replacement clutter...at least that's how it affected me. I spend far less now on 'things' than i used to. Also, if i do buy a book from Amazon, i always go the the used section, never buy a new one.

ASauvingnonADay · 03/09/2017 09:44

Me too!

noeffingidea · 03/09/2017 09:44

I had to do this for 3-4 months due to cocking up benefit claims.
All I could afford was very basic and minimum amount of food and cleaning/hygiene products, enough electric on my key meter to avoid freezing to death, and that was about it really. Luckily nothing broke or wore out. As a bonus I lost lots of weight due to eating less and having to walk everywhere instead of using public transport.
You'll be fine, and it might help you with budgeting for the future. I learnt that I really don't need to spend money just for the sake of it.

MaggieSimpson44 · 03/09/2017 09:49

I think I need to stop going to supermarkets at all, or just go with the exact money for what I need. I tend to go in after work when I'm hungry and tired, then spend anything up to £100 Shock on bits and bobs. It has to stop!!

DudeHatesHisCarryOut · 03/09/2017 10:04

I've instigated it here, due to the cv being maxed out. I've already broken it by pre-ordering GoT series 7 (can only see it on DVD) but I used my bank card. I'm budgeting £50 pw for food, which seems high for two but we have lots of pets as well. Fingers crossed I stick to it!